Do you think you understand corruption (pre-C3C)?

[SlightOFMind]

Im sure this has been touched on a number of times, but what is the optimal number of cities? I'm sure there's a formula for it! How bad are the effects when you first go over the optimal amount, and does the amount compound as you go over more and more or does it stay the same? I find myself asking whats the use in even conquering sometimes unless resources are for capture. Corruption makes these cities virtually unusable and then take up research time and/or gold to build an able defense for many of these cities. IT's got to be the most frusterating feature in the game, much worse then pollution!

 

[Fried Egg]

I imagine that it probably depends on your civ traits, your government type, the city placement you use, etc...

 

[jeffelammar]

The Base Value for OCN can be found in the Map Editor. Open it up, select "use custom rules" and then go to the world settings.
By default it is (I think)

Tiny 14
Small 17
Standard 20
Large 28
Huge 36

Your OCN is lowered at higher difficulty levels (the multiplier is also in the Map Editor)
100% at Chieftan down to 50% at Sid.

As a note. All cities can be useful (especially in C3C), but can require a lot of MM. All those corrupt cities can hire specialists. Specialists can make a big difference. I have seen games where people were researching IA techs in 4 turns using just Scientists in highly corrupt cities.

 

[Roland Johansen]

Note that the number of efficient cities is increased significantly by certain buildings (courthouse, police station) and certain small wonders (Secret Police Station and Forbidden Palace). So you can build far more efficient cities than the OCN would suggest. See the first post of this thread for more details.

 

[jeffelammar]

It occurs to me that it would reduce confusion if a Moderator were to update the first post of this thread to mention that this is specific to Vanilla/PTW and to include a link to c3c version.

 

[AlanH]

@jeffelammar: Done. I've adjusted the title as well.