Colonization Strategy Guides
Sid Meier's Colonization, unlike the earlier versions of Civilization, requires a lot of micro management. The main areas that need your attention are: exploration, immigration, production, trade, foreign/native relations, and finally making sure you are increasing rebel sentiment in your colonies. Finding the right balance is key, but keeping an extra eye on production and trade will serve you well, as getting your economy going is a vital part of the game.
This section discusses some possible strategies and tips for Colonization. You may agree with them, you may not -- that's all up to you. The first six articles (1-6) serve as a Basic Colonization Guide, and then there are some additional articles and tips after that. Enjoy!
Colonization Tutorial | Colonization FAQ
For those who are new to the game, the tutorial and FAQ are good places to start. Those who are looking for the answer to a specific question might find it in the FAQ.
Choosing a Nation (1)
The first thing you have to do is pick a European power. So then the questions arises -- which one? It all depends on what long term strategy you are planning [...]
Establishing First Colonies (2)
Try building your first colony as quickly as possible. If you can reach the shore and unload your colonists during your first turn, that would be ideal. When the game starts, go to the menu [...]
Building Priorities (3)
You have established your first colony, and now the question is what buildings to finish first. Obviously, in order to build anything at all, you need to assign a colonist to the [...]
First Founding Fathers (4)
Some Founding Fathers are extremely valuable during the first phase of the game, and some are not. Although Adam Smith gives you a great boost in productivity [...]
Getting Specialist Skills (5)
In Colonization, your economy -- and consequently your military -- depends on production in your colonies. Efficient production requires sufficient raw materials [...]
Fighting in the New World (6)
Sooner or later you will bump into some problems in the New World. On harder difficulty levels this will probably occur sooner rather than later. Other nations and the [...]
Cooperating With the Natives
What advantages could you get from total cooperation with the native tribes in Colonization? This article tries to address that question. The natives will regularly visit you with gifts if [...]
North America Strategy | Flash Tutorial
This strategy guide calls for settling on the East Cost of North America. The first phase is focused on gathering and selling fur to fuel further expansion to the south.
South-America Strategy | Flash Tutorial
This game strategy calls for settling in the southernmost parts of South America, relying on Inca trade as a catalyst during the earlier parts of the game. This strategy comes with...
Naval Warfare and Privateers
Here's one of the best lines in the game: "Pirates? What Pirates? We have NEVER condoned piracy!" Of course you have. Privateers can be great fun [...]
Colonization Menu Tips and Shortkeys
There are five menus at the top of the Colonization screen. Most of them are pretty self-explanatory but here is a quick run-through...
Setting up Trade Routes
Ok, so now you've got your colonies up and running, and cargo is starting to pile up in your warehouses. Now is the time to make use of the Trade Route option in Colonization. Here's how you do it...
Overview of the Natives
There are eight different native tribes in Sid Meier’s Colonization. In order to further your Colonization expertise, make sure you know a little bit about them...
Preparing for Independence
When will you be able to declare Independence? Independence is, after all, the ultimate goal in Colonization. Here are some tips on preparing for the declaration of independence...
Hot Seat Play by Colonizer23
As always, while Colonization is a very good game, i have not always been happy with the AI being satisfactory or creative enough with repeat plays [...]
Getting a Good Start by Viceroyjoe
Getting a good start in Colonization is extremely important. Here are some tips: 1) Pick the Netherlands, not the English. The Merchantman is a big advantage [...]
COLONIZATION STRATEGIES AROUND THE WEB
Colonization at Strategywiki 
Comprehensive walkthrough of the game
Winning at Colonization or Economic Warfare for Fun and Profit
Nice overall Colonization strategy.
Colonization Tips/Strategy
By Bill Cranston for Game Bytes Magazine
Miscellaneous Strategies
Many different strategies at www.colonization.biz
Short overall Strategy
From The Strategy Ground