Napoleon (Emperor) – Strategy and guide

Intro

Napoleon Bonaparte, often remembered as one of history’s most influential leaders, makes a powerful appearance in Civilization VII as the Emperor of the French. Born in Corsica, he rose rapidly through the military ranks thanks to his daring strategies and reformist mindset. In this guide, we’ll explore how this Emperor Persona of Napoleon can shape your gameplay, highlighting the best ways to harness his unique diplomatic and economic strengths.

Napoleon’s Emperor Persona can only be obtained by linking a free 2K Account to the same platform account that’s been used to play both Sid Meier’s Civilization VI and Sid Meier’s Civilization VII. Napoleon also has another persona called Napoleon (Revolutionary).

Strategy

If you enjoy strategic warfare and economic prowess, Napoleon, Emperor is an excellent fit. His unique traits can push you toward aggressive expansion while still letting you maintain a robust economy. Here are some suggestions for making the most of his kit:

• Diplomatic Tension: His signature ability punishes rivals by reducing their Trade Route capacity. This can disrupt their income and hamper their expansion. If you’re someone who likes to keep your neighbors on the back foot, you’ll find this feature invaluable.
• Target Unfriendly Civs: Napoleon gains additional Gold for every civilization he’s Unfriendly or Hostile with. Actively manage these relationships, pushing them just enough to move into the Unfriendly tier without necessarily sparking all-out war—unless you’re fully prepared for battle.
• Steady Economic Base: Even though Napoleon encourages an offensive approach, neglecting your own economic foundation can leave you vulnerable. Focus on building a solid infrastructure with Markets, Banks, and Trade Routes that bolster your Gold output.
• Military Momentum: Pair his extra Gold with a capable military. Upgrade your units promptly to maintain a cutting-edge army, and don’t be afraid to launch opportunistic strikes on weakened foes.
• International Relations: While his personality might nudge you toward conflict, keep an eye on alliances with civs that share your strategic goals. This balancing act between warfare and friendship keeps your empire influential in multiple spheres.

Lines

Napoleon in Civilization VII exudes confidence and ambition. While the exact voice lines might vary slightly from game to game, you can expect gems like:

• “I am Napoleon, and I am here to decide the fate of the world.” – A bold introduction that signals his larger-than-life persona.
• “The bullet that will kill me is not yet cast.” – Demonstrates his fearless approach to warfare and life.
• “Exile. I shall write my memoirs. Work is the scythe of time.” – A parting shot if Napoleon meets defeat on the battlefield.

These quotes capture the essence of a leader who sees destiny as something to be seized, not merely accepted.

Civilopedia Entry

Historically, Napoleon’s ascent mirrored the volatility of Revolutionary France, blending fervent idealism with an appetite for control. After supporting the Revolution’s goals, he capitalized on the ensuing chaos to secure power. As Emperor, he enacted sweeping reforms, modernizing the legal and administrative frameworks of France. Simultaneously, he fought near-constant wars across Europe to expand or defend his empire.

His crowning achievement was the introduction of the Napoleonic Code, a legal system that influenced modern law worldwide. Yet, his grandest campaigns—especially the fateful invasion of Russia—eventually led to his downfall. Even so, Napoleon’s mix of ambition, innovation, and adaptability cements him as a figure who’s endlessly fascinating, both in the pages of history books and on the map of Civilization VII.

Unique Ability: Empereur des Français

Napoleon’s Emperor Persona hinges on Empereur des Français, his signature trait that grants:

• Sanctioning Foes: A unique diplomatic action that reduces the Trade Route capacity of a target civilization and triggers significant Grievances against you. This allows you to disrupt your adversaries’ commerce, especially if they’re reliant on external trade.
• Gold Per Age from Hostility: You gain extra Gold each era for every civilization with whom you share an Unfriendly or Hostile relationship. Properly managed, this can funnel valuable resources into your empire’s coffers.

It’s a potent combination of economic sabotage and personal economic gain, making Napoleon exceptionally dangerous if you enjoy waging economic warfare and forging alliances on your terms.

Agendas

Napoleon’s core agenda, aptly named Napoleonic Code, is all about reflecting his historical emphasis on land-based military strength:

• Armies Over Navies: He increases his Relationship with players boasting the smallest standing army, perceiving them as less of a direct threat on land.
• Suspicion of Large Navies: He grows wary (and a bit envious) of players maintaining the largest navy, lowering his Relationship with them.

Understanding his agenda can help you anticipate how Napoleon might view you—especially if you’re building a maritime juggernaut. Playing to or against his preferences can sway him into friendship or open conflict.

Trivia

• Napoleon’s journey in the Civilization franchise spans multiple titles, but his appearance in Civilization VII marks a fresh take that highlights both his revolutionary and imperial eras.
• Despite being a polarizing historical figure, Napoleon’s reforms in law and administration proved enduring, influencing many legal systems worldwide.
• This persona captures Napoleon specifically as Emperor, a reflection of his rule from 1804 to 1815.
• He first led France in earlier Civilization games, occasionally taking a break when other leaders like Louis XIV or Joan of Arc took the forefront.

TL;DR

Napoleon, Emperor is a dynamic leader in Civilization VII who blends disruptive diplomacy with robust economic gains from hostilities. Whether you choose to embrace his thirst for expansion or carefully tread the middle ground, Napoleon’s ability to manipulate trade networks and foster gold from friction can push your civilization toward dominance. Keep a watchful eye on your own military strength—both land and naval—if you don’t want to end up in his crosshairs.