The two main research trees are Technology and Civics.

Each tree unlocks bonuses that will strengthen your Civilization in different ways.

Depending on which Tech or Civic you research, you'll set your Civ on a different path to victory, but we'll cover those next time.

Movement reveals unknown areas of the map, or as we like to call it, the “fog of war.”

With the fog of war removed, you can uncover hidden resources and discover natural wonders.

Huh, who knew Yosemite was in the middle of Africa?

If you're unsure what to do early on, send out a Scout and have him start exploring.

You never know what, or who, you might find.

Think Alexander the Great got the nickname because his empire was small?

To grow your Civ, you need to build.

That means new buildings, new units, and new city districts.

Districts allow you to build more specialized buildings and improve certain parts of your Civ.

Want to control the high seas? You'll need a Harbor.

Military lagging behind? Better build an Encampment to make better units.

The world is a dangerous, barbarian-infested place, and securing your Civ's victory sometimes requires a less subtle approach.

So if “an eye for an eye” is your motto, attacking enemies strategically is critical to your success.

But, if the fist has failed then why not try a shoulder rub?

Use diplomacy, or shmooze your neighboring Civs to get yourself a trading partner.

Not everyone will like you right away, so get to know the other Leaders and their unique agendas.

This'll help you figure out the best way to win them over…or topple them over.

But how exactly, do you win? Join me next time to learn all about sweet, sweet victory.

NOVEMBER 16, 2018