Navigating the High Seas: A Strategic Guide to Ocean Exploration in Civilization VII

When you embark on your journey through Civilization VII, the vast expanse of water is not just a scenic backdrop but a vital part of your empire-building strategy. This guide is designed to provide you with the essential insights needed to… harness the power of the seas, allowing you to expand your civilization beyond mere land dominance. Navigating the waters will unlock new possibilities for trade, exploration, and conquest, which are essential for achieving global supremacy. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of sailing the open ocean in Civilization VII.

Understanding Initial Limitations

In the early stages of Civilization VII, players quickly discover the constraints imposed on naval exploration. During the Antiquity Age, your units can only traverse coastal tiles. This limitation urges players to focus on developing their civilization on solid ground before venturing into the vast waters beyond. Unfortunately, the open ocean tiles remain off-limits, leaving you puzzled about how to unveil further map regions.

A Transition to Wider Horizons

Once you progress past the Antiquity Age and reach the Exploration Age, opportunities for exploration unfold dramatically. The game introduces naval units, providing you with the means to cross the open ocean. This transition marks the beginning of your expansion efforts as you seek out new continents and uncharted territories.

The Imperative Role of Cartography

To fully exploit the capabilities of your naval units, you must prioritize researching Cartography technology at the onset of the Exploration Age. This foundational technology opens the gateway for your non-military units to navigate the open ocean safely, significantly enhancing your exploratory efforts.

Navigating the Dangers of the Open Ocean

Despite gaining the ability to sail into the vast blue, a new challenge awaits. Your naval units incur damage after ending a turn on open ocean tiles, typically facing losses between 14 to 17 HP each turn. With a maximum of 100 HP, these units can be at risk of destruction within a handful of turns.

Coastal Retreat for Health Recovery

One of the most vital strategies during this stage is to retreat to coastal tiles, where your naval units can heal. Every turn spent in a coastal tile allows your ships to recover HP, providing a necessary respite from the constant punishment endured in the open ocean. Balancing your movement between the seas and coast is crucial to maintaining unit integrity.

Exploration Strategy: Coastal Versus Open Ocean

During the first half of the Exploration Age, effective navigation means alternating between coastal and open ocean tiles. You gain the advantage of scouting vast distances while ensuring your units maintain their health. This cautious approach allows you to expand your territory while minimizing losses.

Pioneering Shipbuilding Technologies

The next pivotal development is the research of Shipbuilding technology. This advancement is revolutionary, enabling your military naval units to traverse open ocean tiles without incurring damage. It represents a significant shift in your exploration capabilities, as you can now traverse the high seas with less risk.

Unlocking Advanced Shipbuilding

After mastering basic Shipbuilding, pursue Shipbuilding II. This technology offers the same benefits as the first but extends the advantage to all units—military, scouts, and merchants alike. This newfound freedom allows you to explore even farther and establish settlements without the anxiety of sustaining damage on ocean journeys.

Maintaining a Public Order During Expansion

While expanding into new territories, remember to manage the public order in your newfound cities. Effective administration involves ensuring a balance between expansion and the well-being of your citizens, as unrest can jeopardize your empire's stability.

Engaging in Maritime Commerce

Exploration is not solely about land acquisition. Once you have access to open ocean navigation, you can engage in maritime trade. Establishing trade routes can generate substantial income and foster good relations with neighboring civilizations. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your economy while expanding your reach.

Defensive Strategies at Sea

While venturing into the open ocean, have a defense plan in place. Naval threats can emerge, whether from rival civilizations or marauding pirates. Equipping your fleets with defensive capabilities will ensure your investment in exploration does not lead to unexpected losses.

Utilizing Reconnaissance

Encourage the use of scouts for reconnaissance missions across new oceans. Their agility allows them to gather information about potential threats and opportunities without exposing your larger naval units to unnecessary danger. Knowledge is power, and understanding new territories will bolster your strategic advantages.

Embracing Technology Through Research

The key to successful navigation and exploration lies in continuous research. Constantly upgrading your maritime technologies will keep you ahead of rival civilizations, ensuring your naval units remain top-tier. Investing in knowledge will pay dividends in your exploration endeavors.

Strategizing for Long-Term Gains

As you navigate the open ocean, develop a long-term strategy to leverage your explorations. Establishing colonies on new continents and enriching trade routes will not only boost your economy but also solidify your empire’s standing in a competitive world.

Conclusion: Mastering the Seas

Mastering the art of sailing the open ocean in Civilization VII is not just a matter of thirst for exploration; it is a multifaceted strategy that encompasses technology, resource management, and effective decision-making. By employing the appropriate method and grasping the game’s mechanics, you can unlock your civilization’s potential to expand and thrive on the global stage. Happy sailing!