In Civilization 7, Influence is one of the most crucial resources that determines how you interact with other civilizations, city-states, and independent settlements. Influence allows you to engage in diplomacy, befriend independent peoples, undertake initiatives, and even boost war support. Unlike Science or Culture, which can yield significant returns per turn, Influence is a relatively scarce resource, so its acquisition and use must be optimized.

Mastering the mechanics of gaining Influence allows you to manipulate diplomatic relations, sway independent settlements to your side, and even control global events. Below are the best strategies for maintaining a steady growth of Influence throughout the game.

Constructing Influence-Generating Buildings

One of the most stable ways to gain Influence in Civ 7 is by constructing specific buildings. Influence-generating buildings vary depending on the era, with each era unlocking new structures to bolster your diplomatic power. Some of these become available early in the tech tree, making them accessible in the early stages of the game.

In the Ancient Era, you can build a Monument (1 Influence), Garden (1 Influence), and Villa (2 Influence). These buildings provide a basic level of Influence at the beginning of the game. However, the Villa requires the Wheel technology, which is deeper in the Ancient Era tech tree.

In the Research Era, the Guild (2 Influence) and Dungeon (2 Influence) become available, further enhancing your diplomatic advantage.

In the Modern Era, Influence buildings become even more powerful: the Radio Station (4 Influence) and Opera House (3 Influence). These structures ensure that as your diplomatic relations develop, you have enough Influence to support them.

Utilizing Social Policies to Increase Influence

Social policies play a crucial role in accumulating Influence. Typically, each civilization starts the game with Divine Right, granting +1 Influence and Culture in the capital. As new Civics are unlocked, additional policies providing Influence become available.

Oratory, unlocked with the Code of Laws in the Ancient Era, gives +2 Influence per turn, making it one of the most effective means of passively gaining Influence.

Some civilizations have unique policies that further boost Influence. For example, the Han civilization gains Guanxi and Jiu Qing, adding +1 Influence to Science and Happiness Buildings, respectively.

By changing social policies at the right moment, you can adapt your strategy based on the diplomatic situation.

Unlocking Leader Diplomatic Attributes

Each leader in Civilization 7 has an attribute tree that can be customized using points earned through progress in Influence and Happiness. The diplomatic attribute tree contains essential skills that increase Influence gain:

• +1 Influence for each era on the Palace, providing a steady increase in Influence throughout the game.
  
  
• +50% Influence on friendships with independent settlements, allowing you to annex them into your civilization more quickly.
  
  
• +25 Influence on supporting or rejecting diplomatic actions, making negotiations more effective.

In the military attribute tree, there is an option to gain +50% Influence on recruiting troops from city-states, which can be useful for military expansion.

Choosing Leaders and Civilizations with Influence Bonuses

Some leaders and civilizations in Civ 7 have unique abilities that enhance Influence or reduce its costs.

Top leaders for Influence:

• Himiko, Queen Wa can support initiatives without spending Influence.
  
  
• Harriet Tubman uses only half the usual Influence for espionage operations.
  
  
• Machiavelli earns +3 Influence per era, reaching +9 Influence per turn in the Modern Era.

Best civilizations for gaining Influence:

• Han (Ancient Era) gains Influence from scientific and happiness buildings.
  
  
• Rome (Ancient Era) constructs the Basilica, which provides gold and Influence.
  
  
• Qin (Modern Era) receives +2 Influence for each imported resource, making trade a powerful diplomatic tool.

Constructing World Wonders that Grant Influence

World Wonders can significantly enhance Influence gain. Since they have no era restrictions, the earlier you build them, the more benefits they provide.

Top Wonders for Influence:

• Weiyang Palace (+6 Influence, Ancient Era), exclusive to the Han civilization.
  
  
• Brihadisvara Temple (+3 Influence, Research Era), unique to the Chola civilization.
  
  
• Serpent Mound (+4 Influence, Research Era), unlocked with the Astronomy technology.
  
  
• Doi Suthep (+4 Influence for each city-state where you are the suzerain, Modern Era).

Researching Technologies and Civics for Influence

Certain technologies and civics provide Influence:

• Globalism unlocks envoys who provide +6 Influence per turn.
  
  
• The Pantheon "City Patron" adds +3 Influence to the Altar in the Ancient Era.

Utilizing Diplomacy and Espionage

If other civilizations fail espionage actions against you, you gain Influence. Diplomatic incidents, such as global events or public denunciations, can also provide Influence.