Civilization VI · Civilization Guide

India

India manages happiness and faith more efficiently than almost any other civilization, turning a large population into an advantage instead of a liability.

Default LeaderGandhi / Chandragupta
FocusCulture · Faith
Unique UnitVaru
Unique InfrastructureStepwell

Unique Ability

Dharma: Indian cities receive the Follower Beliefs of every religion with at least one follower present, not just the majority religion. In Gathering Storm, this also grants +1 Amenity per religion present, +2 Spread Religion charges for Missionaries, and +100% religious pressure from Indian Trade Routes.

Unique Unit: Varu

A flexible elephant-mounted unit effective against other cavalry.

Unique Infrastructure: Stepwell

A unique improvement that boosts Housing and Amenities, supporting India's large-population playstyle.

How to Play India

  • Found a religion if possible — the Amenity synergy is one of the strongest parts of the kit.
  • Grow cities aggressively; India manages the usual downsides of a large population better than most civilizations.
  • Use the war weariness bonus defensively — India punishes attackers more than it needs to attack itself.

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