Ports in Civilization 7 allow players to support trade, acquire 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 separated by bodies of water.

The ability to build ports solves this problem by providing uninterrupted connections between the capital and remote settlements. Understanding how to properly build and use a port will be key to maintaining a competitive advantage.

Importance of Ports in Civilization 7

When the Age of Exploration comes to an end, many resources transition into the category of Factory resources, which can only be used in Factories. Since Factories must be connected to the capital by rail, this can create logistical challenges if the settlement is on an island or separated by water. Ports solve this problem by allowing players to establish industrial connections across oceans, trade with other civilizations, and gain economic benefits.

In addition to supporting industry, ports provide strategic military advantages. They allow for the construction of naval units, making them essential for the defense of coastal cities and control of sea routes. Without a port, settlements on islands or remote territories can become economically and militarily vulnerable, limiting the civilization's potential for expansion and competition on the world stage.

How to Build a Port

Before starting port construction, players need to ensure that their settlement meets certain requirements. First, the city must have at least one coastal tile within its borders. Second, a Wharf must be built before it can be upgraded to a full-fledged Port. Third, research the Steam Engine technology, which becomes accessible at the start of the Modern era.

When these conditions are met, players can start construction by selecting the city, opening the production menu, and choosing the Port from the list of available buildings. If the Wharf has already been built, it can simply be upgraded to Port level instead of erecting a new structure from scratch. Construction will take several turns, but upon completion, the Port will unlock a number of advantages that greatly enhance the city's capabilities.

Strategic Advantages of Ports

Constructing a port in Civilization 7 brings numerous benefits. The most noticeable of these is the economic boost. The port generates 5 Gold per turn and provides an additional bonus of 1 Gold for each adjacent Navigation river, coast, or Wonder of the World. This makes coastal cities with ports especially profitable, contributing to the financial stability of the civilization.

Another important advantage is the increased resource potential. Ports allow for more resources to be allocated to the city, which is particularly important for settlements functioning as industrial hubs. If a city does not have direct land connections to the capital, the port becomes an alternative route for transporting Factory resources, ensuring continuous operation of factories and further accumulation of Railroad Tycoon Points.

In addition to economic and industrial bonuses, ports are essential for naval domination. Thanks to the port, players can create naval units to protect their territories and project military power at sea. This is especially important on maps with large water areas, such as archipelagos, where sea control can determine the outcome of the conflict. Without a port, military capabilities at sea will be significantly limited, leaving coastal cities 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 separated 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 rail network, you need to build a railway station both in the capital and in the distant settlement. After that, you need to construct a Port in both cities. Ports act as a bridge between them, allowing resources and Railroad Tycoon Points to be transported 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 particularly useful for civilizations actively expanding to the islands. Instead of being limited to one continent, players can develop flourishing 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 linked through ports often become vulnerable to naval attacks, making defense a key aspect of any expansion strategy. It is important to invest in a strong navy and coastal fortifications to protect these valuable assets.

Military ships like frigates and battleships must patrol areas near island settlements to deter potential invasions. In addition, choosing a leader with bonuses to naval combat or maritime trade can significantly enhance the effectiveness of a civilization's naval strategy. Some leaders have advantages in managing remote settlements, providing bonuses to resource efficiency or military potential.

In case of war, enemy civilizations may deliberately attack ports to disrupt trade and industrial activity. Losing a port can sever the connection between the settlement and the capital, rendering local factories inefficient. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure strong protection of key ports and their security.