With a rich legacy stretching back decades, the Civilization series has been a cornerstone of strategic gaming, captivating players with its blend of historical depth and tactical gameplay. Among these, Civilization 6, released in 2016, still stands tall. Boasting a diverse roster of leaders, this game uniquely tailors each player’s experience, offering an array of strategies and challenges that hinge on the specific map type chosen—each leader bringing their nuanced strengths to the table.
One popular choice for many players is the Pangaea map type, a setting that gathers all civilizations, city-states, and barbarians onto a massive, singular landmass. The limited space quickly turns the game into a pressure cooker, sparking conflicts and demanding strategic prowess from players. Unfortunately for naval-focused leaders, such terrain often places them at a disadvantage. Conversely, leaders with military advantages or improved land units thrive amidst the close-quarters chaos.
Lady Six Sky
Build a Small But Defensible Empire
Lady Six Sky, who adds a distinctive Mesoamerican flair, pushes players to develop cities in tight clusters rather than sprawling empires. Thanks to these compact and easily defensible formations, Mayan cities benefit from proximity bonuses. Her style discourages unchecked territorial expansion in favor of a more curated strategy focused on bolstering Science, Culture, or Faith. As others scramble for scraps, the Mayan civilization bides its time, capitalizing on its structured growth.
Shaka
Improve Armies by Conquering New Territory
If domination is your goal, then Shaka, leader of the Zulu, is your go-to. Known for integrating units into powerful Corps and Armies earlier than the competition, Shaka maintains an edge in military might. His ability to ensure city loyalty through garrisoned units is particularly useful, as it calms newly acquired territories on the bustling Pangaea map—allowing him to expand aggressively without the constant threat of rebellion.
Tomyris
Overwhelm Enemies With Hordes of Cavalry Units
Tomyris, whose cavalry forces strike fear into adversaries, offers players a thrilling ride. Her ability to produce duplicate cavalry units is a game-changer, allowing for swift assembly of overwhelming forces. Whether it’s a blitz attack or continuous raids, Tomyris excels at maintaining pressure on her enemies, leveraging the Pangaea’s interconnected land to her darting advantage.
Genghis Khan
Conquer the World With the Strongest Cavalry Around
True to history, Genghis Khan is a formidable force in Civilization 6, with cavalry units boasting additional strength. His impressive skill set allows players to expand their armies by capturing enemy cavalry, transforming foes into reinforcements. The extra diplomatic insights afforded by his unique abilities ensure players time their offensives with precision, making him a fearsome opponent on any map, especially Pangaea.
Hojo Takimune
Defend and Dominate the Coastline
Hojo Takimune of Japan excels in defending clustered cities, thanks to enhanced adjacency bonuses. His strategic strengths shine on the coastlines, offering immunity to environmental hazards and potent combat abilities. With a solid defense, Japanese players can pursue other victory conditions like Science or Culture while protecting their civ from the aggressive tactics common on Pangaea.
Simón Bolívar
March Armies Across the Continent With Ease
Simón Bolívar’s strengths lie in mobility and tactical flexibility. Armed with Gran Colombia’s movement bonuses, players can swiftly mobilize their forces across the expansive Pangaea. Bolívar’s capability to promote units without halting their progress makes his armies adaptable and ever-ready, a pivotal advantage when trying to gain ground or defend against the unexpected.
Chandragupta
Use Territorial Expansion Wars To Conquer The World
Chandragupta, the architect behind a united ancient India, excels in expansion and conquest. Delight in the bonuses gained through Wars of Territorial Expansion, allowing his Indian forces to steamroll opposition and convert them to his cause. Each successful conquest strengthens his grasp over the supercontinent, making Chandragupta a powerhouse in any domination campaign, particularly on Pangaea with its teeming civilizations.
The strategic options in Civilization 6 are vast, with each leader offering unique paths to victory. Whether you prefer forging peace or commanding freakishly unstoppable armies, the chosen leader will be your greatest asset or liability on the epic stage that is Pangaea.
