Civ 6 Manage Citizens Swap Not Showing

Civ 6: Why Your Citizen Swap Option Isn't Showing Up and How to Fix It

Are you struggling to manage your citizens in Civilization VI? The inability to swap citizens between your cities is a frustrating problem that can severely impact your gameplay. This article dives into the reasons why your citizen swap option might be missing and provides practical solutions to get you back on track to conquering the world (or achieving your preferred victory condition!). This guide covers troubleshooting steps, common causes, and preventative measures.

Why Can't I Swap Citizens in Civ 6?

The inability to swap citizens is often tied to specific game mechanics and circumstances. Let's explore the most common culprits:

1. The City is Under Siege or Attack

If your city is under attack, or currently besieged by a hostile civilization, the citizen management options will likely be greyed out. The game prioritizes defense during these critical moments, and citizen swapping becomes unavailable to ensure focus on survival. Wait for the immediate threat to subside before attempting to reposition your citizens.

2. Governor Abilities and Policies

Certain Governor abilities and policies can directly impact citizen management. Review your active Governor's promotions and your chosen civic policies. Some policies might temporarily disable or restrict certain city management options, including citizen swapping. Examine your active policies and ensure they aren't interfering with your desired actions.

3. Mod Conflicts or Bugs

Mods, particularly those altering city management or gameplay mechanics, can sometimes interfere with core game functions. If you're using any mods, try disabling them temporarily to see if that resolves the issue. Game bugs, though less frequent, can also contribute to this problem. Checking for and installing any available game patches is crucial.

4. Insufficient Infrastructure

Your city's infrastructure plays a significant role in its functionality. A lack of key buildings or improvements might indirectly restrict citizen management. Ensure you have the necessary buildings to support the population and unlock advanced city management features. This can include things like improved housing, infrastructure improvements, and specialized buildings that enhance productivity.

5. Unseen Issues (Game Glitches)

Occasionally, unforeseen issues can occur within the game's code. Sometimes, restarting the game can resolve minor glitches that temporarily disrupt functionalities. If the problem persists after trying the other troubleshooting steps, consider verifying the integrity of your game files. This process checks for any corrupted files and attempts to repair them.

Troubleshooting Steps: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Check for Active Threats: Is your city under attack or siege? If so, wait until the threat is neutralized.
2. Review Governor Abilities and Policies: Analyze your active Governor promotions and civic policies for any potential conflicts.
3. Disable Mods: Temporarily disable any mods you're using to see if they're the cause of the problem.
4. Verify City Infrastructure: Ensure your city has the necessary buildings and improvements to support your population.
5. Restart the Game: A simple restart can often resolve minor game glitches.
6. Verify Game Files: Check your game files for corruption and attempt repairs if necessary.
7. Check for Updates: Make sure your game is up to date with the latest patches and updates.
8. Consult the Civ 6 Forums: Search online forums for similar issues; you might find solutions other players have discovered.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the problem and get your citizen swapping functionality back up and running. Remember to prioritize city defense during conflicts and ensure your infrastructure adequately supports your city's population. Good luck reclaiming control of your empire!