How to keep AI-friends ?

[Tiwaz]

I am a "builder". So naturaly I want to keep my neighburs(sp?) at a good mood.
But it never work, and I end upp with my own continent.
Is there a trick for being peacefull? Any guides to read?

[Ostejohn]

Most of the times AI civs get "mad" if you start stacking units unto their borders, if your empire is very unhappy for lots of turns, if you deny them open borders if they just wanna pass or scout the area.
Also sometimes some civs feel they "own" the land you settled, and that can lead to wars which cannot be avoided, unless you give him the cities he want..
Spreading religeons to other empires can also harm relations.
Going to war with a nation which is allied with other nations will also hurt relations.
Started an unprovoked war with another empire..
Spying (and getting caught doing it) also hurt relations.

All in all, theres alot of aspects of this game that can hurt forigin relations, and sometimes theres just nothing you can do to avoid war

[Mardak]

The key is a good army and relationship. The AI will attack if you're weak. Visit civfanatics.com for tips.

[JaggedMallard]

If you want to keep them friendly you could try not overexpanding and as soon as they give you the warning about your expansion expand in a different direction if you still feel the need.
Also don't do anything militarily, it will probably make other civs very angry with you.

[bodhihoang]

1. Play on a bigger map with less opponents or city states. This all contributes to less contested territory when you expand.

(If you make barbarians more aggressive this actually keeps the ai from expanding like a nut very early on.)

2. Do trades, open borders and give in to demands to keep them happy.

3. You should alway's keep your military high. If you're in last or 2nd last place expect your neighbour too attack you especially if they're a warmonger type..

[Friendly Caique]

If you wanna make friends with the AI, you must be of equal strength with him. Not too strong nor too weak, else they will just get mad no matter what you try to do.

[Friendly Caique]

If you are closer to either of the victory type they envy you

If you are falling behind of them they eat you

No matter what, you are bounded to be the one to get blamed

[SeaYaLater]

It also depends on the Civ you are choosing and what victory you are going for. Some Civs strive for different opportunities and you could be in their way. It's very complicated and makes my head hurt to think of the AI logic to be honest.

[rancer890]

Trade and Declaration of Friendship helps. You're bound to annoy at least one civ though, especially if you have a small map and a lot of civs. If you befriend most civs it should prevent the one that you aren't friends with from trying to attack you.

[JaggedMallard]

Originally posted by rancer890:

Trade and Declaration of Friendship helps. You're bound to annoy at least one civ though, especially if you have a small map and a lot of civs. If you befriend most civs it should prevent the one that you aren't friends with from trying to attack you.

I once had Franc DoF me and then the next turn DoW me. I hate France, I was playing the Zulus and had a far stronger army as well.

[badchad71]

There are a couple "tricks" if you want to remain peaceful. You could adopt "swords to plowshares" in your religion and spread it to them. (if they don't have a religion)

If you have extra luxuries, you can hold on to some instead of selling for 4 to 5 gold per turn. They will beg for it for free and you can give it to them. I think the green text says "they asked for help and you helped them" or something. The next time they ask and say this helped strengthen the relationship , you can click the luxury and then add money from their side.

When a civ attacks you early it's so tempting to denounce them after you kill off their attacking army and they ask for peace. But if you want to stay peaceful, just let it slide. Usually the text is gray and says something like, "you have been to war with them but they don't hold it against you"