Which is the best leader trait?

[amicus curiae]

Assuming you are starting a standard size random map game and instead of choosing a leader you only get to pick one trait. What would it be? In other words, don't take into account unique units or the specific leaders themselves. You just get one trait.

[Cordelayne]

I think the best trait is Philosophical, by far, and the second best trait is Industrious. The game does not come with a civ with that combination, which is why I created Scotland.

[Dis]

isn't that cheating . that is a very powrful combo.

But yeah, those do seem to be the best 2 traits.

[Krill]

C'mon, the Scots need all the help they can get

[amicus curiae]

I would take financial over either of those. The reason being that financial will be a huge benefit no matter what strategy you play with in a particular game. And in many cases, you don't really know what your strategy will be when the game starts. If you know that you will be going for a lot of wonders (or if you always play the same way) then industrious is good.

I suppose that philosophical will benefit any play style as well, but it is especially useful if you can afford to have a lot of specialists in your cities in a particular game. Financial will always provide benefit to pretty much every city in your empire. And the benefit is pretty large.

[Cordelayne]

I agree with amicus that Financial is a strong trait. I think I'd rate that #3. The English, with Philosophical and Financial, are always very strong.

But I do tend to play the same way every time. I like to play on islands, with a strong navy, skimpy melee defenses, and several wonder-building cities. So Phi/Ind works best for me.

I really wish the interface would let you tweak the leader tweaks from the game setup screen. It would be fun to play around with odd combinations. As it is, it's possible to set up a new civ, but it's really a pain in the neck (unlike changing game speed details, which is very easy).

[Aileron]

Originally posted by Cordelayne
I really wish the interface would let you tweak the leader tweaks from the game setup screen. It would be fun to play around with odd combinations. As it is, it's possible to set up a new civ, but it's really a pain in the neck (unlike changing game speed details, which is very easy).

Custom game should let you pick your head, pick 2 traits, and pick 1 special unit. That way you could make any civ that you wanted.

[amicus curiae]

Originally posted by Aileron


Custom game should let you pick your head, pick 2 traits, and pick 1 special unit. That way you could make any civ that you wanted.

If that were the case you would only ever play with a few units and traits.

[Cordelayne]

amicus is right. That's why in Civ3 I always played the Carthaginians, although I'd feel guilty about it and start other civs for awhile from time to time. Seafaring and Industrious was an overwhelming combination.

[MattPilot]

I prefer creative over financial. But both of these are my 2 favorite traits, thats why i play as the russians (cathy) . Also its UU stays around a long time during the prime of the game.

If i'm not playing a "peaceful" game, i prefer aggressive and creative. The mongols are the only ones with those traits, and their UU is also a real kicker which comes at just the right time in the game to fight over the prime city spots.


.... according to the poll ATM, creative & financial are the 2 leading traits.

[Son of David]

I voted creative because I think having all cities generate two free culture points is a pretty sure way to lay claim to some serious 'Lebensraum' in the early game.

[WarriorPoet]

Philosophical is a great trait, but it requires a builder strategy. I admit that I spent allot of time playing the Arabs...and then I got tired of trying to grab all the religiouns...grab all of the wonders...and leaving myself wide open!

All it takes is a couple AI with a better start than you, and you lose out on some of the crucial early wonders and you've waisted all of that time building or failing to build wonders...and then you find yourself invaded...

This is especially true on harder levels.

My favorite combo is Industrious and Financial, but I like any civ with the financial trait.

[Shogun Gunner]

I like financial. It's well balanced in the sense that you can use cash for a lot of things... peace, war, suing for peace, more war...

Seriously, strong economy cures a lot of woes.

[Blake]

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say Organized. It's really grown on me.
Hmmm, I think this limb is a bit unstable... ack!

[Blake]

Kind of odd how how Banana is beating Organized and Expansive, and tied with Agressive (what? no-one love agressive?).

Someone go mod in the Banana trait NOW. It makes your capital start with 1 Banana's and your people get +1 happy and +1 health for EVERY banana resource you have. Horde the Banana's!
edit: I'm going to do this. If I can work out how.