Civilization 7: How To Sail The Open Ocean

Navigating the vast oceans in Civilization VII presents a significant gameplay challenge that evolves throughout your civilization’s development. The transition from coastal waters to open sea exploration marks a critical turning point in your empire’s expansion capabilities.

From your initial settlement in Civilization VII, water access becomes immediately relevant to your strategic planning. Every map configuration incorporates aquatic elements, making maritime proficiency essential for establishing a dominant global presence. A landlocked empire simply cannot achieve world domination without mastering naval exploration and expansion.

During the early Antiquity Age phase, you’ll quickly discover limitations in naval capabilities. Available units capable of water movement remain restricted to coastal regions, unable to venture into deeper oceanic territories. While coastal navigation helps reveal adjacent continental areas, true global discovery requires conquering the open seas.

This guide provides comprehensive strategies for overcoming oceanic barriers and maximizing your civilization’s maritime potential across different game ages.

If you attempted early oceanic exploration using scouts or similar units during the Antiquity Age, you encountered strict geographical constraints. The clearly demarcated “open ocean” tiles remained completely inaccessible, creating confusion about map discovery mechanics.

Ocean access remains deliberately restricted throughout the Antiquity Age to focus development on your starting continent. While scouts and other units can utilize boats for coastal tile travel, deeper oceanic exploration remains impossible. This design choice encourages players to establish solid foundations on their native landmass before pursuing intercontinental expansion.

The naval production limitations during Antiquity Age further reinforce this strategic focus. Your manufacturing capabilities remain limited to Commanders, land military formations, and support units like scouts and merchants.

The oceanic barriers lift completely upon advancing to the Exploration Age, transforming your naval capabilities dramatically. This age transition represents a pivotal moment where maritime exploration becomes your primary expansion mechanism.

Immediately upon entering Civilization VII’s second age, the game explicitly communicates that naval exploration and establishing settlements on new continents define this era’s core objectives. From the Exploration Age’s commencement, military naval units—including the powerful Fleet Commander—gain immediate access beyond coastal boundaries.

The open ocean is quite dangerous for any ship

Non-military units require additional technological advancement to access oceanic tiles. Researching Cartography technology at the Exploration Age’s onset provides this crucial capability. As one of the earliest available research options, prioritizing Cartography significantly accelerates your exploration tempo.

Regardless of your chosen unit composition for oceanic ventures, the Exploration Age introduces new navigational challenges beyond simple access permissions. Understanding these emerging complexities separates successful maritime empires from those that falter.

The strategic shift between ages creates opportunities for players who prepared during Antiquity. Establishing coastal cities with production capabilities positions you perfectly for rapid naval expansion when the age transition occurs. This forward planning mirrors real-world historical patterns of maritime exploration.

Advanced players should note that ocean access timing varies between unit types. Military vessels gain immediate passage, while civilian units like settlers and traders remain coast-bound until Cartography completion. This creates strategic sequencing opportunities where military exploration can secure landing sites for subsequent civilian expansion.

Mastering Civilization VII’s ocean navigation requires understanding both mechanical limitations and strategic opportunities. The age-based progression system creates natural pacing for exploration while rewarding players who anticipate future needs.

Early Game Preparation (Antiquity Age): Use coastal exploration to identify potential expansion routes and resource-rich areas. Position scouts along coastline edges to maximize visibility for when ocean access unlocks. Consider settling cities in locations that will serve as naval hubs during later ages.

Age Transition Optimization: Plan your technology research and production queues to capitalize immediately on Exploration Age benefits. Having military naval units ready to deploy when the age changes provides immediate exploration advantages.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t waste early production on naval units that cannot access oceans. Avoid settling cities too far inland without coastal access points. Never neglect Cartography research timing—delaying it severely hampers civilian unit mobility.

Resource Management: Balance your economy between continental development and naval preparation. Allocate sufficient research focus toward maritime technologies while maintaining military strength for defense.

Advanced Timing Strategies: Coordinate age transitions with unit production cycles. Experienced players can time their civilization’s development so naval units complete construction just as the Exploration Age begins, creating seamless transition into oceanic exploration.

Understanding these layered strategies will transform your approach to Civilization VII’s maritime challenges. For players looking to master other aspects of modern strategy gaming, our Complete Guide to similar progression systems provides valuable cross-game insights.

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