How to use merchants in Civilization 7

In the intricate tapestry of Civilization 7, the hum of commerce and the flow of goods are as vital as military might or cultural ascendancy. Merchants, the unsung heroes of economic prosperity, serve as the linchpins of trade networks, resource acquisition, and diplomatic influence. This in-depth guide delves into the nuances of merchant utilization, empowering you to leverage their capabilities for economic dominance and strategic advantage.

How to use merchants in Civilization 7

I. Unveiling the Merchant Class: Technological and Civic Prerequisites

The ability to deploy merchants is not granted from the outset; it is a privilege earned through focused research and civic development. The progression of ages dictates the availability and sophistication of these vital units.

• Antiquity Age: The Foundation of Commerce:

  • Begin by cultivating intellectual curiosity through Mysticism, unlocking early insights into societal organization.
  • Establish internal order and efficiency with Discipline, laying the groundwork for organized trade.
  • Formalize societal structures and legal frameworks by unlocking the Code of Laws in the Civic Tree, enabling the initial deployment of rudimentary merchants.

• Exploration Age: Expanding Horizons:

  • Advance economic understanding by researching Economics in the Civic Tree, granting access to more sophisticated trade practices and merchant capabilities. This era allows for a broader range of trade agreements and resource acquisition.

• Modern Age: The Pinnacle of Trade:

  • Embrace the industrial revolution by researching the Steam Engine in the Tech Tree, unlocking the potential for advanced, efficient merchant operations. This era revolutionizes trade with the ability to create trade routes remotely, eliminating the need for physical travel in most cases.

Crucially, once unlocked, merchants must be trained within your cities, consuming production resources. Strategic city placement and production prioritization are essential for rapid merchant deployment.

II. The Multifaceted Roles of Merchants: Beyond Simple Trade

Merchants are not merely conduits for resource exchange; they are agents of infrastructure development and diplomatic engagement.

• Infrastructure Development: Forging the Arteries of Civilization:

  • Merchants serve as mobile road-building units, automatically constructing roads along their travel paths.
  • These roads are paramount for:
    • Facilitating the seamless distribution of food between cities, mitigating shortages and fostering growth.
    • Accelerating the movement of military units and settlers, enhancing strategic flexibility.
    • Establishing robust trade networks, amplifying the benefits of commercial exchange.
  • While natural road networks may emerge, merchants allow for targeted infrastructure development, ensuring that critical cities are interconnected.

• Establishing Trade Routes: The Lifeblood of Economic Prosperity:

  • Merchants are the primary agents for establishing trade routes with other civilizations and aligned city-states.
  • Trade routes provide access to:
    • Essential resources, bolstering production, growth, and technological advancement.
    • Luxury goods, enhancing citizen happiness and cultural influence.
    • Strategic resources, securing military advantages and technological breakthroughs.

III. The Art of Trade: A Step-by-Step Guide to Establishing Trade Routes

Successful trade requires careful planning and execution.

• Step 1: Scouting and Discovery: Identifying Potential Partners:

  • Utilize scouts early in the game to explore the map and locate potential trading partners.
  • Prioritize civilizations with complementary resources or strategic locations.

• Step 2: Merchant Acquisition: Mobilizing the Agents of Commerce:

  • Train or purchase merchants in your cities, strategically allocating production resources.
  • Consider the cost-benefit analysis of rapid merchant deployment versus other production priorities.

• Step 3: Navigation and Deployment: Reaching the Destination:

  • In the Antiquity and Exploration Ages, merchants must physically travel to the target settlement.
  • In the Modern Age, utilize the advanced trade interface to establish trade routes remotely, streamlining the process.

• Step 4: Trade Route Establishment: Formalizing the Agreement:

  • Upon reaching the destination (or selecting it in the modern age), finalize the trade route agreement.
  • Carefully consider the available trade options, selecting resources that align with your civilization's needs.
  • In the following turn, allocate acquired trade resources to your cities, maximizing their impact.

IV. Diplomatic Implications: Trade as a Tool of Influence

Trade is not merely an economic transaction; it is a powerful tool of diplomacy.

• Establishing trade routes fosters positive diplomatic relations, reducing the likelihood of conflict.
• Aligning with city-states through trade can grant suzerainty bonuses, providing strategic advantages.
• Conversely, withholding trade can be used as a diplomatic lever, exerting pressure on other civilizations.
• Trade is impossible during active wars, and is difficult when diplomatic relations are very poor.

By mastering the art of merchant utilization and trade route management, you can forge a prosperous civilization, secure vital resources, and establish a network of diplomatic alliances, paving the way for economic victory and lasting influence in Civilization 7.