Civilization V: How to do good trading

Civilization V's diplomatic system also includes doing business with other nations. Learn strategies to improve your trading in this practical tip.

Choose trading partners in Civilization V.

Not every head of state can be negotiated equally well. Therefore, when choosing your trading partner, you should pay attention to the attitude of the head of state towards you:

• War - If you are at war with another nation, you can only negotiate a peace treaty. The enemy's willingness depends on the duration and location of the war.
• Hostile - negotiations are only possible on very bad terms or not at all.
• Careful - trading is only possible under conditions that are unfavorable for you.
• Neutral - The other head of state engages in reasonable and fair trade agreements.
• Friendly - You can get good deals in the negotiations.

Exchange of goods in Civilization V

The trade in goods is very important in Civilization V. There are a few things to keep in mind.

• Excess luxury goods and strategic resources can be exchanged for gold or other luxury goods. These bring satisfaction to your empire.
• In principle, you cannot get luxury goods that you already own a second time by trading. However, it is possible to trade luxury goods one for one. So make sure to always have at least one luxury item of one type in excess.
• Strategic resources such as iron and horses lose importance over time. In the later course of the game, they no longer have any weight in an offer.

General tips for trading in Civilization V

Now that you have learned some basics about trading, we will show you some general tips on how to proceed with trading:

• If your trading partner has too little gold for a research agreement, you can first buy something from him and then propose an agreement.
• Cities are very difficult to acquire. Most of the time this only works within the framework of peace negotiations.
• Wait until you need to negotiate open borders. The first offers that the computer offers you are usually disadvantageous for you. With the help of the open borders on your part, a potential enemy can also probe the situation in your empire and thus better prepare for later wars.
• You can also haggle with Civilization V. First, get a proposal and offer the head of state a modified version until he accepts it.

Learn how to win with your nation in Civilization V.