How to Attack with an Army in Civilization 7 | Civ 7 Guide
Image Credits: Firaxis Games, Civilization 7 (Civ 7)
So, you’ve built up a mighty army, ready to storm enemy cities and crush all who stand before you, only to realize your soldiers are standing around looking confused.
If you’re wondering why your army won’t attack, don’t worry—here’s a quick guide on how you can attack with an army in Civ 7.
Step 1: Unpack Your Army Before Attacking
Here’s the biggest thing throwing people off: Units cannot attack while they are packed inside an Army.
Yes, you read that right. If your units are bundled together under an Army Commander, they won’t lift a finger in combat. Think of it like trying to fight while wearing a giant sleeping bag. Cozy, but ineffective.
How to Unpack Units from an Army:
Select Your Army – Click on the stack of soldiers that are currently refusing to fight.
Unpack the Units – There should be an option to separate them from the Army Commander.
Wait a Turn (Unless You’re Aggressive) – Unpacking takes a full turn unless your commander has the Aggressive Perk, which lets your units immediately fight.
Now that your troops are free, they can finally do what armies do best—fight.
Step 2: Make Sure You’re in Range
If you’re trying to attack but still can’t, check these common issues:
Melee units need to be next to the enemy – You can’t expect a swordsman to start swinging from three tiles away. Move them adjacent to the target before attacking.
Ranged units need clear line of sight – If there’s a hill, forest, or city blocking their view, they won’t be able to fire. Try moving them to high ground or open terrain.
Artillery units need setup time – Some heavy-hitting siege weapons need a turn to prepare before attacking. If your cannons refuse to fire, this is probably why.
Step 3: Select the Right Attack Command
If you’re still having trouble attacking, double-check that you’re actually issuing an attack order:
Click on the Enemy Unit – If you just move next to them, your soldiers will wave politely but do nothing else.
Use the Attack Button – Some players find that selecting “Attack” from the unit menu works better than left-clicking the enemy.
Right-Click if Needed – Depending on your settings, right-clicking the enemy might be the proper attack command.
If all else fails, try moving onto the enemy’s tile manually. Some players report that this forces the attack to happen.
Step 4: Use Army Commanders Wisely
Now that you know why armies don’t attack, let’s talk about why Army Commanders still matter. While they stop units from fighting when packed together, they are great for long-range transport. Think of them as a moving suitcase for your troops—perfect for getting units across the map quickly, but not ideal for actual battles.
However, Army Commanders also provide powerful bonuses when used correctly. Some perks even reduce the unpacking penalty, letting your soldiers jump into combat faster.
Final Blurb
If you’re wondering why your Army can’t attack, it’s not a bug, just an oddly specific game mechanic. Unpack your units, make sure they’re in range, click the right attack button, and watch the battlefield come to life.
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