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Historically, Queen Isabella of Spain was known for her expansionist tendencies and strong leadership, traits that are reflected in Civilization 7. If you’re new to Civ 7 or looking for a solid leader to start your campaign, Isabella is an excellent option for both beginners and experienced players.
Before you jump in, it’s important to grasp her gameplay style. What civilizations complement Isabella best? What types of victories should you aim for while leading with her? This guide will provide you with everything you need to effectively play as Isabella and steer your empire toward success.
Overview of Isabella as a Leader
In historical context, Isabella was recognized for her intelligence and decisiveness, alongside her expansionist ideology. Her unique abilities and traits favor an aggressive expansionist and economic approach, though she can adapt to other strategies as well.
| Isabella’s Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Natural Wonder Gold |
Receive 300 Gold whenever you discover a Natural Wonder. This amount doubles if you find the Wonder in remote regions. ADVERTISEMENT |
| Natural Wonder Yields |
Enjoy +100% tile yields from Natural Wonders. |
| Naval Units Buff |
Gain +50% Gold towards purchasing Naval Units. |
| Naval Units Cost Reduction |
-1 Gold maintenance for Naval Units. |
Understanding Isabella’s Attributes
Isabella excels during the Exploration Age, due to her capacity to purchase and sustain Naval Units more efficiently than other leaders, while discovering Natural Wonders significantly benefits her.
Remember these strategies as you take on the role of Isabella:
- Expand Strategically – Focus on establishing settlements in distant lands to grow your empire.
- Develop a Robust Navy – A powerful naval force is crucial and should be prioritized.
- Embrace Cultural and Environmental Projects – Isabella’s advantages with Natural Wonders make cultural initiatives and geographic expansions particularly effective.
Which Civilizations Pair Well with Isabella?
Isabella is adaptable, making it easy to find many civilizations that complement her abilities. Below are some of the best options to consider starting with in the Antiquity Age.
| Civilization | Key Effect | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt | Increased Production |
Egypt is a great choice for Isabella due to production bonuses for building Wonders like the Pyramids. They also offer unique districts that enhance gold and culture, complementing Isabella’s strengths. |
| Greece | Additional Gold and Culture |
Greece provides the Hoplite, an effective military unit for early conquests. The Acropolis boosts gold from the Parthenon when you become a Suzerain of a City-State, aiding in economic victories. |
| Rome | Military and Economic Bonuses |
While slightly less synergistic, Rome is still useful as you gain access to the Legion, a powerful unique infantry unit. Additionally, the Basilica provides gold and influence for cultural projects and Wonders, which can support various victory paths. |
Civilization Choices for Exploration and Modern Ages
As you progress beyond the Antiquity Age, you’ll have more civilization options to select for the Exploration and Modern Ages. Here’s a look at which civs to pair based on your Antiquity Age selections, though other combinations can also be successful.
| Antiquity Age Civ | Exploration Age Civ | Modern Age Civ |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt | Abbasid | France or Mexico |
| Greece | Spain or the Normans | Russia or Mexico |
| Rome | Spain | America, Prussia, or France |
Best Strategies for Playing Isabella
Isabella’s versatility as a leader makes her adaptable to various victory strategies. However, for a smoother experience, consider focusing on one of the following victory types:
- Military
- Economic
- Cultural
Alternative victories such as Science, Domination, and Points are always options, but Isabella’s starting bonuses and synergy with specific civilizations will make the military, economic, and cultural paths easier to pursue.
How to Achieve a Military Victory
As you begin your journey with Isabella during the Antiquity Age, you should prioritize unit production, beginning with the following:
- Scouts
- Military Units
- Settlers
In the Antiquity Age, aim for 12 settlements to unlock a Golden Age.
Focus on developing scouts early to connect with Independent Powers, explore land for future settlements, and spot enemy positions more swiftly.
Even if you’re not targeting a Scientific Victory, maintaining a high scientific output is beneficial for creating stronger units.
After these initial steps, your overarching strategy should follow these guidelines throughout the ages:
- Maintain Science Production
- Work on Developing a Strong Navy
- Engage in Conquests When Possible
- Establish a Religion
- Pursue an Ideology in the Modern Age
By following these steps as Isabella, all while tracking down Natural Wonders and leveraging your naval strengths, you’ll be set up for success.
How to Secure an Economic Victory
Aiming for an Economic Victory can also yield rewarding results for Isabella, although it may prove more challenging in certain aspects.
During the Antiquity Age, work towards achieving 20 resources within your empire. Focus on developing two types of units:
Deploying scouts early will help you discover more Independent Powers and competing Civilizations first, setting a solid foundation for the Exploration Age.
Regardless of the victory type, it’s crucial to prepare to create a powerful navy, so prioritize technologies like Shipbuilding when accessible.
In the Exploration Age, achieving an Economic Victory centers on expanding your territory and acquiring Treasure Fleets. Utilize your navy to explore the world and bring these fleets back home.
In the Modern Age, leverage your wealth to construct Rail Stations and invest in studying Industrialization.
Keep an eye out for Natural Wonders, and use Isabella’s unique attributes to enhance your funds, allowing for rapid town expansion and establishing a stronghold as a Railroad Tycoon.
How to Achieve a Cultural Victory
Last but not least, Isabella also has the potential to achieve a Cultural Victory, although this route is undoubtedly the most challenging, especially during the Antiquity Age.
Since many of Isabella’s buffs do not directly enhance cultural output, constructing Wonders may be a struggle during this period.
Nonetheless, Isabella truly excels during the Exploration and Modern Ages, where your main focus will be on spreading religion and fostering a strong Geographic Society.
In the Antiquity Age, prioritize building Scouts and Settlers to adequately prepare for the following ages.
Once in the Exploration Age, concentrate on:
- Studying Piety
- Founding a Religion
- Spreading Your Religion
With Antiquity Age civilizations like Egypt or Rome supporting your cultural capabilities, you’ll be positioned well to achieve a Golden Age during the Exploration phase.
Moreover, in the Modern Age, your Scouts will hopefully have positioned you favorably to explore diverse continents, enabling you to unearth various artifacts and house them within your empire.
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