In Civilization 7, diplomacy plays a crucial role in achieving success. Forming alliances with other civilizations can provide numerous benefits, from mutual defense to enhanced trade opportunities. This guide will walk you through the steps to establish and maintain alliances, ensuring you make the most of your diplomatic endeavors.
Alliances are formal agreements between two civilizations to cooperate for mutual benefit. They offer various advantages, including shared resources, military support, and cultural exchanges. However, entering an alliance requires careful consideration and meeting specific prerequisites.
Meeting Other Leaders
Before forming an alliance, you must first encounter other civilizations. Exploration is key:
- Scout Deployment: In the Antiquity Age, send scouts to uncover unknown territories. As you progress to the Exploration Age, utilize naval units to discover distant lands and civilizations.
- Initial Contact: Upon discovering a new civilization, the game introduces you to its leader. Your initial interaction sets the tone for future relations. A friendly greeting fosters goodwill, while hostility can lead to strained relations.
Building Strong Relationships
A robust relationship is the foundation of any alliance. To cultivate positive relations:
- Diplomatic Actions: Engage in activities that promote goodwill. Open your borders to allow free movement, establish trade routes to boost economic ties, and participate in cultural celebrations to share your heritage.
- Resource Sharing: Generosity can go a long way. Sharing luxury or strategic resources not only aids the other civilization but also strengthens your bond.
- Avoid Provocations: Be mindful of actions that could offend. Establishing cities too close to another civilization’s borders or aggressive military posturing can deteriorate relationships.
Forming an Alliance
Once a strong relationship is established, you can propose an alliance:
- Relationship Threshold: Ensure your relationship score with the desired civilization reaches at least 90. This score reflects mutual trust and respect.
- Proposing the Alliance: Access the diplomacy interface by selecting the leader’s portrait. If the relationship criteria are met, the “Form Alliance” option becomes available. Upon proposing, the other leader will typically accept, formalizing the alliance.
Types of Alliances
Civilization 7 offers various alliance types, each with unique benefits:
- Research Alliance:
- Level 1: Trade routes between allies grant additional science points.
- Level 2: Allies share technological boosts periodically.
- Level 3: Collaborative research efforts yield increased scientific output.
- Cultural Alliance:
- Level 1: Allies do not exert loyalty pressure on each other; trade routes provide extra culture points.
- Level 2: Cities engaged in trade routes with allies gain additional great person points.
- Level 3: A portion of your ally’s tourism and culture benefits your civilization.
- Military Alliance:
- Level 1: Allies receive combat strength bonuses against common adversaries.
- Level 2: Shared military intelligence and increased production towards military units during wartime.
- Level 3: Units begin with an extra promotion when trained.
- Religious Alliance:
- Level 1: Cities of allies do not exert religious pressure on each other; trade routes grant additional faith.
- Level 2: Enhanced religious combat strength against foreign religions.
- Level 3: Gain faith based on the number of citizens following your ally’s religion.
- Economic Alliance:
- Level 1: Trade routes between allies yield extra gold.
- Level 2: Gain envoy points for city-states where your ally is the suzerain.
- Level 3: Allies share suzerain bonuses from all city-states they control.
Maintaining Alliances
Forming an alliance is just the beginning; maintaining it requires ongoing effort:
- Regular Engagement: Continue diplomatic actions such as renewing trade routes, offering assistance during crises, and participating in joint ventures.
- Honoring Commitments: Uphold the terms of your alliance. Failing to support an ally in times of need can lead to distrust and potential dissolution of the alliance.
- Monitoring Relations: Keep an eye on your relationship score. Negative actions, even unintentional ones, can erode trust. Address any grievances promptly to maintain a strong bond.
When to Decline an Alliance
While alliances offer numerous benefits, there are times when declining may be prudent:
- Conflicting Interests: If an ally’s agenda conflicts with your objectives, aligning with them could hinder your progress.
- Overextension: Managing multiple alliances can be taxing. If you’re unable to commit resources or attention, it may be wise to limit your alliances.
- Potential Entanglements: Alliances can draw you into unwanted conflicts. If an ally is frequently at war, consider whether you’re prepared to support them militarily.
