Civilization 5 (Civ 5) is a turn-based strategy game that has been around for a while now, but it still remains popular among gamers. The game has received numerous updates and expansion packs over the years, including the Brave New World expansion. One of the features of the game is the Research Agreements, which allow players to pool their research efforts with other civilizations. However, some players might be questioning whether or not these agreements are worth it.
Firstly, it is important to understand what a Research Agreement (RA) is and how it works. An RA is a pact between two civilizations that allows both of them to research a technology together, potentially speeding up the process significantly. When an RA is signed, both civilizations will receive a boost towards a chosen technology, which will be available for research immediately. The boost is determined by the tech level difference between the two civilizations. The further apart the tech levels are, the greater the boost will be.
So, are Research Agreements worth it? The answer to this question largely depends on the situation and strategy of the player. There are several advantages to Research Agreements that players should consider:
1. Speeds up tech research: The most obvious benefit of an RA is the boost to research. This can be especially beneficial if the player is lagging behind in terms of technology and wants to catch up quickly.
2. Cost-effective: Research Agreements are relatively cheap compared to other means of boosting research, such as building science buildings or hiring scientists. This makes them a cost-effective way to stay competitive in the game.
3. Improves Diplomatic relations: Signing an RA can also improve diplomatic relations with other civilizations. This can be especially useful for players who want to form alliances and avoid conflicts.
However, there are also some disadvantages to consider before agreeing to a Research Agreement:
1. Risk of being betrayed: Some civilizations might sign an RA and then break the agreement to gain an advantage over their partner. This can be especially damaging if the player has invested a lot of resources into an RA, only to have it abruptly cancelled.
2. No guarantee of success: The boost provided by an RA is not a guarantee that the chosen technology will be researched successfully. If the player doesn`t have enough resources or the right strategy, the boost might not be enough to make a significant difference.
3. Opportunity cost: When players sign an RA, they are essentially giving up the opportunity to research a technology independently. This can be a disadvantage if the player needs to research a specific technology quickly or if the boost provided by the RA is not significant enough.
In conclusion, Research Agreements can be a useful tool for players who want to boost their research efforts in Civilization 5. However, it is important to weigh the benefits against the risks and opportunity costs to determine whether or not an RA is worth it in a specific situation. Players should also be aware of their partner`s intentions and the potential for betrayal before signing an agreement.