Mastering Civilization IV – Selecting Playable Nations in Civ IV – Spanish Empire

Sid Meier's Civilization was the first real turn-based strategy ever. The latest PC-oriented version is the "Civilization IV", launched in October 2005.

Civ IV is very popular to this day. With the victory options and most the pre-game selections (choosing the map, the climate and sea level, game speed and world size, Difficulty Levels (A,B)) described in earlier articles, we are now reviewing the aspects of civilization choice which each player can play in the game. Each nation has it’s unique abilities that have to be utilized to win the game at high levels. This articles deals with Spain.

Spain has the Conquistador as its unique unit (replacing the Knight). Conquistadors are immune to First Strikes. However, Conquistador has a considerable +50% vs melee units – making it more powerful against Maceman, and a serious threat to Pikeman (even though the latter has +100% with mounted units). In any case, to utilize Conquistadors you should discover Guilds as soon as possible and have control of Horses and Iron.

The starting technologies for the Spanish are Fishing and Mysticism – enabling Sailing right away. It would be also wise to study the immediately available Polytheism or Meditation (founding Hinduism and Buddhism respectively) right away, and afterwards turn to Masonry and Animal Husbandry.

The civilization has only 1 leader - Isabella.

Isabella is defined as “Spiritual” and “Expansive”

“Spiritual” will give you an edge of “No anarchy” during revolution. This means that you should change your civics and/or religion frequently (there is a general limit of 1 revolution in 5 turns however). Of course, when doing so you must take into account the effects of the chosen Civics and Religion. Temples are constructed at double speed, meaning that you should discover Priesthood and maybe think of founding several religions (discovering Polytheism is beneficial as it gives you both the Hinduism Religion and the path to Monotheism technology (with Masonry), which is required to Judaism). You should consider building missioners to spread religions, as it will lead to more happy people when switching to “free religion” civic in modern times.

“Expansive” means you construct Granary and Harbor at double speed. This enables quick population growth and prevents health problems – especially since you also receive a +2 health per city. Discover Pottery and Compass to take advantage of those buildings.