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One of the most important parts ofCivilization 7is expanding your empire.
You’ll discover new, uncharted lands ripe for conquering until it’s time to explore, stake your claim, and write history on your terms.
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you may’t just produce settlers willy-nilly and go wild, though. There are restrictions in place, and that’s where the game’s settlement cap comes into play.
What is the Settlement Cap in Civ 7?
The Settlement Cap is a “soft cap” on how many settlements you’re able to have inCiv 7. It’s not a hard limit, meaning you can surpass it, but you’ll incur penalties.
Every settlement you have over your cap gives you a -5 Happiness penalty per settlement. This means that if your settlement cap is 5, and you have 7 settlements, each settlement in your empire will have -10 Happiness.
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If that happens, your resource output suffers, your production drops, and your citizens start to rebel.
You can get greedy and dip over the settlement cap, but it’s not recommended. Instead, there are ways to raise it naturally to expand your empire without penalty.
How to Raise the Settlement Cap in Civ 7
You’llraise yourCiv 7settlement capby researching Civics and Techs in-game, allowing you toreach a maximum of 20 settlements.
SinceCiv 7’sgameplay is split up between three ages, you may only research the appropriate Civics and Techs in their specific age, as broken down by the tables below.
Once you’ve raised that settlement cap, you’re ready forrapid expansion.
Antiquity Age Settlement Cap Civics and Tech
Irrigation
Science Tech, unlocked by researching Pottery and Animal Husbandry
Entertainment
Civic Research, unlocked by researching Public Life
Organized Military
Civic Research, unlocked by researching Tactics
Exploration Age Settlement Cap Civics and Tech
Science Tech, unlocked by researching Astronomy and Cartography
Society Mastery
Civic Research, unlocked by first researching the base Society Civic
Colonialism Mastery
Civic Research, unlocked by first researching the base Colonialism Civic
Social Class
Civic Research, unlocked by researching Society and Diplomatic Service
Sovereignty
Civic Research, unlocked by researching Diplomatic Service and Bureaucracy
Imperialism
Civic Research, unlocked by researching Bureaucracy and Colonialism
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Modern Age Settlement Cap Civics and Tech
Urbanization
Science Tech, unlocked by researching Academic and Steam Engine
Mass Production
Science Tech, unlocked by researching Combustion and Industrialization
Nationalism
Civic Research, unlocked by researching Political Theory
Civic Research, unlocked by researching Nationalism
For more coverage ofCivilization VII, check out our guide on thebest leaders for thriving culture.
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An empire without gold is a crumbling empire. These Civ 7 leaders make sure your coffers are never empty.
