Part 29

Learn how to counter Bismarck in Civilization V. This guide covers his diplomatic and military strategies, strengths, weaknesses, and AI behavior for Part 29.

This section details the leader Bismarck in Civilization V, focusing on his historical background and in-game AI behavior. Bismarck was a key figure in 19th-century European politics, instrumental in the unification of Germany under Prussian rule. His foreign policy aimed to maintain peace by isolating France, though his annexation of Alsace and Lorraine sowed seeds for future conflict. Domestically, he introduced social security and a unified currency but was criticized for indifference to the common people's welfare.

Bismarck's AI Tendencies:

• Leader Scales: Victory Competitiveness (7/10), Wonder Competitiveness (6/10), City State Competitiveness (7/10), Boldness (4/10). He is competitive and likes building Wonders and taking City States, but is not overtly aggressive in his demeanor.
• Diplomacy Scales: War (7/10), Hostile (4/10), Deceptive (7/10), Guarded (7/10), Afraid (4/10), Friendly (7/10), Neutral (4/10). Bismarck's diplomacy is complex; he can be both allied and at war with players. He tends to declare war if his forces are strong.
• City State Scales: Ignore Others (4/10), Friendly (5/10), Protective (7/10), Conquest (7/10). He may protect or conquer city states, often protecting those near you and conquering those further away.
• Ground Military Scales: Offensive (5/10), Defensive (6/10), City Defence (6/10), Military Training (8/10), Reconnaissance (8/10), Ranged (5/10), Mounted (7/10). He favors strong, timely units, using scouts extensively early on and employing fast, powerful mounted/armored units later. Counter these with AT guns and Pikemen.
• Naval Scales: Naval (3/10), Naval Reconnaissance (3/10), Naval Growth (4/10), Naval Tile Improvement (4/10). Bismarck does not focus on naval power, using it minimally for troop transport. This leaves his empire vulnerable to naval attacks.
• Air Scale: Air Power (6/10). He uses air power strategically for bombing cities and countering enemy air efforts with interceptors.
• Growth Scales: Expansion (6/10), Growth (5/10), Tile Improvement (6/10), Infrastructure (implied). He focuses on expansion and tile improvement, with moderate growth and infrastructure development.

In-game Strategy Notes: Bismarck's AI is characterized by a mix of diplomatic maneuvering and military build-up. He is competitive in pursuing victories and wonders. His military, particularly ground forces, is well-trained and emphasizes reconnaissance and strong units like mounted and armored units. Be prepared to counter his strengths with appropriate units. His weak naval presence offers an opportunity for surprise attacks. His air power is used tactically, so be ready for air combat.