u/Cannon-fire

Im pretty new to the franchise, and I've enjoyed figuring it out on my own, but when I look up some tips for the game it seems that EVERYTHING is imperative, and must be established quickly. Be it religion, production, culture, scouts, monuments... every aspect of the game must be fully established before turn X. I totally get that it depends on how you choose to play, and picking your strat is what makes the game fun, but if I took reddits advice I will have to be massively invested in more things than what is possible.. early. It seems like no matter the playstyle I need to be heavily invested in science, religion, AND defense. Which for me (a newer player), has come at the expense of production towards trade, merch, spies, culture, monuments, and fleets, which are some of my favorite parts of the game. Theres simply not enough turns to do everything, so what should I ignore.

What are some aspects of the game you personally find you can put off until later, or not really commit to at all?

I am kinda new, and I dont want to simply follow tutorials, I like figuring it out I just want some personal takes.

I've watched youtube videos, read articles, and played tutorials.... they all explain HOW to spread religion, but amazingly not a single one of them explains WHY? What's the goal, how does it help, what is a "religious victory"? Most importantly, is it ever fun, or even beneficial?

Its tedious, but the game makes religion seem like A HUGE deal. But it seems that faith points only serve to generate faith points to no end. Why am I supposed to care about what religion my civ follows? What happens... nothing?