Civilization IV: The economy

Understanding city specialization and terrain management is crucial for mastering Civilization IV. In this chapter you will learn about cities specialisations and how to develop cities focused on Commerce, Production, or Great People generation, each requiring distinct terrain and improvements to maximize their potential.

City placement strategies emphasize securing vital resources, optimizing terrain advantages like rivers and hills, and considering defensive and expansion-blocking benefits. Coastal cities offer unique trade and naval production opportunities but come with vulnerabilities.

Terrain features such as forests provide production bonuses and health effects, with the option to chop trees for a temporary production surge, while terrain improvements like cottages, mines, and railroads are essential for enhancing city outputs aligned with your specialization.

Balancing food, production, and commerce through careful improvement planning allows your specialized cities to thrive, whether rushing wonders, generating great people, or building a strong economy. For more information, visit the main Civilization IV guide.

Sid Meier's Civilization IV

October 25, 2005

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