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Whether you are trying to conquer or protect your lands from foreign civilizations and independent states, combat is a very important part ofCivilization 7. There are a few units that can greatly improve any military endeavor you take on.
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Commanders are new to Civilization and can be game-changers in combat gameplay and can be helpful in a number of ways.

What are Commanders?
Commanders are combat units that can be used to boost other combat units, direct attacks, and provide various benefits to your military.There are three types of Commander units:Army, Fleet, and Aerial.Aerial Commanders also have three different variations:Aerodrome, Aircraft Carrier, and Squadron Commanders. Commanders earn XP through military actions, and can be leveled up to unlock powerful abilities.
Each Commander type has slightly different abilities that can be unlocked. Each level up earns one point, which can be spent on one ability. The ability tree has multiple branches, and unlocking the bottom ability of each branch earns a Commendation Point. Army and Fleet Commanders have access to five different Commendations and All Aerial Commanders have access to three.

Commendations are very powerful, so it is a great idea to focus on one branch early on to unlock a Commendation Point quickly.
How to Use Commanders
Commanders are some of the most important units in Civilization 7, so it is important to keep them alive throughout the game. Commanders do not attack units directly; instead, they can direct ally combat units to attack targets, which grants them combat boosts. Some abilities allow Commanders to directly attack enemies, but early on you will want to keep them away from enemy troops.
Positioning is one of themost important things to consider in Civilization 7and where your Commander is located can change the course of combat. Commanders have a one-tile radius around them, which enables them to command ally troops in a number of ways. It is best to keep other combat troops between the enemy and Commanders, and once you can train enough of the same type of combat unit, they can be used to surround Commanders, making the most of the Commanders' abilities.

Each turn, Commanders can move and take an action. Actions include directing attacks, assemble/deploy troops, building defenses, pillaging tiles, and different abilities once unlocked. Directing attacks can be used by all the same troop types in the Commander’s radius on one target, including enemy troops and defenses, so this can be used to rack up damage very quickly.
Packing and unpacking troops is a vital part of using Commanders, as a number of abilities can enable Commanders to move more quickly with packed troops than individual troops can. Using the Assemble Army ability will gather all user-controlled troops within the Commander’s radius.Commanders can pack up to four units, but can be increased to six with an ability upgrade.Deploy Army can be used to quickly overwhelm enemies, but remember to keep your Commander safe, as they are exposed when troops are packed.

Army Commanders are unlocked in theAntiquity Age, so you will have the most time to level these units up. Fleet Commanders are unlocked in theExploration Ageand can be very helpful by granting movement and combat boosts to other naval units. Aerial Commanders are unlocked in the Modern Age and are part of the Science Legacy Path, so not only are they helpful in combat, but are part of earning a Science Victory.
Overall, Commanders can be the most important pieces of your military, so it is important to use them to boost your troops. Leveling up Commanders can take time, but try to include them in any combat you encounter. Commanders are also a necessary part of maintaining a large military, as they can retain troops during Age advances. Only a set number of troops can be kept through an Age advance, but Commanders can pack troops to bypass the maximum amount of troops kept. Consider keeping multiple Commanders in your military, and you will have an advantage in not only combat but many aspects of Civilization 7.

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