Civilization V combat: melee, ranged units, cities and hex positioning
Understand the base game's one-combat-unit-per-hex positioning and city capture requirements.
Edition covered
Civilization V with its original base-game systems, including global happiness and the five-policy-branch cultural victory. Gods & Kings and Brave New World add religion, tourism and other changes that are excluded here. Publisher media shows the base PC game.
Leave room for the army
Combat units cannot freely stack on a single hex. Roads, terrain and narrow passages therefore affect deployment. Move front-line units first so support troops have a place to stand.
| Unit type | Job | Support |
|---|---|---|
| Melee infantry | Hold ground and capture cities | Ranged fire and healing time |
| Ranged unit | Damage from a distance | A protective front line |
| Siege unit | Attack fortified targets | Safe deployment and escort |
| Mobile unit | Flank or exploit openings | A clear route and suitable targets |
| Naval unit | Control sea routes | Coastal positioning and fleet support |
Protect ranged attacks
Ranged units can attack without entering ordinary melee, but become vulnerable when enemies reach them. Use terrain and a front line while checking range and line of sight.
| Check | Why it matters | Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Hex occupancy | Units can block one another | Move in a planned order |
| Terrain | Affects movement and defense | Use hills and defensible approaches |
| Ranged line of sight | Obstacles can prevent attacks | Reposition before committing |
| City capture unit | Ranged damage alone is insufficient | Protect a melee finisher |
| Retreat route | Damaged units need recovery | Leave an escape hex |
Capture with a melee-capable unit
Ranged attacks can reduce city defenses but do not complete an ordinary city capture. Keep a suitable melee unit alive and in position to enter after defenses fall.
Heal and rotate damaged units
A damaged unit does less useful work and can be lost permanently. Withdraw or fortify to heal where safe, then replace its position instead of forcing every unit to fight to destruction.
A damaged unit does less useful work and can be lost permanently. Withdraw or fortify to heal where safe, then replace its position instead of forcing every unit to fight to destruction.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Sid Meier's Civilization V publisher listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Firaxis Civilization V manual | store.steampowered.com |
| 2K digital manual support | support.civilization.com |