Hey everyone, I wanted to share my personal guide on getting the most bang for your buck with military units in Civilization VI. Forget just building the biggest army; the real secret to dominating is building the smartest one. A bloated military will empty your treasury and kill your progress. So, let’s dive into the most cost-effective units for every era, helping you build a powerful, yet affordable, fighting force.
Ancient Era: Laying the Groundwork
This is where it all begins. A smart move now can set you up for the entire game. You want cheap, high-value units to get that early edge.
Slinger: The Early Game MVP
Let me tell you, the Slinger is my absolute go-to for a strong start. At only 35 Production, it’s a steal. Your main goal here isn’t just defense; it’s to get that Eureka for Archery. Just have your Slinger attack something—anything—and you’ll get a 40% research boost to Archers, which is a huge deal.
If you slot in the Agoge policy card (+50% production to ancient/classical melee and ranged units), you can churn out Slingers like there’s no tomorrow. A squad of three or four can handle barbarian threats and make any neighbor think twice about attacking you. Plus, their 2-tile range is perfect for chipping away at enemies from a safe distance, especially from hills.
The best part? Upgrading a Slinger to an Archer costs only 60 Gold. It’s a cheap and powerful transition that can give you a game-winning advantage early on.
Warrior: Your Trusty Opener
You start with a Warrior, and honestly, it stays useful for the whole era. It costs 40 Production and has zero maintenance fees, making it the perfect frontline unit. With 20 Combat Strength, it can hold its own against barbarians and other early threats.
Just like the Slinger, pop in the Agoge card, and you can build these guys much faster. Use them to protect your cities and, most importantly, to escort your Settlers as you expand.
My strategy is to pair them with Slingers or Archers. Let the ranged units do the damage from afar, then send in the Warriors to clean up. It’s a simple but effective combo that saves you from losing units. While Swordsmen are great, they need Iron, which you might not have yet. Warriors are always ready to go.
Classical Era: Stepping Up Your Game
Now things get more interesting with City Walls and the need for Horses and Iron. Being cost-effective here means using new unit types to handle these fresh challenges.
Archer: Still the Best in Ranged
The Archer, your upgraded Slinger, remains the most cost-effective unit in this era. With 25 Ranged Strength, they are incredibly versatile. You can stick them in a city for amazing defense or make them the core of your attacking army. Being able to hit from a distance without taking damage is priceless, especially when taking on walled cities.
A group of Archers with a few melee units in front to soak up damage can tear down enemy defenses. Find some good terrain like hills, and you’ve got a deadly defensive line. They stay relevant for a long time, so you’re getting great value.
Swordsman: The Key to Early Conquest
When you want to go on the offensive, the Swordsman is your unit. At 36 Combat Strength, they hit hard. Yes, they cost 90 Production and need Iron, but they are totally worth it for taking cities. A swift attack with a few Swordsmen can easily overwhelm an unprepared neighbor.
They’re also fantastic for clearing out barbarian camps for some extra gold and Era Score. If you have Iron, use this power spike to your advantage before your rivals can catch up. A successful war with Swordsmen in the Classical Era can put you on the path to victory.
Horseman: The Ultimate Annoyance
The Horseman isn’t your main fighter, but its strategic value is off the charts. For 80 Production and some Horses, you get a super-fast unit with 4 Movement. I love using them to explore the map, pick off enemy builders, and pillage trade routes.
A small squad of Horsemen running around your enemy’s territory can cause chaos, forcing them onto the defensive and slowing them down. They’re great for flanking too. Just be careful around Spearmen! Their speed lets you pick your fights and get away when things get tough.
Medieval Era: Specialized Units Shine
Warfare gets more specialized here. You’ve got Knights to deal with and tougher cities to crack. A balanced army is key.
Crossbowman: The Long-Range Killer
The Crossbowman is, hands down, the king of this era. With a massive 40 Ranged Strength, they can destroy enemy units from a safe distance and hammer city defenses. At 180 Production, they are a fantastic investment.
Just make sure to protect them with some melee units. A well-guarded line of Crossbowmen is an absolute nightmare for any opponent. Plus, they upgrade to Field Cannons and then Machine Guns, so you’ll be using them for a long time.
Man-at-Arms: The Unbreakable Wall
Upgrading from the Swordsman, the Man-at-Arms is your defensive rock. With 45 Combat Strength, they can hold the line against almost anything. Their main job is to protect your valuable Crossbowmen. A fortified line of these guys can absorb a ton of damage, giving your ranged units time to do their work. They’re not flashy, but they are essential for keeping your army alive.
Pikeman: The Knight’s Worst Nightmare
The Pikeman has one job: kill Knights. And it does it beautifully. With a +10 combat bonus against heavy cavalry, they are the perfect counter to the era’s biggest threat. If you see an opponent spamming Knights, a few Pikemen will shut that down completely. They are the definition of a cost-effective counter-unit.
Renaissance Era: Gunpowder Changes Everything
Gunpowder arrives and completely changes the game. It’s time to embrace the new tech to get ahead.
Musketman: The Start of Modern Infantry
With 55 Combat Strength, the Musketman is a powerhouse. They cost a good bit of Production (240) and require Niter, but their firepower is worth it. A line of Musketmen can tear through older units. If you can get a good supply of Niter, you can really dominate this era. They are the foundation of your modern army, so it’s a smart long-term investment.
Bombard: The City-Cracker
The Bombard is the best siege unit in the game, period. It has a massive 50 Ranged Strength against city districts, making it essential for taking down well-defended cities. Yes, they’re vulnerable and need a turn to set up, but two of these protected by Musketmen will turn any city’s walls into dust. They upgrade to Artillery, one of the most powerful units in the game, so you’re setting yourself up for future success.
Frigate: Master of the Seas
If you’re playing a naval game, the Frigate is your best friend in the Renaissance. With 50 Ranged Strength, these ships can control the oceans, bombard coastal cities, and support land invasions. A small fleet can give you control over huge parts of the map, making them incredibly cost-effective for global power projection.
Industrial Era and Beyond: All-Out War
From here on, war is a massive industrial effort. You need powerful, advanced units to win.
Artillery: The King of the Battlefield
Artillery is arguably the most dominant land unit. With an incredible 3-tile range and 65 Ranged Strength, they can destroy units and cities without ever being in danger of a counter-attack. A corps of Artillery with some Infantry to protect them is the ultimate late-game army. They are expensive, but their ability to win battles with minimal losses makes them worth every penny.
Infantry: The Modern Army’s Backbone
The Infantry is your reliable, all-purpose soldier for the modern age. With 70 Combat Strength, they can defend, attack, and escort your more valuable units. Think of them as the shield for your powerful Artillery. They are the cost-effective way to maintain a large, credible army in the late game.
Battleship: Unrivaled Naval Power
The Battleship is the peak of naval warfare. With a 3-tile range and 70 Ranged Strength, it can dominate the globe. A single Battleship can lock down a coast or obliterate a city from the sea. For any naval civilization, the Battleship is a must-have, providing unparalleled strategic control.
Final Thoughts: Smart War is Good War
So there you have it! Winning in Civ VI is all about making smart choices with your resources. It’s not about having the most units, but the right units at the right time. By focusing on cost-effectiveness, you can build an army that’s both deadly and affordable, leaving you plenty of resources to grow your empire in other ways.
Hope these tips help you on your path to victory! Happy conquering!