What is "Clear Forest" used for?

...other than clearing trees from the map

from Elemental Forums

What reason do I have to clear forests?  There is no mention in the manual (no search results for forest or tree other than "tech tree").

Do I gain production? Do I gain space for buildings?  Seems like when I build something new, the trees are cleared automatically to make room.  What is the purpose of this function?

Thanks!

8,687 views 4 replies
Reply #1 from Elemental Forums Top


you clear them out so they don't slow you down while moving around your town. There is no other purpose, but this one alone can be very helpful, just be sure to do it after you build your logging camp.

Reply #2 from Elemental Forums Top

Its currently used to slow the enemy (with forest) or speed you up when entering or exiting a town without roads.  Previously clearing was used to add to material, like mana is, but they took that out for good reasons.  Maybe it comes back as a boost to materials at some point, but for now it can actually help you defend the back side of your town and give you a turn or 2 warning that someone is a comn' knockn'.  So dont go destroying the forest around you until you know where the enemy might come from, and where you plan on heading.

Galactic Civilizations III
Reply #3 from Elemental Forums Top

Also, don't clear any forest until you've built a lumber yard. If you clear out forest to close to your city before you've built that, you may never be able to in that particular city.