Christ the Redeemer
Open arms welcoming the world to lock in cultural dominance.
The Christ the Redeemer appears as one of the most recognizable World Wonders across multiple iterations of the Civilization franchise. Perched atop Corcovado Hill in Rio de Janeiro, it showcases the peak of Renaissance engineering and universal cultural expression within the game's timeline. Built during the Renaissance Era after unlocking Philosophy, this Wonder highlights humanity's creative victory over natural barriers.
- Type
- World Wonder
- Era
- Renaissance Era
- Associated Civilization
- Available to All Civilizations
- Primary Effect
- +10% Culture (Civ IV) or Tourism/Culture Generation (Civ V/VI)
- Terrain Requirement
- Hill Tile (Civ VI) or Any Buildable Flat Land (Civ V)
- Status
- Active in Multiple Game Cycles
Lore & Background
The statue's open-armed posture is frequently cited in game flavor text as a symbol of peace and universal welcome. In scenarios where faith plays a mechanical role, it acts as a spiritual anchor, reinforcing religious identity while simultaneously boosting secular cultural output. It stands as a testament to the idea that history remembers those who build bridges between nations rather than walls.
In Their Own Story
The leader gazed at the minimap, watching the construction progress bar tick upward over the green mountains of Rio. The modern era had been long and costly, but this final project would seal their legacy. As the notification chimed, the city's tourism output spiked dramatically on the screen. Across the digital ocean, rival civilizations felt the pressure mount as foreign influence began to bleed into their borders, drawn by the undeniable allure of the statue's golden glow.
Reader's Guide
The Christ the Redeemer functions primarily as a late-game cultural powerhouse. Players must secure sufficient production capacity during the Modern or Information Era to complete this project before rivals claim tourism victory. Its placement is critical, often requiring specific terrain adjacency bonuses depending on the game version. Once constructed, it generates substantial Tourism per turn, accelerating progress toward Cultural Victory conditions. It also provides a steady stream of Culture points, helping civilizations unlock late-game policies and social reforms. Some iterations grant Faith yields, supporting religious expansion alongside cultural dominance. Strategic timing is essential; building too early wastes potential production, while waiting too long allows opponents to establish tourism leads. Civilizations with Brazil or Catholic faith bonuses often prioritize this Wonder. It serves as both a defensive shield against foreign influence and an offensive spearhead for spreading your civilization's legacy across the map.
Did You Know?
- It first appeared in Civilization IV, not the third installment.
- In its original appearance in Civ IV, it provided a massive +10% Culture bonus to the city but granted no direct Happiness, as that mechanic was handled differently at the time.
- It is one of the few Wonders that explicitly references religious iconography within a secular victory framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Christ the Redeemer in the Civilization series?
It serves as a World Wonder perched atop Corcovado Hill that showcases Renaissance engineering and universal cultural expression. Players construct it to demonstrate humanity's creative victory over natural barriers within the game timeline.
When does this Wonder become available for construction?
This structure is built during the Renaissance Era after a civilization unlocks Philosophy. It remains an option accessible to all civilizations regardless of their specific leader or traits.
What gameplay effects does Christ the Redeemer provide?
In earlier games, it granted a ten percent increase in culture generation for your empire. Modern entries focus this benefit on tourism and culture production to assist with Cultural Victory conditions.
Are there specific terrain requirements for placement?
Certain versions require the Wonder to be placed specifically on a Hill Tile to reflect its real-world location. Other iterations allow it to be built on any flat land tile available within your city limits.
Why is this Wonder important for winning games?
Its ability to lock in cultural dominance makes it essential for players pursuing a Cultural Victory path. The open arms design symbolizes the universal reach required to secure victory through tourism and culture.
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