Part 8

Explore Civilization IV's terrain types in Part 8 of our guide. Learn about Ice, Marsh, Ocean, Plains, River, Tundra, Forest, Jungle, and Light Forest.

This section details various terrain types and their associated resources and effects in Civilization IV.

Ice

Provides +2 Fur. Improvements take +50% time to build. This is land ice, distinct from sea ice, and is more common in northern regions, suitable for fur colonies.

Marsh

Provides +2 Food and +3 Sugar. Improvements take +25% time to build. Useful for Rum production if a Sugar bonus is present, though it yields less food than Plains or Grassland.

Ocean

Cannot build settlements here. This is the water where units travel to and from Europe. It should not typically be seen within colonies.

Plains

Provides +3 Food and +3 Cotton. A classic tradeoff; can be used for food surplus or cotton production, especially useful if affected by the Liberty Bell disadvantage.

River

Provides +2 to ANY Resource. Rivers are highly beneficial, adding +2 to any resource gathered on the tile, such as Silver from Mountains or Food from farmland. Recommended for economic boosts.

Tundra

Provides +2 Food and +2 Fur. Found in northern areas, useful for both fur and food production.

Forest

Yields -2 Food, +6 Lumber, -2 Cotton, +3 Fur, -3 Sugar, -2 Tobacco. Movement Cost is -2, and defending units gain +50% Strength. Good for lumber and fur, but should be cleared for crop farming.

Ice (Impassable)

This type of Ice is impassable and found near the poles. It is not very useful and typically found in areas players shouldn't need to explore.

Jungle

Yields +4 Lumber, -2 Sugar, -2 Cotton, -2 Tobacco. Movement Cost is -2, and defending units gain +50% Strength. Unlike in some other games, it does not cause a food disadvantage and may contain Bananas.

Light Forest

Yields -1 Food, +2 Lumber, -1 Cotton, +2 Fur, -1 Tobacco. Movement Cost is -2, and defending units gain +25% Strength. Offers less lumber than a full forest but provides a fur bonus. Can be cleared for resource production.

Cigars

Manufactured from Tobacco. Tobacconist's House: 3 Cigars/Citizen. Tobacconist's Shop: 6 Cigars/Citizen. Cigar Factory: 6 Cigars/Citizen and +50% Cigar Production. Cigars sell for a stable, high price in Europe, generally higher than other manufactured goods.

Cloth

Manufactured from Cotton. Weaver's House: 3 Cloth/Citizen. Weaver's Shop: 6 Cloth/Citizen. Textile Mill: 6 Cloth/Citizen and +50% Cloth Production. Cloth sells in the low teens but is prone to price drops with excess supply. Cigar production is generally more profitable.