Unlocking History: A Guide to Civilizations Included in Civilization VI DLCs
The Foundation: Civilizations of the Core Game
Civilization VI is renowned for its depth and replayability, and a significant part of that comes from its wide array of playable civilizations. While the base game provides a solid foundation, the downloadable content, or DLCs, add a wealth of new leaders, units, and gameplay mechanics, drastically expanding the strategic possibilities. However, navigating the various expansions and packs to determine which civilizations are included in each can be confusing. This guide serves as a comprehensive breakdown, illuminating which downloadable content introduces which civilization, helping both new and veteran players make informed decisions and discover the leaders that best suit their playstyle. Understanding the distribution of civilizations across the different downloadable content options is essential for maximizing your Civilization VI experience.
Before diving into the various downloadable content, it’s crucial to remember the civilizations that are included in the base game of Civilization VI. These leaders and their unique abilities form the core of the gameplay experience and remain available to all players who own the base game. Expect to see such icons as America led by Theodore Roosevelt, the ambitious Japan under Hojo Tokimune, the war-mongering Aztecs led by Montezuma, or the resourceful Egypt under Cleopatra. Other cornerstones include England with Queen Victoria, France with Catherine de Medici, Germany with Frederick Barbarossa, and India with Gandhi. These civilizations offer a diverse range of starting strategies and gameplay approaches, representing a significant slice of world history. The base game is an excellent place to start familiarizing yourself with the core game mechanics and experiment with different civilizations before expanding your collection with the various downloadable content offerings.
Rise and Fall: Governance, Loyalty, and New Leaders
The Rise and Fall expansion introduced not only a revolutionary new loyalty mechanic and governing systems, but also a selection of impactful civilizations. This expansion focuses on the ebb and flow of empires, and the new civilizations perfectly exemplify these themes. Rise and Fall brings the Cree, led by Poundmaker, focusing on peaceful expansion and strategic alliances, adding a unique economic edge to the game. Korea, under the leadership of Seondeok, emphasizes scientific advancement and cultural development, making them a powerful contender in the late game. The Mapuche, led by Lautaro, arrive as a defiant and powerful civilization with unique warfare advantages and cultural focuses. The brutal and effective Mongols, led by Genghis Khan, dominate the game with swift, effective military strength, and an unmatched ability to dominate the world from horseback. Wilhelmina leads the Netherlands, taking advantage of river based bonuses and superior trade abilities. Robert the Bruce leads the Scottish to an independent, hill-based start that emphasizes infrastructure and technological advantages. Finally, Shaka brings the Zulu to bear, able to dominate the game with unmatched numbers and military fervor. Rise and Fall adds a layer of complexity and depth to the game, making it a must-have for players looking for a more dynamic and engaging experience.
Gathering Storm: Nature’s Fury and Engineering Marvels
Gathering Storm is an expansion that dramatically alters the landscape, focusing on environmental effects like floods, droughts, and volcanic eruptions. With these new challenges also comes new civilizatons. Canada, led by Wilfrid Laurier, can build on snow tiles and take advantage of the cold, but must act fast before the weather turns on them. Matthias Corvinus leads Hungary as a powerful warmonger that can leverage unique strengths, and take advantage of their powerful river-based units. Pachacuti leads the Incas in a game of terraced farms and mountain advantages. Mansa Musa focuses on faith and gold as he leads Mali to new heights of wealth and prosperity. Kupe sets sail as the leader of the Maori, taking advantage of ocean-based strengths and a unique start. Kristina leads Sweden with a strong emphasis on diplomatic strength and cultural production. Last, Suleiman the Magnificent returns to lead the Ottoman Empire, capable of leveraging siege weaponry and unique strategies to take on the world. Gathering Storm encourages players to adapt to a constantly changing world, making it a challenging but rewarding expansion.
New Frontier Pass: A Diverse Collection of Civilizations
The New Frontier Pass is a series of downloadable content packs, each introducing one or two new civilizations, along with new game modes and scenarios. Each pack offers a unique blend of historical context and gameplay mechanics, making them a great way to diversify your Civilization VI experience.
Maya and Gran Colombia Pack
The Maya and Gran Colombia Pack introduces Lady Six Sky, leader of the Maya, and Simon Bolivar, leading Gran Colombia. The Maya excel in early game development, taking advantage of closely linked cities to achieve impressive economic and scientific advantages. Gran Colombia excels at military expansion and rapid development, utilizing unique generals and military units to dominate the battlefield.
Ethiopia Pack
The Ethiopia Pack brings Menelik II to the game, able to produce strong faith and cultural advantages. His strong faith-based advantages make Ethiopia a unique and interesting civilization to play.
Byzantium and Gaul Pack
The Byzantium and Gaul Pack includes Basil II as leader of the Byzantines, as well as Ambiorix as leader of Gaul. The Byzantines leverage faith and military strength to rapidly expand and dominate the world, while Gaul focuses on industrial production and cultural development within their territory.
Babylon Pack
The Babylon Pack welcomes Hammurabi as the wise and experienced leader of Babylon. His unique advantage for scientific discovery allows him to take on even the most challenging maps.
Vietnam and Kublai Khan Pack
The Vietnam and Kublai Khan Pack presents Lady Trieu as the defiant leader of Vietnam, alongside Kublai Khan, who can lead either China or Mongolia. Vietnam excels at defense and guerilla warfare, while Kublai Khan provides strong economic and cultural bonuses, allowing for diverse strategies.
Portugal Pack
The Portugal Pack introduces Joao III, leading Portugal with a heavy focus on trade and naval exploration. His unique ships and trade routes make Portugal a formidable economic power on any map.
Leader Pass: Returning Favorites and Unexpected Faces
The Leader Pass is a collection of packs that introduce new leaders for existing civilizations, offering fresh perspectives and strategic possibilities for familiar empires.
Great Negotiators Pack
The Great Negotiators Pack brings Abraham Lincoln to the United States, Queen Nzinga Mbande to the Kongo, and Suleiman the Magnificent back to the Ottoman Empire, each with unique diplomatic strengths and abilities.
Great Commanders Pack
The Great Commanders Pack features Tokugawa for Japan, Nader Shah for Persia, and Yongle for China, emphasizing military prowess and strategic leadership.
Rulers of China Pack
The Rulers of China Pack introduces Qin Shi Huang the Unifier, Wu Zetian, and Emperor Xuanzong, providing diverse leadership styles for the vast empire of China.
Rulers of the Sahara Pack
The Rulers of the Sahara Pack includes Ramses II and Ptolemaic Cleopatra for Egypt, and King Sundiata Keita for Mali, showcasing the power and influence of Saharan civilizations.
Great Builders Pack
The Great Builders Pack brings Theodora to Byzantium, Sejong to Korea, and Ludwig II to Germany, focusing on infrastructural development and cultural achievements.
Rulers of England Pack
The Rulers of England Pack offers Elizabeth I and Victoria for England, alongside Varangian Harald Hardrada for Norway, offering different approaches to leading the British Isles.
Standalone Civilizations: Unique Additions
Beyond the major expansions and packs, some civilizations are available as standalone downloadable content, providing distinct gameplay experiences.
Poland, led by Jadwiga, excels in cultural and religious expansion, leveraging unique policies and strategic advantages.
Australia, led by John Curtin, thrives in coastal regions and emphasizes production and defense, making them a formidable force in any naval-focused game.
The Persia and Macedon Scenario Pack includes Cyrus the Great for Persia and Alexander the Great for Macedon, offering diverse military and cultural strategies.
The Khmer and Indonesia Civilization and Scenario Pack presents Jayavarman VII as leader of the Khmer, and Gitarja as leader of Indonesia, focusing on faith, water-based advantages, and cultural development.
The Bigger Picture: Choosing Your Civilization
Navigating the extensive Civilization VI downloadable content catalog can seem daunting, but understanding which downloadable content contains which civilizations allows you to curate your experience and choose civilizations that align with your preferred gameplay style. Each civilization brings unique strengths, abilities, and historical context to the game, offering endless opportunities for experimentation and strategic mastery. Whether you prefer peaceful expansion, military domination, or scientific advancement, there’s a civilization and leader waiting for you to guide them to greatness. By taking the time to explore the various downloadable content offerings and understanding the civilizations they include, you can unlock the full potential of Civilization VI and create your own unforgettable moments in history. Now go forth and conquer, ruler!
