LogFAQs > #939276857

Also, if you want a really basic strategy, do this:
1) Start with a scout, then a settler. (Build a second military unit first if you're playing above warlord.) In your subsequent cities, start with a monument, a worker, and then a slinger/archer.
2) Research the techs that you have a boost for, or that you know you will never get the boost for. Same with civics, except prioritize getting the one in the middle at the beginning that unlocks the early governments.
3) Set your initial cards to +strength to barbarians and +1 faith in capital. As soon as you get a pantheon, immediately switch off that to +1 production in all cities and keep that as long as you can.
4) Only build districts if you have an immediate bonus for them, until you learn what they do better.
5) Focus on expansion and building up. Don't play a warmongering game until you learn the mechanics. Wars are core to the general gameplay, but not to learning the mechanics. Just don't neglect having a military for defense.
6) Spend as much time early on exploring as you can. Grab goodie huts, learn where good city spots are, and also be prepared to beat down the barbs that spawn near you. Pay attention to the grunt notification that says a new camp spawned somewhere.

I'm also playing without any of the expansions/add-ons.

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