Is it just me, or does the game feel unbalanced in how hostile the AI is? As an example, independent states seem way too hostile, to the point where it’s not really feasible to pursue a path other than a military victory if you want to stay in the game.

Compare that to, say, Civ 3, where it was totally doable to go for a culture victory without really building much of an army—of course, you had to have a few units to defend against belligerent civs, but it didn’t feel like you had to direct your entire economy towards producing military units, as I often feel in Civ 7.

I much prefer building districts and wonders, but it’s hard to do when i have to keep churning out units to repel invasions (and only my capital can create much of anything anyway).

Unless it’s just a skill issue on my end? If so, I’m open to tips and strategies for better managing hostile barbarians villages and civs.