How to Set Up a Trade Route in Civilization 7

By
Daniel Hidalgo
2025-02-16 10:55:45



Discover how to set up a trade route in Civilization 7 with our comprehensive guide.



Trade routes are a crucial element of Civilization VII, enabling valuable connections between your settlements and other civilizations. This guide explains how to establish and manage trade routes effectively.

Civilization 7: How to Set Up a Trade Route

The key to establishing trade routes lies with the Merchant unit. This unique unit is available in all three Ages, but you must unlock it in each era. Each Age requires different Civics or Technologies to unlock the Merchant:
  • Age of Antiquity: Code of Laws Civic
  • Age of Exploration: Economics Civic
  • Modern Age: Steam Engine Technology
Once you have a Merchant in your city, you must establish friendly relations with at least one other civilization in the game. This allows you to create a trade route when you select your Merchant unit. Selecting the Merchant will display the available trade routes and the resources you'll gain.

Trade Route Benefits:






The primary objective of a trade route is to increase your nation's resource income. This is achieved by strategically selecting resources you possess to trade with other civilizations. Therefore, it's vital to identify your resource needs (Food, Gold, etc.) and then target civilizations that can provide those resources.

Optimizing Trade Routes:

  • Proximity: Establishing trade routes with civilizations located closer to your cities will significantly increase the frequency of resource delivery. Building a city near your desired trading partner can maximize trade efficiency.
  • City-States: Trading with independent city-states is possible, but you must first become their Suzerain by building up your relationship with them. This is done through influence and completing their quests. Suzerainty grants access to the city-state's trade network.

Strategic Considerations:

  • Resource Needs: Prioritize trade routes that fulfill your most pressing resource deficiencies.
  • Trade Value: Evaluate the value of the resources offered by different civilizations and choose trade partners that provide the best return.
  • Diplomatic Relations: Maintaining good relations with your trade partners is crucial. War or deteriorating relations can disrupt trade routes.
  • Route Protection: Protect your trade routes from barbarians and other threats. Consider escorting your Merchant units with military units, especially in the early game.
By understanding how to establish and manage trade routes, you can significantly boost your civilization's economy and accelerate its progress in Civilization VII.










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