Civ 6 Santiago Marino

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

06-01-2025

4

0

Share

Santiago, the Chilean leader in Civilization VI, offers a unique and powerful approach to dominating the seas. His abilities revolve around building a strong navy and leveraging coastal cities for economic and military advantage. This guide will delve into his strengths, weaknesses, and optimal strategies for success.

Santiago's Unique Abilities: A Coastal Powerhouse

Santiago boasts two unique abilities that profoundly impact his gameplay:

• El Libertador: This ability provides additional culture for coastal cities and allows for the immediate construction of a free harbor in your first coastal city. This early boost significantly accelerates your cultural development and establishes a strong economic foundation for maritime expansion. The free harbor provides immediate access to crucial naval technologies and trade routes.

• Conquistador: This unique unit replaces the Privateer and boasts increased combat strength against both naval and land units. This advantage allows Santiago to effectively project power both on land and at sea, enabling amphibious assaults and efficient coastal defense. Its superior stats make it a formidable asset in early to mid-game conflicts.

Strengths and Weaknesses: Playing to Santiago's Advantages

Strengths:

• Strong Naval Game: Santiago's inherent bonuses make him an ideal choice for players who enjoy controlling the seas. His units are powerful and his ability to quickly develop coastal cities offers significant economic and military benefits.

• Early Game Advantage: The free harbor allows for rapid naval expansion, giving him a strong early-game edge against opponents who rely on land-based expansion. This can give Santiago a decisive advantage in securing valuable resources and controlling key coastal territories.

• Amphibious Warfare: The Conquistador’s ability to excel in both land and sea combat allows for flexible and adaptive strategies, enabling both offensive and defensive maneuvers.

Weaknesses:

• Vulnerability to Inland Empires: While Santiago thrives on coastal cities, he may struggle against opponents with strong inland empires who can focus on land-based warfare. A balanced approach that considers both land and sea strategies is vital.

• Reliance on Coastal Cities: The need for coastal cities can restrict expansion options, especially on maps with limited coastlines. A thoughtful city placement strategy is key to utilizing Santiago's abilities to their fullest potential.

Optimal Strategies: Mastering the Seas

To maximize Santiago's potential, consider these strategies:

• Early Coastal Expansion: Prioritize securing coastal cities as early as possible to benefit from El Libertador's bonus culture and the free harbor.

• Naval Dominance: Invest heavily in naval technologies and units to secure control of the seas and protect your trade routes.

• Amphibious Assaults: Leverage the Conquistador’s amphibious capabilities to launch surprise attacks and capture strategic coastal locations.

• Balanced Development: While focusing on coastal development, don't neglect your inland cities entirely. A balanced approach that integrates both land and sea power is crucial for long-term success.

Conclusion: A Powerful Choice for Maritime Domination

Santiago offers a compelling and effective gameplay experience for players seeking a dominant naval presence in Civilization VI. By understanding his strengths, weaknesses, and employing appropriate strategies, players can effectively leverage his abilities to forge a powerful empire, mastering the waves and securing victory.