Research everything on Technology/Civics Trees?

[Imhotep]

In the Civ series, I'm used to researching everything on the technology tree, it just being a matter of prioritization.

I see, on the Civics Tree in Civ VI, there's "Reformed Church", which allows Theocracy government type. However, it's a dead-end on the Civics tree, with no lines leading on from it to new Civics.

So, if I'm not interested in Theocracy or the other bonuses of this Civic, do I need to research it? Can I go on into the modern era with this Civic left un-researched, and do so without "ahead" researching penalty.

Is there "ahead" penalty in Civ VI? In previous Civ(s) there'd be a penalty for researching too far ahead down one particular path, while neglecting more basic technologies.

[plaguepenguin]

You absolutely can bypass techs or civics, and if they're dead-end, never bother to research them ever, with no further consequences.

There is a penalty for researching a tech that is ahead of the era the world is currently in. I'm not entirely sure it's 20%, but that number does stick in my mind. As a sort of compensation, you get era score for researching a tech that is ahead of the current era. There is also a bonus for waiting until after the world era has moved on to research a tech from an earlier era.

[gimmethegepgun]

Don't forget about the value of being able to freely switch policy cards when you complete the civic. If you aren't interested in anything the civic specifically gives you you can still get it later for the policy change.

[Imhotep]

Thanks. It makes sense. A lot of the "dead-ends" lead to particular government types, and others seem particularly geared to certain victory types.

[gimmethegepgun]

Originally posted by Imhotep:

Thanks. It makes sense. A lot of the "dead-ends" lead to particular government types, and others seem particularly geared to certain victory types.

Just don't forget about the other things in those civics. Most of the dead ends also provide useful policy cards, envoys, or other special bonuses (like food from plantations).