Papyrus availability issues in Civilization games typically stem from specific terrain and gameplay mechanics. While Papyrus isn't confirmed for Civilization VII at this time, analyzing past implementations (like Civ VI) clarifies common problems players face acquiring it. Here are the core reasons:
1. Biome-Specific Spawn Requirement
Papyrus exclusively spawns on Floodplains tiles. This terrain feature only appears adjacent to rivers within Desert (or similar Desert-themed biomes). If your starting location lacks desert or a major river generating floodplains, Papyrus will simply not appear in your vicinity.
2. Map Generation Randomness
Resources like Papyrus are randomly distributed during map creation. Even within ideal desert floodplains, its presence isn't guaranteed. You might have vast desert floodplains and still not receive a single Papyrus resource spawn. Luck plays a significant role.
3. Limited Geographical Availability
Desert floodplains are a relatively rare tile feature. Not every map script or starting position generates significant desert regions. This inherently restricts the potential number of Papyrus spawn locations globally.
4. Technological Gate: Irrigation
To exploit Papyrus, you must research the Irrigation technology. If you haven't acquired this tech, Papyrus tiles remain unworkable and unbeneficial, even if visible in your territory. This prerequisite delays effective use.
5. Competition from Other Civilizations & City-States
Desirable land containing Papyrus is highly contested. Other AI civilizations and city-states will aggressively settle near floodplains. If an opponent settles near desert floodplains containing Papyrus before you, they will control the resource.
Why It Feels "Essential" (Particularly in Civ VI)
Papyrus became a highly sought-after Strategic Resource primarily due to its requirement for the extremely powerful Oxford University Wonder (Nubia Civilization & Scenario Pack in Civ VI). The frustration arises when:
- Oxford University is crucial for a Science or Culture victory.
- Papyrus is scarce or absent on the map entirely.
- All existing Papyrus is controlled by opponents unwilling to trade it.
This creates a situation where a key victory path wonder is rendered impossible to build.
Potential Solutions & Countermeasures
To increase your chances of securing Papyrus:
- Early Desert Exploration: Prioritize scouting riverside desert regions quickly.
- Rapid Settling: Found cities near desert floodplains ASAP to claim potential tiles.
- Irrigation Rush: Beeline the Irrigation tech if you see nearby floodplains.
- Map Selection: Choose maps with higher desert/floodplain prevalence (like "Sahara el Beyda" or "Wetlands" in Civ VI).
- Trade Diplomacy: Establish trade relationships with civs that have Papyrus, especially if the Oxford University requirement exists.
- Conquest: As a last resort, capture a city controlling Papyrus.
