Civilization – What are the ways of improving water tiles

civilization-5

I'm going to play an archipelago map. The problem is that water tiles seem so useless in Civ 5. They only give one food and one gold. The only two things I recall that can help to improve them is lighthouse for additional food and a colossus for gold, but the latter sadly just works for that one city.

Are there any other ways improving water tiles, or shall I go more for the specialist economy?

Best Answer

  • Tile Improvements: Work boats can be used to develop special resource tiles on water (like fish, whale, and oil).
  • Wonders: As mentioned, the Colossus of Rhodes increases commerce.
  • Social Policies: Merchant Navy (Commerce) helps somewhat indirectly, by giving +3 production in coastal cities.
  • Buildings: As mentioned in the question, the Seaport and Lighthouse improve output of water tiles.
  • Technologies: I believe as you get higher technologies, the output of water tiles will be improved as well. EDIT: I think I was mistaken about this (unfortunately can't load the game up at work).
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