Ports in Civilization 7 allow players to maintain trade, obtain valuable resources, and expand their industrial network over long distances. As the game progresses into the Modern Era, resource management becomes more complex, especially if settlements are divided by water bodies.

The ability to build ports addresses this issue by providing seamless connectivity between the capital and distant settlements. Understanding how to properly build and utilize a port will be key to maintaining a competitive edge.

Importance of Ports in Civilization 7

As the Era of Exploration ends, many resources transition into the category of Factory resources, which can only be utilized in Factories. Since Factories must be connected to the capital via railway, this can create logistical challenges if a settlement is on an island or separated by water. Ports solve this problem, allowing players to establish industrial connections across oceans, trade with other civilizations, and gain economic advantages.

Aside from supporting industry, ports provide strategic military advantages. They allow for the construction of naval units, making them essential for defending coastal cities and controlling sea routes. Without a port, settlements on islands or distant territories can become economically and militarily vulnerable, limiting a civilization's ability to expand and compete on the world stage.

How to Build a Port

Before starting the construction of a port, players must ensure that their settlement meets certain requirements. Firstly, the city must have at least one coastal tile within its borders. Secondly, a Wharf must be constructed before it can be upgraded to a full-fledged Port. Thirdly, the Steam Engine technology, available at the beginning of the Modern Era, must be researched.

Once these conditions are met, players can begin construction by selecting the city, opening the production menu, and choosing the Port from the list of available buildings. If the Wharf is already built, it can simply be improved to the Port level, instead of constructing a new structure from scratch. Construction will take several turns, but once completed, the Port will unlock a range of benefits that will significantly enhance the city's capabilities.

Strategic Advantages of Ports

Building a port in Civilization 7 brings numerous advantages. The most notable is the economic boost. A port generates 5 Gold per turn and provides an additional bonus of 1 Gold for each adjacent Navigation river, coastline, or Wonder of the World. This makes coastal cities with ports particularly profitable, promoting the financial stability of the civilization.

Another significant advantage is the increase in resource potential. Ports allow for more resources to be allocated to the city, which is especially important for settlements serving as industrial hubs. If the city lacks a direct land connection to the capital, the port becomes an alternative route for transporting Factory resources, ensuring uninterrupted factory operations and further accumulation of Railroad Tycoon Points.

Besides economic and industrial bonuses, ports are the foundation for sea dominance. With a port, players can create naval units to protect their territories and project military power on the water. This is especially important on maps with vast water spaces, such as archipelagos, where sea control can determine the course of conflict. Without a port, military options on the water will be significantly limited, and coastal cities will be vulnerable to enemy attacks.

How to Connect Railway Stations Across Water

One of the biggest challenges in Civilization 7 is maintaining an efficient railway network when settlements are divided by the ocean. Since Factories require direct connection to the capital to function, players must find a way to connect railway stations across the water. This is where ports become critically important.

To create a transoceanic railway network, a railway station must be built both in the capital and in the distant settlement. Then, a Port in both cities needs to be constructed. Ports act as bridges between them, allowing the transportation of resources and Railroad Tycoon Points across the water. Thanks to this mechanism, factories in distant settlements remain productive even without a physical railway connection to the mainland.

This strategy is especially useful for civilizations actively expanding to islands. Instead of being constrained to a single continent, players can develop thriving settlements on different continents while maintaining high industrial efficiency. By strategically placing ports at key points, a civilization can create an efficient network that fosters economic growth and technological development.

Defensive Considerations for Remote Settlements

Despite significant economic and industrial advantages, ports also create new challenges. Settlements connected via ports often become vulnerable to naval attacks, making defense a key aspect of any expansion strategy. It's important to invest in a strong naval fleet and coastal fortifications to protect these valuable assets.

Naval ships, such as frigates and battleships, should patrol areas near island settlements to deter potential invasions. Additionally, choosing a leader with bonuses for naval combat or maritime trade can greatly enhance the effectiveness of a civilization's naval strategy. Some leaders have advantages in managing remote settlements, providing bonuses for resource efficiency or military potential.

In the event of war, enemy civilizations may intentionally target ports to disrupt trade and industrial activity. Losing a port can sever the link between the settlement and the capital, rendering local factories inefficient. This is why it's essential to ensure strong protection for key ports and their security.