How to Get a Naturalist to Make a National Park
This is a special tile improvement in Civilization 6 obtainable in the Modern Era, created by a Naturalist unlocked from the Conservation civic. In the Gathering Storm DLC, a Canadian Mountier works as well, but the land works a little differently from some. National Parks can only be established on four connecting hexes that are on land; contain Natural Wonders, Mountains, or have an appeal of charming, at least; must be owned by 1 city (so it can’t cross with others); and HAS to be in the shape of a vertical diamond.
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If that’s not tricky enough, no tile can have an improvement or district (roads are fine), and the Naturalist must be able to stand on one of the titles. Many natural wonders and mountains are impassable, making this perhaps the most difficult. In short, players should opt for Wonders like the Patanal which is passable and fulfills other requirements. Players should be planning ahead for this and making an area well before the Modern Era to lock a National Park in. The massive bonus to Tourism and Amenities in Civilization 6 is well worth it, as it could raise Tourism by 8 to more than 24.
Civ 6 Tips and Tricks to Planning a National Park
Focus on Appeal-raising Districts like Holy Sites, Entertainment Complexes, and Theater Squares in lieu of Industrial Zones, etc. Keep where the National Park needs to go in mind at all times and avoid districts here at all costs. The Eiffel Tower and Great Engineers Alvar Aalto and Charles Correa are helpful in increasing tile appeal. Natural Wonder tiles are prime locations as they automatically count and raise the appeal of nearby tiles, making the establishment of National parks easier. Long, vertical mountain chains are helpful for National Parks, but make sure there’s a place the Naturalist can stand to make the park. Locations, if possible, on the outer edge of the city tiles are great if they qualify.
Civ 6 National Parks and Manipulating Terrain
Sometimes, despite all the planning, a Naturalist won’t be able to make the National Park as planned. Luckily, there’s a few ways to lock this in. Purchasing tiles in Civ 6 and manipulating the terrain are all good ways to do so. Look ahead of time for mountain ranges, natural wonders, and coastal region areas and identify as early as possible. Don’t forget the passable tile, however, and use builders to improve appeal.
To obtain the minimum appeal of charming, remove existing features that diminish the area such as rainforests and marshes, and plant woods that give +1 appeal to nearby tiles around the area. Placing woods on all four titles raises the appeal by 4, and in Civ 6’s Rise and Fall, the City Park improvement also adds a +2 to areas right next to it (do not place in the National Park, as unlike woods, it will block creation. Buying tiles that are on the outskirts can also help plans easily establish a National Park.
Civilization 6 is available for iOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
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