Civilization 7 Brings Back a Diplomatic Behemoth From Civ 5

The separation of civs and leaders in Civilization 7 has allowed for some new or rarely seen civs to make it into the final roster, and we've now learned Siam will return as a Modern Age option in Civ 7. Built to pursue a diplomatic victory when last seen in the franchise, Siam looks poised to take full advantage of the development of Civ 7's new independent powers system. For players looking to utilize City-State relationships to their fullest, Siam could be the perfect pick when Civilization 7 reaches the Modern Age.

Siam will be a City-State powerhouse in Civ 7

With the final civs being revealed as Civilization 7 draws closer to a release date, one Modern Age option looks poised to be one of the strongest diplomatic options available. One big shift in Civ 7 was the removal of barbarians, as the series finally shifted away from representing indigenous cultures in such a problematic way and will instead introduce Independent Powers.

Functioning similar to how the DLC-added Barbarian Clans operated in Civilization 6, the new Independent Powers can be targeted or allied with in Civ 7. As players build those relationships, each one has the potential to become a fully fledged City-State. Like in previous games, becoming Suzerain of a City-State will provide unique bonuses including access to their resources.

If players choose to take Siam in the Modern Age, they'll see some huge boosts to building those relationships. Siam's unique ability "Itsaraphab" will grant a unique Diplomatic Action to immediately become Suzerain of a City-State, though it will come at a higher Diplomacy Cost than the Befriending Independents action.

Civic Trees for Siam give access to bonus culture and influence for relationships above friendly status, and additional influence for Diplomatic Actions with City-States. Siam also gains access to a unique Great Person Unit called the Uparat. These represent the Phra Maha Upparat, roughly translated to viceroy, a title in Siam that many significant figures held. Siam can gain each of the following Uparat units once with increased cost for each subsequent unit:

• Chakrabongse: Activated on a Palace to immediately receive a set amount of Influence.
• Itsarasunthon: Activated on a City's District to immediately trigger a Celebration.
• Phibun: Activated in a City's District to give the City increased Production for every allied City-State.
• Pinklao: Activated in a City's District to give it increased Culture for every allied City-State.
• Pridi: Activated in a City's District to give the City increased Influence for every allied City-State.
• Dara Rasmi: Activated on an allied City-State to turn it into a Town under your control.
• Sakdiphonlasep: Activated on a Tropical tile to grant a set number of Chang Beun Unique Ranged Units with increased Combat Strength.
• Senanurak: Activated on a Commander Unit, providing increased Combat Strength to units in its Command Radius for every allied City-State.
• Vajravudh: Activated on a City's District to give it increased Science for every allied City-State.
• Wichaichan: Activated on an Independent Power. This Independent Power becomes a City-State with you as Suzerain.

Not unlike their other bonuses, the Uparat units are almost exclusively linked to City-States. They can provide bonuses including production, culture, and influence. One has the power to immediately turn an Independent Power into a City-State you're Suzerain of, and another will even turn an allied City-State into a town under your own civilization's control. For any victory type, this could provide a huge way for players to shift the tide as Civilization 7 enters the Modern Age.