Which civilization should I pick:

New to Sid Meier's Civilization VII? Learn which civilization is best for beginners, understand starting advantages, and get tips for your first game.

Hey there! Picking your first civilization in Sid Meier's Civilization VII can feel like a big decision, but don't sweat it. Think of it like choosing your starting character in a board game – some have cool perks, others are a bit more straightforward. The most important thing is to pick one that sounds fun to you. However, if you're curious about which ones might give you a little edge, especially when you're just starting out, let's break it down.

In this version of the game, your start is pretty random. You'll usually get one or two starting technologies and a settler or two. Some players mention that Russians might start with two settlers, but even that seems to be a bit of a dice roll.

So, who's the best to start with?

If you're looking at the AI opponents, the Russians are actually a pretty good pick for your first game. Why? Because when they're the AI, they're notoriously aggressive and not always the smartest. They expand like crazy, often take out other civs, and aren't big fans of peace treaties, preferring to demand tributes. Starting near them means you can deal with them while they're still relatively weak and less of a threat. It's a good way to learn how to handle aggressive neighbors early on.

Now, if you're playing on a 'World Map' game type, things change a bit. You'll start in locations that historically match the actual civilizations. This can make you think about starting location more. For these maps, the Aztecs and Egyptians are often solid choices. They tend to give you a whole continent to yourself, as long as you can secure what the guide calls the 'corridor' – basically, the choke points that control access to your land.

Starting Techs You Might See:

• Alphabet
• Bronze Working
• Burial Practices
• Masonry
• Pottery
• The Wheel

A Quick Note on Colors:

You'll notice civilizations have assigned colors. This is handy because you'll never meet two civs of the same color in one game. If you happen to wipe one out early enough (before 1000 AD, it seems), another civ of the same color might pop up somewhere else on the map, sometimes unexpectedly. It's a neat little system to keep track of who's who!

Ultimately, don't overthink it too much for your very first game. Pick a civ that sparks your interest, dive in, and learn as you go. Every game is a new adventure!