Importance of Fresh Water in Civilization 7 Gameplay

In Civilization 7, a complex 4X turn-based strategy game, strategic decision-making plays a pivotal role, particularly concerning settlement placement. One common query among players revolves around the advantages of situating settlements near freshwater sources. This aspect significantly influences early-game strategy, as indicated by the highlighting of freshwater on the settler’s lens. But how does settling next to freshwater impact gameplay in Civilization 7? Let’s delve into the details.

Advantages of Settling Near Fresh Water in Civilization 7

The most significant benefit of establishing a settlement adjacent to freshwater is the elimination of a -5 happiness penalty associated with a lack of access to such resources. Although the user interface (UI) has faced criticism since the game’s launch—making it difficult to interpret this information—the logic behind the freshwater indication on the settler’s lens is clear.

Players may find it perplexing that, upon settling near freshwater, the happiness bonus isn’t immediately reflected; instead, it appears only in the subsequent turn. Thus, while initial conditions show a penalty, a +5 happiness benefit becomes apparent shortly thereafter. Although this issue is likely due to a minor bug at launch, it has caused confusion among the player base.

While it stands to reason that there would be a happiness penalty for lacking fresh water, the unclear UI design can muddle this concept for players. We hope this clarification helps in understanding the importance of freshwater settlement strategies.

Happiness plays a crucial role in maintaining thriving cities, especially as players expand their empires and engage with other civilizations. Settlements benefit significantly from being near lakes or rivers, providing much-needed happiness boosts to smaller towns that might otherwise struggle.

While players may not always have access to freshwater in all starting locations, it is essential to consider this factor where possible. Should freshwater be absent, players can deploy alternative strategies, such as constructing Arenas or other buildings, to mitigate the happiness penalty for their cities.

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