How to destroy an independent city-state in Civilization 7

Civilization 7 has several faction types, from civilization leaders to smaller city-states, that can help you throughout your playthrough. However, while some are friendly, others are immediately hostile. If you’re militaristic and have a strong army, destroying city-states has advantages.

How to destroy a city-state in Civilization 7 (Civ 7)

Destroying an independent city-state and removing it from the game requires attacking it until its defending units are gone. Once it’s defenseless, set one of your units onto it and press the X button labeled “Disperse Independent.” Doing this eliminates it from the game, rewarding you with culture and other perks alongside giviౠng you one less obstacle to fight against🧜.

Much like a regular civilization, you’ll need a couple of heavy-hitting military units to tackle a city-state, especially if they’re strong enough to have an army. More likely than not, you’ll need to take out some of their units before attacking their main base. Alternatively, you can befriend them if you have some spare influence.

How to befriend a hostile city-state in Civilization 7 (Civ 7)

If your current Civilization 7 save is geared more toward smaller armies and friendship-building, you can befriend independent city-states by spending 170 influence. When you select the city-state, a “Befriend Independent” option will appear with an influence price tag, which you can buy to slowly raise your friendship and become their Suzerain.

Becoming an independent city-state Suzerain has multiple benefits, from receiving small gifts to incorporating it into your civilization. Every interaction costs influence, and other civilizations can (and will) actively compete with you to befriend them quicker so they can receive the friendship’s benefits. Converting them to your side will help solve this, as does destroying them permanently. As a bonus, becoming Suzerain of city-states will help you unlock more civilizations.