Sid Meier’s Civilization series is a popular turn-based strategy game that effectively introduces new gameplay elements with each subsequent title released. The next installment in the series, Civilization 6, is set to release on October 21st. In addition to Sean Bean narrating the Tech and Civics Trees, there are a few key gameplay differences that fans of the Civilization series should note.
So what changes can you expect in Civilization 6? Let’s dive right in!
Slower Movement
Something that we found particularly interesting when scoping out the changes between Civilization 6 and its predecessor, Civilization 5, were the changes to movement. In Civilization 6, you can no longer
This forces players to carefully strategize movement of their special units while also emphasizing the need to plan ahead prior to moving military units around. For fans of the Civilization series, this change may take the most getting used to, especially in early gameplay. One new workaround to the changes in movement is that roads are now easier to lay down along trade routes in Civilization 6.
Two Tech Trees
Civilization 6 has changed the way in which Tech and Civics Trees work. The Tech Tree has been split into two branches, with one focusing on Culture. Whether you end up loving or hating the new trees, which can come across as more simplistic than the ones found in Civilization 5, there’s no denying that they shift the way you build up your civilization early on in the game. I’m still on the fence about the new changes to the Tech Trees, and feel the effort to simplify them may rub die-hard Civ fans the wrong way. However, on a positive
Building Plans
In the Civilization series, the location you decide to plant your civilization in the beginning of the game is important. However, in Civilization 6, your building location is now of critical importance and your choice of location can make or break your game. Essentially, where you choose to build will impact your fate… so choose carefully!
For example, if you don’t have a flat hexagon on either side of your city center and freshwater source, you will never be able to construct an Aqueduct. This emphasizes strategic tile
Religious Victory
In the Gods & Kings expansion to Civilization 5, a way to secure a “religious victory” was implemented. However, the requirements for securing said victory played a lot into other victory conditions rather than being a method in and of itself. In Civilization 6, a standalone Religious Victory has been introduced in which players can win by converting the world to their civilization’s religion.
Additionally, there are some comical religious combat elements in which missionaries can duke it out until one missionary gives up and calls it quits. I personally don’t feel like I’ll be spending a lot of time focusing on securing a Religious Victory, yet it’s nice to know the option is there to test out when I feel like trying something different.
AI Agendas
Perhaps the most important change in Civilization 6, the AI opponents you face in the game’s single player mode now have “agendas” and motivations behind their actions. Instead of attempting to make the AI in Civilization 6 behave like a human player, they’ve instead been programmed to work towards various different goals. In fact, many AI Agendas are hidden and must be uncovered by the player. Furthermore, this change adds more depth to the single-player experience as a whole.
Personally, I’ve always preferred playing the Civilization games solo as opposed to multiplayer because I enjoy the aspect of uncovering each civilization’s strengths and weaknesses. The difference in AI behavior now enhances that and makes single-player a more robust, standalone experience.
What do you think of some of the new changes coming to Civilization 6? Let us know in the comments below, and stay tuned for more information on Civilization 6 prior to its release on October 21st!
For more news and features here at Indie Obscura, be sure to check out how the new Stardew Valley update added in divorce options, the official announcement of Nidhogg 2, and learn more about Civilization 6 voice actor Sean Bean.
