Summary
Districts are a mechanic thatCivilization 7would do well to bring back, although they could use a few changes in a second appearance. They provided a significant shake-up forCivilization6’s strategy, and a remarkable departure from the previous game. With theCivilizationgames being among the biggest strategy titles on the market, additional options and layers of planning are a boon for the series. Districts provided that in spades, but they could still be improved with a second incarnation.Civilization 7bringing back districts makes sense, but a few adjustments could change the strategy behind them.
The introduction ofdistricts inCivilization 6provided a major change to the way that players built cities in the game. Districts are zones that correspond to a certain type of building. For example, in order to build science-boosting buildings such as libraries or universities, the player needs to first build a Campus district to house them. There are a couple of exceptions to this, such as the Canal and Aqueduct, which have no associated buildings, but for the most part, districts dominate certain classes of buildings. Almost every city in the game will need several districts in order to truly thrive inCivilization 6.
Districts Could Return With a Upgrade in Civilization 7
Districts Were Key to Civilization 6’s Strategy
A good argument fordistricts returning inCivilization 7is the extra layer of strategy that they provide. A district is required for a city to really start developing in any direction. Whether it’s science from Campuses, Culture from Theater Districts, or so on, districts provide several important pushes forward for the player’s civilization. For players focused on one victory type, making sure that every city has the appropriate district is a major part of putting themselves in the best position to win. Districts were vital toCivilization 6’s strategy, and the extra layer of customization in planning cities is a welcome feature.
The return of unique districts, such as Kongo’s Mbanza, would also be a welcome addition toCivilization 7.
Civilization 6’s Districts Took Up Space Surrounding its Cities
One potential issue with the feature comes in having toplace districts inCivilization 6. There is admittedly another interesting element to district placement, as certain locations will provide bonus yields. For instance, a Campus generates more science for neighboring mountain and rainforest tiles, while a Neighborhood provides housing based on its tile’s appeal. However, the requirement to place districts on the map leaves less room for other important tile improvements such as farms, mines, and world wonders. A rework of how districts work could make players' civilizations less cluttered, either by removing district placement entirely or changing how it works.
Civilization 7 Can Give Districts a New Look
The best approach would be to find some sort of compromise when incorporating districts intoCivilization 7’s new gameplay. Using them to grant cities the ability to build specialized buildings was an excellent choice, but something could be done about how they are included in the game. One way would be for them to be built into the city itself, simply adding a visual change after construction. Another way could be to let districts share tiles with other improvements and potentially interact with them in some way. For example, a Commercial Hub on a farm could provide extra gold for fresh produce, among many other potential interactions.
Districts were a great addition toCivilization 6, butCivilization 7could make them more convenient.
Civilization 7can surpass its predecessorsin several ways, and that includes taking past mechanics and reworking them. A reworked District system could keep its strategic value while also potentially easing back some of the restrictions surrounding it. With a few changes, Districts could go from being a new layer of planning to a way for players to edit their cities even more. Districts deserve a comeback inCivilization 7, even if they are left untouched.
Sid Meier’s Civilization 6
WHERE TO PLAY
Civilization VIoffers new ways to engage with your world: cities now physically expand across the map, active research in technology and culture unlocks new potential, and competing leaders will pursue their own agendas based on their historical traits as you race for one of five ways to achieve victory in the game.Expansive empiresSee the marvels of your empire spread across the map like never before. Each district, wonder, and improvement is built on its own hex, allowing you to customize your city to your heart’s content. From the Commercial Hub to the Spaceport, every district provides unique and powerful bonuses. Pick and choose which districts to build to fit your needs! Build better than your opponents, place yourself strategically for your allies, and become the best civilization on Earth.Active ResearchBoost your civilization’s progress through history to unlock powerful bonuses before anyone else! To advance more quickly, use your units to actively explore, develop your environment, and discover new cultures. Research isn’t just limited to science. Explore the Civics tree to unlock powerful new governments and cultural policies Cultivate the civilization that fits your playstyle, or switch it up every time you play!Dynamic diplomacyAs the game progresses, so do your diplomatic relationships. From primitive first interactions where conflict is a fact of life, to late game alliances and negotiations. Carry influence with nearby city states to gain its diplomatic allegiance and earn game-changing city-state bonuses. Enlist spies to gather crucial intel on rival civilizations, steal precious resources, and even topple governments.
