Why Can’t I Build an Industry in Civ 6? A Comprehensive Guide

You’re ready to take your Civilization VI empire to the next level, aiming to boost your luxury resources with powerful Industries. But for some reason, the option remains stubbornly unavailable. What gives?

The most common reason you can’t build an Industry in Civ 6 is because you haven’t met the core requirement: you must have at least two improved copies of the same luxury resource. Only after improving at least two of the same luxury resource can you proceed to create an industry on one of the improved tiles, replacing the standard improvement. In the event you have less than 3 nodes of a particular luxury on the entire map, you need to own and improve all nodes with an industry established on one.

Let’s break down the prerequisites in detail, because there are a few nuances that can trip up even experienced players.

Understanding the Prerequisites for Industries

To successfully establish an Industry, remember these key factors:

• Luxury Resource Ownership: You must own at least two tiles featuring the same luxury resource (e.g., two sources of “Furs,” two sources of “Cotton,” etc.). Owning a city with the luxury resource in its workable radius fulfills this requirement.
• Improvement is Key: You can’t just own the tiles. The luxury resources must be improved with the appropriate improvement (e.g., a Plantation for Cotton, a Camp for Furs). Until a builder has created that improvement, the resource doesn’t “count” for Industry purposes.
• Strategic Placement: You must place the Industry on an improved luxury resource tile. The tile must also be within your city borders. The Industry replaces the original improvement.
• Available Great Merchant: Once all these prerequisites are met, you’ll need a Great Merchant. Great Merchants are the key to forming Industries and Corporations.
• Clear the Path: Make sure the chosen tile isn’t already occupied by a district, wonder, or another improvement you wish to keep.
• Game Version/Ruleset: Make sure the game ruleset has the corporations game mode enabled.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common reasons why you might think you meet the criteria but still can’t build an Industry:

• Double-Check Improvements: Are you absolutely sure both luxury resources are improved? It’s easy to miss this, especially in a sprawling empire. Look for the specific improvement graphic on the tile.
• Resource Not Connected: Ensure the luxury resource is connected to your trade network. Although not always necessary to build the Industry, resource benefits are only applied after connection.
• Wrong Great Merchant: Make sure your Great Merchant can found an Industry. Some only create Corporations or have other abilities.
• Tile Ownership: Verify the improved luxury resource tile is within your city’s borders. If it belongs to another city or is unclaimed, you can’t use it.
• Mod Conflicts: Sometimes, mods can interfere with game mechanics. Try disabling mods to see if that resolves the issue.
• Rivals: Make sure that no rival units/cities are in conflict with your units. If your military strength is relatively low, the rivals may try to attack your units and prevent the establishment of a corporation.

The Payoff of Industries and Corporations

Once you establish your Industry, you are on your way to building a powerful, global corporation that can dominate the competition. Remember that the initial industry can be stacked with powerful corporations that will allow you to grow rapidly.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Industries and Corporations in Civ 6

1. What are the benefits of building an Industry?

Industries provide bonus yields to the city that owns them. They typically boost gold, production, or culture, and often provide additional benefits related to the specific luxury resource. They also serve as the foundation for Corporations.

2. How do I get a Great Merchant?

Great Merchants are earned through Great Person Points, accumulated by constructing certain buildings and districts, completing specific city projects, or through city-state bonuses. Check the Great People screen to see which actions award Great Merchant Points.

3. Can I move an Industry after it’s built?

No, Industries cannot be moved once they are built. Choose the location carefully, considering long-term growth and potential Corporation synergies.

4. Do Industries benefit all my cities or just the city they are built in?

The direct bonus from the industry benefits only the city in which it is located. However, the corporation that you found from the industry does benefit your whole empire.

5. What is the difference between an Industry and a Corporation?

An Industry is the initial improvement built on a luxury resource tile. A Corporation is a further enhancement of that Industry, providing much larger bonuses and impacting your entire civilization. To form a Corporation, move a Great Merchant to an Industry.

6. Can other civilizations build Industries and Corporations?

Yes, all civilizations can build Industries and Corporations if they meet the requirements. This can create economic competition and strategic alliances.

7. Can I destroy an Industry?

Yes, you can remove an Industry. This is usually done if you need the tile for something else, like a district or wonder. Keep in mind that if the tile is pillaged during war, the industry and its corporation will be destroyed.

8. How do trade routes affect Industries and Corporations?

Trade routes provide great synergies with corporations in Civ 6. You can choose to route them to certain cities which will allow you to build very powerful boosts.

9. What are the best luxury resources to build Industries on?

The “best” resource depends on your civilization’s goals and strengths. Resources that provide bonus gold are generally strong for economic victories, while resources that boost production can be useful for domination or scientific victories.

10. Are there any policies that affect Industries and Corporations?

Yes, several economic policies can boost the effectiveness of Industries and Corporations. Examples are:

• Free Market: +2 Gold to all Trade Routes. +2 Gold to cities with a Stock Exchange.

• Laissez-faire: +2 Gold and +1 Production in cities with a Factory. +2 Gold and +1 Food in cities with a Stock Exchange.

11. How do city-states interact with Industries and Corporations?

Some city-states provide bonuses that enhance Industries and Corporations, such as increased production or gold yields. Suzerain bonuses from city-states can be invaluable.

12. Does difficulty level affect the ability to build Industries?

No, the difficulty level does not directly affect your ability to build Industries. However, higher difficulties might make it harder to acquire resources and Great Merchants due to increased competition.

13. How do I prevent another civilization from building a Corporation on a luxury resource that I own?

The best way is to have high loyalty pressure on the city. If the loyalty is low, it can be taken over by other civilizatons.

14. Can I build multiple Industries of the same type?

Yes, you can build multiple Industries of the same type, provided you have multiple copies of the improved luxury resource. However, you can only have one industry on a tile. If you have two tiles with the same resource, you need to own at least two luxury improvements.

15. Are there any wonders that synergize with Industries and Corporations?

Yes, there are wonders which increase the value of corporations in Civ 6. They can provide incredible bonuses to tourism and production.

By understanding these details and troubleshooting common issues, you’ll be well on your way to creating powerful Industries and Corporations that will propel your civilization to victory in Civ 6!