Discover the Maritime Might of the Hao Hai Merchants in Civilization VI
Prepare to set sail and forge a new path to victory with the Hao Hai Merchants, a unique civilization mod for Sid Meier’s Civilization VI. This ambitious addition introduces a dynamic trading empire focused on learning, expansion, and mutual prosperity, led by the visionary Lu Hao. Immerse yourself in a playstyle that rewards astute diplomacy and a deep understanding of interconnected economies.
The Philosophy of Reciprocity: Leader Lu Hao’s Strengths
Lu Hao embodies the spirit of “Haina Baichuan, Huhui Tongshang, Jie Qiang’er Xue” – embracing all rivers, mutual trade, and learning from the strong. This philosophy is directly translated into the leader’s ability, “Reciprocal Brilliance.” Players will find themselves with an additional policy slot, enhancing their strategic flexibility. International trade routes become even more lucrative, generating extra Science and Culture each turn, with bonuses scaling based on the number of unique districts in the destination city. Furthermore, trading with other civilizations yields significant rewards, boosting your economy and knowledge base with every caravan and sea dog.
Harnessing the Power of Trade
The Hao Hai Merchants excel in fostering global connections. Their unique civilization ability, “Learn from the Best,” grants an extra trade route capacity from the outset. Crucially, establishing trade routes with non-repeatable major civilizations and city-states provides a steady stream of Science and Culture, accelerating your empire’s development. A unique twist allows you to immediately gain a technology boost, similar to a Eureka moment, the first time you establish a trading post with a new civilization, symbolizing their rapid assimilation of knowledge.
Key Features of the Hao Hai Merchants:
- Enhanced diplomatic and economic strategy with an extra policy slot.
- Boosted Science and Culture output from all international trade routes.
- Increased trade route capacity and accelerated technological advancement.
- Unique districts and buildings designed to maximize trade profits.
- Specialized naval and land units to protect and expand your merchant empire.
Unique Infrastructure and Military Might
The “Foreign Trade Port” replaces the standard Commercial Hub, offering a halved build cost and an immediate increase in trade route capacity. This vital district becomes a powerhouse, generating substantial Production and Gold for every international trade route connected to the city. To protect these valuable routes, the “Hao Family Escort,” a naval ranged unit, replaces the Frigate, capable of coastal raids and capturing civilian units. On land, the “Trade Route Guard,” a melee unit replacing the Musketman, receives combat bonuses when positioned on roads or railways, ensuring the safety of your merchants. The “International Club,” replacing the Market, further bolsters your economic prowess by providing Gold, Great Merchant points, and an additional citizen slot.