What does power mean?

[lmaybury]

I'm confused by the concept of power in Civ 4. I've not been doing well on the graphs that follow the game (i.e. power, culture, etc) , and my power is always rated as lower than the other civs power. What does it mean and how can it be stronger?

Can anyone help?

 

[HawkeyeGS]

I am pretty sure the main factor towards 'power' is the amount of military units you control and how far advanced they are. Other areas such as culture and tech may contribute but I would say military strength is power pretty much. To increase power I would try build up your army, research any military techs that you can and upgrade your existing units if you have the cash. Hope that helps.
Hawkeye

 

[garner_adam]

I'm nearly certain it's the primary factor that aggresive nations consider when contemplating war. So keep your power rating high with a large number of troops (keep 'em current too!)

 

[lmaybury]

Thanks for the suggestions. Does it cost me if I maintain military units that I'm not using? I don't want the aggressive nations to go after me, but I want to pursue a cultural victory.

 

[Gen.Rommel]

You just need to make sure you have enough units defending your cities to prevent them from being taken over, especially if you want to pursue a culture win. Always helps to have them city defence promoted, and have no less than 4 in each city, although more would be preferable. If you want to have an active defence then have some mounted units, or tanks if you have them stationed in the cities to conduct counter-attacks on units attacking your city. Having ample military units is usually the best counter to aggressive civs, i guess it deters them. Of course, military units are going to cost you, but the cost doesnt have a major effect on the game.

 

[HawkeyeGS]

As far as the cost for military units goes it is a lot less than in previous civ games. You pay a small fee per turn you have for each unit. You do get a certain number of 'free units' which don't cost you anything. You can increase the aount of free units by choosing the expensive and otherwise pathetic Vasselage civic. If you choose to be a pacifist in riligious civics each unit costs one gold extra. After the unit cost fee there is an additional and more expenisve unit supply fee for each unit that is currently in in neutral or enemy territory.

To have a look at exactly how much you are spending on units check the financial advisor. Make sure you move the mouse over each bit of text for additional info.

Hawkeye

 

[Blazer6]

Having a huge early navy will do little for your power. Nothing would harm my islands but I would be very low on the graph.

 

[Duke Allan]

I think power might be a bit more based as to your ability to build units rather than how many you already have. In my latest game I have some pretty industrialised cities, they could make the latest unit in 2-4 turns. But my standing army is only enough to defend my cities, yet I'm Number 1 Power.

 

[allnamestaken12]

Power basically means military ability, potential and existant. For a cultural victory you probably will need to cut off the tech development at some point. Hence the Russians and English are some of the best civs for culture, as they have impressive units in the era you should switch off the techs. Cultural victories tend to mean that you need to abandon your military at some point, so watch out for warmongers!