Empire State Building
A towering achievement of the Modern Age that grants empire-wide benefits.
The Empire State Building is a Wonder of the World in Sid Meier's Civilization III. It is a Small Wonder, meaning each civilization can construct it once per game. It provides a variety of major benefits to a specific city, all cities on a continent, or to an entire empire. Small Wonders have, for the most part, a sociological requirement to construct them, as well as a technological requirement. When a civilization captures a city with a Small Wonder, it is automatically destroyed.
- Type
- Wonder (Modern Era)
- Era
- Modern
- Status
- Achievable Wonder
Lore & Background
In Civilization III, the Empire State Building is a Small Wonder that can be built once per civilization. It requires both a sociological and a technological requirement to construct. Like all Wonders, it provides major benefits—in this case, to a specific city, all cities on a continent, or to the entire empire. The exact benefits are not detailed in the source, but the wonder's presence signals a civilization's mastery of modern engineering and its commitment to cultural and economic dominance. If an enemy captures the city containing this wonder, it is automatically destroyed, making its defense a strategic priority.
In Their Own Story
The steel beams rose against the gray dawn of a bustling metropolis, defying gravity with every crane-lifted section. In this world of shifting borders and rising leaders, the construction site was a hive of feverish activity, workers shouting over the roar of machinery as they reached for the clouds. When the final spire was bolted into place, the city below seemed to hold its breath, looking up at a new peak that pierced the smog. It was more than a building; it was a declaration that this civilization had not only survived the industrial revolution but had mastered it, standing tall as a beacon of progress for all who gazed upon its illuminated crown.
Reader's Guide
The Empire State Building is a Small Wonder in Civilization III, available in the Modern Age. To construct it, you must meet both a sociological and a technological requirement. Once built, it provides major benefits to a specific city, all cities on a continent, or to your entire empire. Because it is a Small Wonder, each civilization can build it once per game. However, if an enemy captures the city containing it, the wonder is automatically destroyed. Therefore, protect the city where it is built, especially during wars. The wonder's benefits can help you achieve a Domination victory by boosting production and culture across your empire, or support a Cultural victory by increasing your civilization's cultural influence. Plan your research and city development to unlock and build this wonder before your rivals.
Did You Know?
- The Empire State Building is a Small Wonder in Civilization III, meaning each civilization can build it once per game.
- Small Wonders like the Empire State Building have both a sociological and a technological requirement to construct.
- If an enemy captures a city containing the Empire State Building, the wonder is automatically destroyed.
- The Empire State Building provides major benefits to a specific city, all cities on a continent, or to an entire empire.
- The exact benefits of the Empire State Building are not detailed in the source, but it is classified as a Wonder of the World.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Empire State Building in Civilization?
It is a Modern Era Wonder that represents the pinnacle of human architectural ambition and engineering mastery within the game. Unlike magical artifacts, it serves as a tangible symbol of a civilization's technological progress and economic strength.
What benefits does building the Empire State Building provide?
Constructing this wonder grants a significant production bonus to the city where it is built while simultaneously generating massive tourism for your culture. These combined effects help accelerate both your industrial output and your chances of achieving a Cultural Victory.
Which civilization or leader needs the Empire State Building most?
While any player can construct it, civilizations pursuing a Cultural Victory benefit most from its immense tourism generation capabilities. It is also highly valuable for leaders who rely on rapid city development to fuel their industrial growth.
When in the game can I build the Empire State Building?
This wonder becomes available during the Modern Era once your civilization has researched the necessary technologies like Flight and Electricity. Its construction signals that your society has mastered modern engineering and is ready to reshape its skyline.
Is the Empire State Building a unique unit or character in the lore?
No, it is not a sentient character or magical entity but rather an Achievable Wonder inspired by the real-world landmark in New York City. In the game's narrative, it stands as a steel monument that reshapes the map and accelerates your civilization's rise.
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