The best build order in Civilization VII can vary based on your chosen victory condition and starting conditions, but here's a general guide based on current strategies and insights from related games like Civilization VI:
General Early Game Strategy: 
Scouts:
•First Build: Begin with Scouts to explore the map. This helps in revealing natural wonders, city-states, and potential threats or allies. Scouts are crucial for earning the benefits of early exploration such as meeting other civilizations for strategic points or discovering resources. According to game8.co, Scouts should be your first priority to map out your surroundings and plan your expansion (Civ 7 Best Build Order | Civilization VII｜Game8).
Military Units (Warriors/Slingers):
•Second/Third Build: Depending on your proximity to potential threats like barbarians or aggressive neighbors, build a Warrior or Slinger next. Warriors are essential for defense, while Slingers can later upgrade to Archers, providing ranged defense. This aligns with strategies from Civ VI where early military units help secure your territory (Civ 6 Guide – Build Order and Important Tips (2025) | Gaming Gorilla).
Settlers:
•Fourth/Fifth Build: You should aim to expand your empire quickly. Settlers are key to securing strategic locations before other civilizations do. The idea is to have at least three cities by around Turn 50 to establish a robust base for your civilization (Best Build Order in CIV 6 | Gamer Journalist).
Builders:
•Fifth/Sixth Build: Builders are vital for improving your land with tile improvements. They come with charges for building tasks, so use them efficiently to enhance your city's output (Builder (Civ6) | Civilization Wiki | Fandom).
Monuments:
•Later in Early Game: Monuments increase your culture output, speeding up your progress through the Civics tree. This is particularly important if you're aiming for a Culture Victory or need to expand borders quickly.
Specific Victory Conditions:
•Science Victory: Focus on building Libraries and structures that boost Science and Culture. Early research into technologies like Sailing and Pottery can be beneficial (Ultimate Starting Strategy Guide for Civ 7: Best Civilization VII Build Order Tips - thefilibusterblog.com).
•Economic Victory: Prioritize Markets, Scouts, and Merchants to establish trade routes. Research technologies like Currency early to maximize your economic growth (Ultimate Starting Strategy Guide for Civ 7: Best Civilization VII Build Order Tips - thefilibusterblog.com).
•Military Victory: Build a strong military early by focusing on units that can secure your borders and expand through conquest. Research military technologies and place emphasis on production for unit creation.
•Cultural Victory: Focus on buildings that generate Culture like Monuments and later, Theater Squares. Choose leaders and civilizations that support cultural output.
Government Choice:
Select your government based on your victory strategy. For example, Classical Republic for Culture, Despotism for Science or Military, and Oligarchy for Economic Victory (Ultimate Starting Strategy Guide for Civ 7: Best Civilization VII Build Order Tips - thefilibusterblog.com).
Remember, these are general guidelines. Your specific strategy should adapt based on the game's map, available resources, and the civilizations around you. Always prioritize exploration and defense in the early game to set a foundation for whatever victory condition you aim for.
