Australia Civ: Is It Worth Playing?

is australia civ good

Australia is a strong civilisation in the game Civilization VI, with unique advantages that make it a formidable opponent. Its leader ability gives it the potential to be the world's police force, with bonuses for liberating cities. Australia's coastal cities provide a lot of housing, and its military unit, the Digger, is strong in the Modern Era and beyond, especially when attacking coastal cities. Australia also has a strong science output and good production, making it ideal for scientific victories. However, it may struggle with keeping up production in peacetime and can be outperformed by civilisations with stronger early games, such as Persia and Germany. Overall, Australia is a powerful civilisation that can be challenging to defeat, but it is not without its weaknesses.

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Australia's strength in science and culture

Australia has a strong research sector that contributes to various scientific disciplines, including health and medical sciences, agriculture, space science, and computer science. The country's research capabilities are enhanced by the presence of world-class researchers and a workforce that includes both salaried and non-salaried staff, with the latter contributing significantly to research outputs. Australia's National Science Statement recognises the importance of scientific knowledge and skills in addressing national challenges in areas such as healthcare, defence, energy, and environmental management.

The country has a history of producing significant scientific innovations, such as the development of a prototype vaccine for the Hendra virus, which threatened Australia's premier horse race, the Melbourne Cup. Australia also introduced the world's first plastic bank notes with optically variable devices (OVDs), a significant step forward in forgery-resistant currency. Additionally, the country has made advancements in creating plastics with RAFT polymerisation, allowing for greater control over molecular linkages.

Australia's strength in science is further demonstrated by its indigenous knowledge systems, which offer unique perspectives and innovative solutions to contemporary challenges. Indigenous-led approaches to urban water management, for instance, promote sustainability and ecological regeneration. Moreover, Indigenous knowledge has contributed significantly to Western pharmaceutical products, with around 40% of drugs today drawing from traditional knowledge, including aspirin and childhood cancer treatments.

Australia's scientific endeavours are supported by organisations such as the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and Science & Technology Australia (STA). CSIRO, as the national science agency, addresses challenges through innovative science and technology, while STA represents the interests of over 235,000 scientists and technologists, promoting diversity and inclusion in the field. The Australian Academy of Science also plays a crucial role in strengthening the country's research capabilities and securing world-class researchers.

In conclusion, Australia's strength in science lies in its diverse research capabilities, indigenous knowledge systems, and the contributions of its skilled workforce. The country's scientific advancements have had global impacts and continue to shape various disciplines, positioning Australia as a significant contributor to the global scientific endeavour.

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Digger units and their bonuses

Digger units are a great replacement for Infantry, with bonuses that allow Australia to take an active role in global conflicts in the Modern Era and beyond. Digger units receive a +15 Combat Strength bonus when on a coastal tile outside their home territory. This bonus allows them to reinforce Australia's naval forces and spearhead assaults on enemy cities located along or near the coast. Diggers also provide a strong defence against land-based assaults on Australia's cities, which are often located on coastal tiles to take advantage of the Housing bonus.

One of the most significant advantages of Digger units is that they do not require oil to be built, unlike Infantry units. This means that Diggers can be unlocked much faster than Infantry, as oil is not unlocked until Refining, and by then, players are only one tech away from Tanks, which are faster and stronger units. This makes Digger units a powerful option for Australia, especially when combined with their other bonuses and advantages.

The bonus combat strength of Digger units when attacking a unit on a coastal tile or outside Australian territory is another key advantage. This bonus applies regardless of the Digger unit's location, making them effective in both offensive and defensive scenarios. This bonus is particularly useful for Australia, as their cities are often located on the coast, providing a strong defensive position.

Digger units are most effective when utilised in conjunction with Australia's other bonuses and advantages. For example, Australia tends to have an abundance of coastal cities, encouraging the development of a strong navy for defence and offence. Additionally, Australia's leader ability under John Curtin can provide significant production bonuses when the civilisation is the target of a declaration of war or liberates another player's city. These bonuses can be leveraged to support the effectiveness of Digger units in conflicts.

Overall, Digger units are a powerful tool for Australia, providing bonuses that enable them to take an active role in global conflicts. Their combat strength bonus, lack of oil requirement, and effectiveness in coastal battles make them a valuable asset for both offensive and defensive strategies. By leveraging Digger units in combination with Australia's other advantages, players can pursue a variety of victory conditions, including Domination and Diplomatic victories.

A Costly Comparison: Australia vs India

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Liberating cities for production bonuses

Liberating cities is a key strategy when playing as Australia in Civilization VI. The Australian leader, John Curtin, has a leader ability that rewards players for acting as the world's police force and taking a reactive rather than proactive approach. By signing Defensive Pacts and liberating cities and city-states, players can gain extra Production at crucial moments. This strategy can be particularly effective when pursuing a Diplomatic Victory, as liberating cities can generate diplomatic favour and allow players to become suzerain over captured city-states.

To maximise the benefits of liberating cities, players should aim to bait opponents into declaring war by appearing weak and defenceless. This can be achieved by keeping a small military force and gifting open borders to opponents, inviting their troops inside your borders. Denouncing opponents can also increase the likelihood of them declaring war. Once war is declared, players can counterattack, capture a city, and then wait for it to revolt before liberating it. This process can be repeated multiple times, allowing players to accumulate production bonuses.

Another tactic is to liberate city-states that have been conquered by other civilisations. The AI tends to target vulnerable city-states, and by using the levy mechanic, players can leave city-states exposed and then step in to liberate them when they come under attack. This approach can be especially effective with city-states located nearby, as it allows for a quick response to any incursions.

Liberating cities can also help players acquire resources and boost their economy. By pillaging gold and science from opponents during warfare, players can gain additional resources to invest in their infrastructure and development. Additionally, the production bonuses gained from liberating cities can be utilised for space projects, meeting the requirements of eurekas, and other scientific advancements.

Overall, the ability to liberate cities and gain production bonuses is a significant advantage for Australia in Civilization VI. By employing strategic tactics and taking advantage of John Curtin's leader ability, players can accumulate diplomatic favour, strengthen their economy, and gain an edge over their opponents.

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Coastal cities and their advantages

Australia has over 21,100 miles (34,000 km) of coastline, and most of its population lives close to the ocean. The country's coastal cities offer a range of advantages and attractions, from pristine beaches and surfing spots to cultural hubs and economic opportunities.

One of the key advantages of coastal cities in Australia is their favourable geographical features. The coastal plains are flat and suitable for development, providing areas for agriculture and settlement. The eastern and southeastern regions generally receive more rainfall, creating better conditions for growing crops and sustaining larger populations. The coastal areas also offer access to important trade routes, with cities like Sydney and Melbourne developing near natural resources and ports.

Coastal cities in Australia provide a range of lifestyle options, from bustling urban centres to remote beach towns. For example, Newcastle, a city in New South Wales, boasts the largest coal port in the world and has transformed into a vibrant cultural hub. It offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and iconic surf beaches such as Merewether and Nobbys. Port Macquarie, also in New South Wales, blends history and pristine beaches, with the Tacking Point Lighthouse offering a vantage point for whale watching.

The Gold Coast, located on the east coast of Australia, is known for its pristine beaches and great surf breaks. It caters to diverse lifestyles, from young professionals and families to retirees and thrill-seekers. Byron Bay, on the easternmost tip of Australia, is a haven for surfers and nature lovers, offering a laid-back atmosphere and stunning beaches.

Western Australia also boasts coastal gems such as Geraldton, a laid-back city with attractions like the HMAS Sydney II Memorial and St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. Perth, the sunniest capital city in Australia, blends urban splendour and natural beauty, with Kings Park and Botanic Garden showcasing the diversity of the country's flora.

In conclusion, Australia's coastal cities offer a range of advantages, including favourable geographical features, economic opportunities, and a variety of lifestyles. These cities provide access to pristine beaches, surfing spots, cultural attractions, and natural wonders, making them desirable destinations for residents and tourists alike.

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Strategies for dominating with Australia

Encourage War Declarations

Australia's leader ability, led by John Curtin, rewards the civilization when they are the target of war declarations or when they liberate cities. This ability, combined with a strong defensive pact, can provide significant production bonuses at crucial moments in the game. To encourage war declarations, players can try to appear weak by having a small military and gifting open borders to potential enemies. Denouncing other civilizations can also increase the likelihood of them declaring war.

Liberate Cities

Liberating cities is a powerful strategy for Australia, as it generates diplomatic favour and provides a substantial production bonus. This bonus can be exploited multiple times by liberating the same city-state repeatedly, as the AI tends to declare war on vulnerable city-states. Liberating cities can also be a path to a diplomatic victory, as it helps gain influence over captured city-states.

Utilize Diggers

Diggers are a unique unit that replaces Infantry and provides Australia with a significant advantage in global conflicts. Diggers have a +15 Combat Strength bonus on coastal tiles outside their home territory, making them excellent for reinforcing naval assaults or defending against land-based attacks. Additionally, Diggers do not require oil, allowing Australia to unlock them faster than regular Infantry. A well-timed Digger rush can be pivotal in achieving a domination victory.

Focus on Science and Culture

Australia has strong science and culture potential due to their adjacency bonuses from mountains and reefs. Campuses and Holy Sites can benefit from these bonuses, providing powerful science and faith outputs. This advantage can be further enhanced by improving the appeal of surrounding tiles, such as leaving forests (+1 appeal) and avoiding mines (-1 appeal). Australia's coastal cities also provide housing, encouraging the development of a strong navy for defence and offence.

Manage Amenities

Australia's focus on coastal cities can result in a long, sprawling empire that struggles to utilize area-of-effect amenity buildings effectively. To counter this, players should consider extensive trading with other civilizations or establishing small colonies on new continents to access unique luxury resources.

Frequently asked questions

The Australian Civ has a strong science output and good production, making them ideal for scientific victories. They also have a huge production bonus, which is great for building wonders. Australia also has a strong navy, which they can use for defence or offence.

The Australian Civ tends to have a lot of coastal cities, which can create a long, snaky empire that can't use area-of-effect amenity buildings effectively. They can also have trouble keeping up production in peacetime.

A good strategy is to make use of the +100% production bonus. Try to let your enemy declare war on you first, then counterattack and liberate cities for diplomatic favour.

When playing against Australia, it's best to either contain them and force them to attack you, or attack them in one fell swoop as they have no direct advantage in combat. Spies can also be effective against their strong science output.

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