First of all, there is no more any summary of relationships that was sometimes very helpful. We cannot see if and why we gain or lose the approval of other rulers. It was replaced by temporary and intentional declarations of friendship or hostility. What is the effect? This time, the relationship with the opponents seems to be much more fluid and flexible. Less frequently, there are situations that, from the very beginning of the game blocks of countries that cooperate among themselves only are formed. Sometimes, old enemies are able to unite against greater enemy and collaborate with each other.
Rulers are also more active. They react not only to building a city near their borders, but also to the movements of troops. So if we are planning an invasion, let's keep armies quite far from the border, because otherwise we can provoke the appropriate reaction of the other side. And when we declare war, we have to be careful not to be too aggressive. Annihilation of one civilization is already a huge shock to our rivals and if our conquest would be too rapid, we can expect a desperate war of all against us.
