Need Sea Route to Trade!

Imran Siddiqui · November 2, 2001, 22:31

To trade, you need a route from your capital to another. I'm on an island, and thus need a sea route. I have harbors in my cities, but I still can't trade for resources or luxuries. What do I have to do?

Civ Dave · November 2, 2001, 22:32

build harbours and discover magnetism

Imran Siddiqui · November 2, 2001, 22:33

Actually, just saw all I need is Astronomy!

Damn... that is what I get

.

saracen31 · November 2, 2001, 23:47

Imran. this is the way it really works:

2 cities with harbors can trade with each other, Astronomy or not. The problem is two-fold though.

Until Astronomy, you can't trade with anyone who has sea squares between you & him.

Until Navigation or Magnetism (I think) you can't trade with anyone who has ocean squares between you & him.

So if you're on an island, chances are you still won't be able to trade early with someone else. Not if you're separated by an ocean.

The other part of the problem is that the AI doesn't always decide to build harbors in its cities till late. Therefore you might be stuck with your own harbor & no other harbor to trade with.

Jonny · November 3, 2001, 00:17

Quote:

Originally posted by saracen31
The other part of the problem is that the AI doesn't always decide to build harbors in its cities till late. Therefore you might be stuck with your own harbor & no other harbor to trade with.

I find it interesting that you say this because in my game the AI civs built at least one harbor fairly early on. Which was good in that game because I lacked iron, coal, saltpeter, and rubber.

(Yes, I had a weak middle game in that game.)