Which Civilization is Best for Beginners? A Comprehensive Guide

For newcomers diving into the intricate world of the Civilization franchise, the sheer number of options can be daunting. Deciding which civilization to play can significantly impact the initial learning curve and overall enjoyment. Based on experience, a blend of straightforward mechanics, powerful early game bonuses, and a forgiving playstyle makes Rome (led by Trajan) the ideal choice for beginners in Civilization VI. Trajan’s Rome provides new players with a strong foundation to learn the game mechanics without being overwhelmed.

Why Rome (Trajan) Excels for New Players

Rome’s advantages are multifaceted:

• All cities start with a free Monument: This kicks off your culture production from turn one, accelerating your progress through the civics tree. Access to early game policies and powerful governments is crucial for any successful campaign.
• All cities automatically start with a Trading Post: Rome’s unique ability grants free Trading Posts. With a strong Trade Network you get great bonuses to Gold and Production.
• Roads start in every City: Rome’s unique ability grants free roads which allows for increased movement of military and trade.

These benefits allow new players to focus on core gameplay elements like city planning, resource management, and early game exploration without the need for complex strategies or min-maxing.

Beginner-Friendly Strategies with Rome

Rome’s advantages naturally lend themselves to a few beginner-friendly strategies:

• Aggressive Early Expansion: The free Monument allows for quicker acquisition of Settlers and early military units. Expanding rapidly lets you secure valuable resources and strategic locations.
• Focus on Infrastructure: Capitalize on the increased production to build essential infrastructure improvements like Builders, districts, and military units.
• Explore and Exploit: Use your unique Legion unit (a replacement for the Swordsman) to explore aggressively and control territory. The increased combat strength allows you to clear Barbarian camps and deter early aggression from other civilizations.

Alternative Civilizations for Beginners

While Rome stands out as the top choice, other civilizations also offer a gentler learning curve:

• Canada (Wilfrid Laurier): Pacifist Civ, one that’s well suited to beginners looking to grasp how to win with a diplomatic victory.
• Germany (Frederick Barbarossa): Strong production bonuses from its unique Hansa district make it relatively easy to develop strong cities quickly. However, its playstyle can be more complex than Rome’s.
• Japan (Hojo Tokimune): Benefits from compact city layouts and adjacency bonuses, encouraging strategic planning. However, mastering adjacency bonuses requires a bit more game knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions designed to provide new Civilization players with the essential information needed to make informed decisions and improve their gameplay:

1. Which Civilization game is best to start with: Civ 5 or Civ 6?

Civ 5 is generally considered easier for beginners. The mechanics are less complex, and there are fewer systems to manage compared to Civ 6. Civ 6, however, offers more depth and complexity, which may appeal to players looking for a greater challenge.

2. What is the strongest early game Civilization in Civ 6?

Sumeria (Gilgamesh) is renowned for having the strongest early game due to its unique War-Cart unit, which has exceptional mobility and combat strength compared to other starting units. This allows for early aggression and rapid expansion.

3. What are the easiest victory types to achieve in Civ 6 for beginners?

The Science and Domination victory types are typically considered the easiest for beginners. Science requires focusing on technological advancement, while Domination involves military conquest, both of which are relatively straightforward to execute.

4. Which victory condition is generally the most challenging in Civ 6?

The Cultural victory is often considered the most challenging. It requires a deep understanding of tourism, great works, and cultural influence, making it less intuitive for new players.

5. What are some essential early game strategies for any Civilization in Civ 6?

• Scouting: Explore your surroundings to identify resources, city locations, and potential threats.
• City Planning: Settle near freshwater and resources, considering district placement for future expansion.
• Defense: Build early military units to defend against Barbarians and potential rival civilizations.

6. What is the significance of district placement in Civ 6?

District placement is crucial because many districts provide adjacency bonuses to other districts and city centers. Optimizing district placement can significantly boost your science, culture, faith, gold, and production yields.

7. How important is diplomacy in Civilization games?

Diplomacy is very important, especially as you increase the difficulty level. Understanding the agendas of other leaders and managing your relationships with them can prevent wars, secure alliances, and facilitate trade.

8. How do you manage city growth and happiness (amenities) in Civ 6?

• Amenities: Provide amenities by acquiring luxury resources, building entertainment districts, and adopting policies that boost happiness.
• Housing: Ensure sufficient housing by building farms, aqueducts, and city center buildings to support your growing population.

9. What are the key differences between Civ 5 and Civ 6?

• Districts: Civ 6 introduces districts, requiring specialized buildings to be placed outside the city center.
• Unstacked Cities: In Civ 5, you can stack all your military units; in Civ 6 only a few are allowed.
• Governments: Civ 6 offers more governments to choose and modify.
• Tech Tree Bonuses: In civilization 6 there are more things you have to control and consider along with a slightly more difficult tech tree(with bonuses) for new players.

10. How do you deal with Barbarians effectively?

• Early Defense: Build a few early military units to patrol your territory and clear nearby Barbarian camps.
• Fortifications: Construct walls and encampments to defend your cities from attacks.
• Aggressive Clearing: Destroy Barbarian camps to prevent them from spawning more units.

11. What are the benefits of forming alliances with other civilizations?

Alliances provide numerous benefits, including increased trade routes, shared vision of the map, joint military operations, and mutual protection against aggression. They can also lead to collaborative research and cultural exchange.

12. How do you manage your economy effectively in Civilization games?

• Trade Routes: Establish trade routes with other cities and civilizations to generate gold and boost your economy.
• Infrastructure: Build commercial hubs, harbors, and other economic districts to increase your income.
• Resources: Secure access to strategic and luxury resources to boost your production, happiness, and trade value.

13. What is the role of culture and civics in Civilization games?

Culture and Civics are essential for unlocking new governments, policies, and social improvements. Advancing through the civics tree provides access to powerful bonuses that can enhance your civilization’s growth and development.

14. How does the difficulty level affect gameplay?

The difficulty level significantly impacts the AI’s aggressiveness, resourcefulness, and starting advantages. Higher difficulty levels require more strategic planning, efficient resource management, and a deeper understanding of the game mechanics.

15. Where can I find more resources to improve my Civilization gameplay?

Besides in-game tutorials, you can find useful guides, strategy tips, and community forums on platforms like YouTube, Reddit (r/civ), and Civilization-specific websites. You can also explore educational research in the field of games and learning through resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right civilization is the first step towards mastering the Civilization series. Rome, with its straightforward benefits and versatile playstyle, provides an excellent starting point for beginners. By focusing on core gameplay mechanics and gradually expanding your knowledge, you’ll be well on your way to building a civilization that stands the test of time. Happy gaming!

By starting with Rome and working through these tips, you’ll gain a solid understanding of the game’s core concepts, setting you up for success with any civilization you choose to play in the future.