Summary

Among the many leaders that have graced theCivilizationseries, there are a few that stick out for being unusual in one way or another. While any leader can win a game ofCivilization, the differences between them is what makes them interesting. Many leaders fall into a set of general roles and specializations. However, there are some that have a detail or two that needs to be explained in greater detail.

Civilizationbrings together leaders and civilizations from all across history, from Sumeria to America. A player’s leader selection is more often than not the first step towards theirplan for victory inCivilization. Leaders like Genghis Khan and Montezuma aim for conquest, for example, while Sejong and Hammurabi are science specialists. Each leader having their own niche ensures that the games have plenty of replay value.

Pacal’s pre-game information slide in Civilization 5

Several Leaders in Civilization Put Their Own Twist on the Formula

Kupe Sets Sail at the Outset of Every Match in Civilization 6

Exploration in the early game can be slow, but not forCivilization 6’s Kupe and the Maori. Kupe starts each game with a settler in the ocean, generating free science and culture until they settle, and gets significant production bonuses from forests and rainforests. The trade-off is an inability to harvest resources, limiting some options, although his skillset helps him build a strong empire despite these restrictions. Kupe requires a different approach than most, but his strengths are well worth learning his playstyle.

Pacal’s Calendar in Civilization 5 has Major Benefits For His Civ

Pacal fromCiviization 5generatesCivilization’s powerful Great Peoplethrough a unique method. After researching theology, Pacal’s ability, The Long Count replaces the in-game calendar with a Mayan Calendar, with the player being rewarded with a Great Person every cycle. Pacal is notable for not only changing an otherwise innocuous aspect of the game, but getting a major benefit from it. As a result,Civilization 5’s Maya own one of the series' most unusual perks.

The Long Count lets players choose what Great Person they get every time it activates, making it incredibly versatile. Players could use this to get units like a Great Engineer or Great Admiral far earlier than usual.

Sid Meier’s Civilization 6 Tag Page Cover Art

Attila the Hun Runs an Empire Without Names

Attila the Hun is a terrifying opponent inCivilization 5, but there is one odd quirk about his empire. Aside from his capital, Attila’s Court, he has no city names of his own. Instead, he uses city names from other civs in the match. While Attila is adomination victory threat inCivilization 5, this can actually provide vital information about the match to both him and his rivals. However, meeting him in the opening phases still carries major risks due to his aggressive early game.

Eleanor of Aquitaine and Kublai Khan Can Pull Double Duty in Civilization 6

There are some civilizations that have more than one leader option. However, in the case of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Kublai Khan inCivilization 6, they are individual leaders who can choose from two civs to lead. Eleanor can lead England or France, while Kublai Khan can choose between China and Mongolia. This effectively gives them twice as much leeway as other leaders in terms of strategy, since they can work with two sets of uniques. IfCivilization 7marks a major advancementfor the series, more leaders with this gimmick could follow.

Enrico Dandolo’s Venice Still Features Civilization’s Most Unique Gameplay Design

While Enrico Dandolo of Venice has only been a leader inCivilization 5, he’s a difficult character to forget. Unlike every other leader, he cannot found any new cities aside from Venice itself. However, the unique Merchant of Venice allows Enrico to puppet city-states, bringing them into his empire, but giving him no control over their production or borders. Playing as Venice is like a challenge run in itself, making Enrico a contender for the most unusualCivilizationleader of all.

Sid Meier’s Civilization 6

WHERE TO PLAY

Civilization VIoffers new ways to engage with your world: cities now physically expand across the map, active research in technology and culture unlocks new potential, and competing leaders will pursue their own agendas based on their historical traits as you race for one of five ways to achieve victory in the game.Expansive empiresSee the marvels of your empire spread across the map like never before. Each district, wonder, and improvement is built on its own hex, allowing you to customize your city to your heart’s content. From the Commercial Hub to the Spaceport, every district provides unique and powerful bonuses. Pick and choose which districts to build to fit your needs! Build better than your opponents, place yourself strategically for your allies, and become the best civilization on Earth.Active ResearchBoost your civilization’s progress through history to unlock powerful bonuses before anyone else! To advance more quickly, use your units to actively explore, develop your environment, and discover new cultures. Research isn’t just limited to science. Explore the Civics tree to unlock powerful new governments and cultural policies Cultivate the civilization that fits your playstyle, or switch it up every time you play!Dynamic diplomacyAs the game progresses, so do your diplomatic relationships. From primitive first interactions where conflict is a fact of life, to late game alliances and negotiations. Carry influence with nearby city states to gain its diplomatic allegiance and earn game-changing city-state bonuses. Enlist spies to gather crucial intel on rival civilizations, steal precious resources, and even topple governments.