How to win in Civilization IV - choosing the right strategy based on map selection - by John Sinitsky

Civilization 4
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Introduction

It is widely known and recognized that Sid Meier’s Civilization had become THE computer game when it was introduced. It was first real turn-based strategy ever. The latest PC playable version of Civilization is “Civilization IV”, launched in October 2005. For a computer game 3 years is an eternity - but not for Civilization series game – it is very playable and enjoyable today. With game victory options described in “Civilization IV – Part I” article, this one continues the review of the pre-game selections started in “Civilization VI - Part II” – choosing the map, and the consequences of the choice – the relevant strategy of playing.

Ice Age

This map will have large (impassable) ice terrain areas both on top (north) and bottom (south) end of the map. The habitable lands occur only near the equator. The climate is predefined (temperate), but you can choose sea level (low, medium, high) and landmass type (wide continents, narrow continents, islands, small islands).

Inland sea

This option will result in a map with a large sea in the middle, with all the civilizations starting positions around it. It is advisable to plan your expansion first of all along the coast. Cover as much area as possible and only once you have encountered your rivals turn away from the sea – as those regions are close you and are unlikely to be taken by others. The Open Border agreements are very important on this map as you will probably border 2-3 opponents.

Lakes

This will bring a world with no ocean – but with numerous lakes spread across the land mass. The fleet is not much of a use here – as you will probably find your ships sailing in very limited territory, enclosed by land.

Oasis

As the name suggests, there are many desert and oasis squares on this map – especially in the center. It is relatively easy to connect you cities, positioning them along rivers – but remember, many resources are away from those rivers. Large part of the resources is situated in the north, but civilization density is a serious problem is that area. Since almost no water tiles exist in this map, sea-oriented technologies are not very important – but beware, they can be the key to some vital civilization advances in the future…

This post is part of the series: Civilization IV - Guide To Sid Meier’s Civilization IV PC Game

This series on Civilization IV tells you how to get the best out of the classic Sid Meier PC game. Game strategy and options are reviewed and disscussed

  1. Mastering Civilization IV - Victory Conditions
  2. Mastering Civilization IV – Starting the Game Part I – Selecting a Map (A)
  3. Mastering Civilization IV – Starting the Game - Part II – Selecting a Map (B)
  4. Mastering Civilization IV – Starting the Game - Part III – Climate and Sea Level
  5. Mastering Civilization IV – Starting the Game - Part IV – Map Size
  6. Mastering Civilization IV – Starting the Game - Part V – Difficulty Levels (A)
  7. Mastering Civilization IV – Starting the Game - Part VI – Difficulty Levels (B)
  8. Mastering Civilization IV – Starting the Game - Part VII – Game Speed
  9. Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing the civilization - Overview
  10. Mastering Civilization IV – The American Empire in Civilization IV
  11. Mastering Civilization IV – The Arabian Empire in Civilization IV
  12. Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing Your Player Nation – Aztec Empire
  13. Mastering Civilization IV – Playing As The Chinese Empire - Choosing Your Playable Nation
  14. Mastering Civilization IV – Playing as the Egyptian Empire in Civ IV
  15. Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing Your Nation – English Empire
  16. Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing Which Nation to Play – French Empire
  17. Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing Playable Nations – German Empire
  18. Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing A Playable Nation – Greek Empire
  19. Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing Which Nation to Play – Incan Empire
  20. Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing the nation – Indian Empire
  21. Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing Which Nation to Play in Civ IV – Japanese Empire
  22. Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing Which Nation to Play – Malinese Empire
  23. Mastering Civilization IV – Mongolian Empire in Civ IV - Choosing the Nation to Play in Civ IV PC Game
  24. Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing Playable Nations – Roman Empire
  25. Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing the Nation to Play in Civ IV – Russian Empire
  26. Mastering Civilization IV – Playing as the Persian Empire in Civ IV - Player’s Guide to Choosing their Nation in Civ IV
  27. Mastering Civilization IV – Selecting Playable Nations in Civ IV – Spanish Empire