Friedrich, Oblique – Guide and Strategy

Intro

Friedrich the Great might seem like an unusual combination of military might and cultural sophistication, yet in Civilization VII, he embodies precisely those dual qualities. Despite his early fascination with art, philosophy, and refined court life, Friedrich blossomed into a brilliant strategist upon ascending to the Prussian throne. His leadership style blends patronage of the arts with the unflinching resolve of an “enlightened despot,” offering you a unique blend of scientific advancement and martial power as you guide Prussia to glory on the global stage.

Whether you’re a newcomer to turn-based strategy or a seasoned empire-builder, this persona of Friedrich — called Friedrich, Oblique—presents an intriguing mix of bonuses and challenges. His other persona is Friedrich, Baroque. He rewards players who balance cultural pursuits with aggressive expansions, letting you field advanced armies while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of scientific research. Below, we’ll explore everything you need to know about using Friedrich effectively, from his signature abilities to his diplomatic quirks.

Strategy

As the Prussian leader, Friedrich excels at marrying militaristic plans with intellectual pursuits. He fosters a steady stream of Infantry Units whenever you construct Science Buildings, reinforcing his dual focus on might and knowledge. If you’re new to the series, you’ll appreciate how straightforward it is to leverage these strengths. If you’re a veteran, you can refine your playstyle by combining his innate aggression with a scientific edge that sets you apart in competitive matches.

• Early Momentum: Friedrich’s Berlin Academy trait offers an Infantry Unit each time you build a Science Building. This early momentum can help you secure contested resources or intimidate weaker neighbors. Begin by prioritizing Campuses (or their Prussian equivalents) in your key cities; you’ll both ramp up your research and get free military support.
• Protecting Your Edge: High-level or veteran players can synchronize the constant flow of Infantry Units with an aggressive expansion strategy. Keep your war machine up to date by rotating older troops out (or using them as garrisons) and sending new recruits to the front lines. This ensures Prussia stays formidable, whether you’re defending or pushing into enemy territory.
• Mixed Victory Paths: Because you’re generating strong military forces and boosting research, you can pursue multiple victory types. Domination is straightforward—just keep building your army and out-teching the competition. Alternatively, a Scientific Victory is entirely feasible since the additional units protect your empire while you chase more advanced research.
• Diplomatic Nuance: Beware that Friedrich’s To Arms! Agenda makes him less friendly to civs that neglect their military. This can play to your advantage in multiplayer by identifying which rival has the smallest army, exploiting friction, or forging alliances with those who also value a strong force.
• Leveraging the Merit Commendation: The extra Command Radius provided to Army Commanders encourages you to keep your armies tight-knit, maximizing support bonuses. Place ranged or support units near your commanding officer to sustain momentum in combat.

Overall, balancing your investment in scientific infrastructure with the upkeep of a robust army is key to Friedrich’s gameplay. Develop your cities’ scientific output early on, defend them with newly spawned Infantry Units, and you’ll be ready to pivot toward an aggressive expansion or a swift tech rush at a moment’s notice.

Lines

Friedrich’s voice lines bring his blend of cultured poise and martial confidence to life. These quotes below offer insight into his character and how he responds to triumphs or provocations on the world stage:

• Greeting: “Friedrich II, pleased to meet you. I am an angel in the salon, but a demon on the battlefield.”
• Attacked: “To war, then! You rogues! Would you live forever?”
• Declares War: “I have been in the theater too long, and hunger for the sound of cannon.”
• Accepts Player’s Deal: “Bien sur, this is a rational offer!”
• Rejects Player’s Deal: “A ridiculous offer. Send one better, or not at all!”
• Defeated: “And my critics said that my poetry would be my downfall!”

Civilopedia Entry

The origins of Prussia trace back to a region on the periphery of the Holy Roman Empire. Forged by the demands of self-preservation, Prussia’s militaristic character grew from a patchwork of Teutonic, Hanseatic, and Polish influences. By the 18th century, it emerged as a formidable power capable of challenging major European states. Enter Friedrich II, or “Friedrich the Great,” whose reign ushered in an era of expanded borders and advanced military theory, counterbalanced by a keen passion for the arts.

Despite being raised under the stern and austere rule of Friedrich William, the young Friedrich developed a love for art, music, and the French language. Personal conflicts in his youth—culminating in tragic incidents like the execution of close confidant Hans Hermann von Katte—did not prevent him from becoming an adept strategist. Upon taking the throne, he aggressively expanded Prussia’s frontiers, capturing valuable regions like Silesia, all while maintaining a court that prized literature, architecture, and philosophy.

Friedrich’s contradictory nature is exactly what makes him a compelling leader in Civilization VII. He wields a formidable army fueled by scientific progress, all the while delighting in intellectual pursuits. Between daring battlefield maneuvers and enlightened patronage of the arts, he stands out as a leader for players who appreciate both militaristic dominance and cultural sophistication.

Unique Ability: Friedrich, Oblique

Friedrich’s unique ability in Civ VII is called Berlin Academy. It grants the following benefits:

• Merit Commendation: Army Commanders start with an extended Command Radius, letting them support more units effectively in combat.
• Infantry Bonuses: Every time you complete a Science Building, you gain an Infantry Unit. This seamless combination of research and troop production is a signature hallmark of Prussian gameplay.

In practical terms, Berlin Academy grants you the flexibility to fight and research at the same time. Well-timed construction of Libraries, Universities, and other Science Buildings ensures a steady trickle of Infantry that can defend your cities or bolster a rapid offensive.

Agendas

If Friedrich is leading the Prussians in your world, watch out for his signature agenda, To Arms!:

• Decreased Relationship: Civilizations with the fewest Military Units on the map will face a medium penalty to diplomatic relations. This makes sense: Friedrich disdains those who rely on minimal armed forces.
• Increased Relationship: Civilizations boasting the largest militaries get a mild boost in friendship from Friedrich. If you’d rather ally than clash with him, keep your power rating healthy.

From a human player’s perspective, To Arms! rewards an aggressive buildup. If you’re competing against Friedrich, note that letting your military strength lag behind could mark you as a prime target.

Trivia

• German vs. Anglicized: He’s officially Friedrich in Civilization VII rather than the more commonly Anglicized “Frederick.”
• Oblique Tactics: The “Oblique” persona name pays homage to Prussia’s preference for innovative flank attacks. Historically, Prussian generals often used oblique maneuvers to outposition enemies.
• Courtly Contrasts: Although Friedrich was a fierce commander, he hosted leading French philosophers and musicians at his court, blending the brutality of war with the refinement of the arts.
• Scientific Support: The name Berlin Academy nods to Friedrich’s sponsorship of the Prussian Academy of Sciences, emphasizing his pursuit of knowledge alongside his warlike tendencies.

TL;DR

Looking for a leader in Civilization VII who balances scholarly pursuits with a strong military? Friedrich, Oblique is your perfect pick. Build Science Buildings to trigger free Infantry reinforcements, push your empire ahead technologically, and keep a potent army close at hand. Stay mindful of his To Arms! agenda—underestimate the need for troops at your own peril. In essence, Friedrich is a dynamic leader whose dual emphasis on intellect and might can guide beginners, intermediate strategists, and expert players to spectacular victories across the world.