Choosing where to settle in Civilization VII (Civ 7) is crucial for the early development and overall success of your empire. Here are some key considerations based on available strategies and gameplay mechanics:
General Settlement Tips: 
Where to Settle in Civilization VII,
•Fresh Water Access: Settlements near rivers or lakes are highly beneficial. Fresh water provides bonuses like additional housing and happiness, which are critical for population growth. Navigable rivers in Civ 7 allow for better trade routes and naval unit movement without needing coastal access.
•Resource Availability: Look for areas with high yields or strategic resources. In Civ 7, settling near or on resources like food, production (hammers), or luxury resources can give you an immediate advantage. However, settling on strategic resources only gives you the resource without the yield benefits, so it's usually better to settle adjacent to these.
Terrain and Yield:
Where to Settle in Civilization VII
•Plains Hills are particularly advantageous as they offer 2 Food and 2 Production when settled upon.
•Rainforest tiles provide food and can later benefit from adjacency bonuses to campuses for science.
•Mountains nearby can be good for defensive positions or for adjacency bonuses to certain districts like campuses or holy sites.
•Settler Lens: Use the Settler Lens to see where you can build settlements with access to fresh water. This tool helps in quickly identifying good spots for your first few cities.
Early Game Strategy: 
Where to Settle in Civilization VII
•Do not delay too long in settling your first city. While exploring is important, getting your capital up and running within the first three turns is generally advised to not fall behind other civilizations.
•Scout first: Before settling, explore with your warrior or scout to ensure you're not missing out on better spots nearby, but keep exploration brief to maintain pace with others.
Expansion Considerations:
Where to Settle in Civilization VII
•Proximity to Other Civs: Avoid settling too close to aggressive neighbors unless you have a plan for defense or expansion through conquest.
•Space for Expansion: Consider how your city placement will allow for future growth without too much overlap with other cities' working areas.
•Settlement Types: Remember, in Civ 7, your first settler founds a Capital which automatically becomes a City. Subsequent settlers will establish Towns which can be upgraded to Cities with Gold. This mechanic influences how you might prioritize your early game strategy.
•Natural Wonders: If you find a natural wonder during exploration, settling near it can provide unique bonuses.
•Luxury and Strategic Resources: Aim to control these as they can influence your empire's happiness, military strength, or production capabilities.
Specific Advice from Community and Guides:
According to community discussions and guides, you should look for tiles with at least 2 Food and 1 Production or better within the first or second ring around your city for immediate benefits.
Consider the unique bonuses of your civilization's leader or civics when choosing where to settle. Some leaders have bonuses that make certain terrains or resources more beneficial.
By keeping these points in mind, you can strategically place your settlements to maximize the growth and efficiency of your empire in Civilization VII. Remember, the game's map generation can influence your strategy, so flexibility and quick adaptation are key.
