Now that Humankind is out in the world, strategy fans can finally get their hands on Amplitude Studios’ ambitious take on the 4X genre. This turn-based epic puts you in charge of shaping a civilization from its humble Neolithic beginnings all the way to the complexities of the modern age. With the ability to mix and match historical cultures, customize your leader, and make game-changing decisions across thousands of years, Humankind is all about crafting a civilization that’s uniquely yours.
As you progress through the ages, you’ll adopt new cultures and unlock powerful technologies, each era building on the last. There are a total of seven distinct eras to explore—each one packed with new opportunities, challenges, and ways to leave your mark on history.
Let’s take a closer look at what each era brings to the table.
Neolithic Era
All journeys begin here. In the Neolithic era, your civilization is nothing more than a small tribe with limited units and simple goals. You’ll be focused on basic exploration, survival, and gathering Food and Science. As you approach the end of this era, you’ll earn the right to adopt a culture—kickstarting your transition into a more structured society and beginning the path of defining your civilization’s identity.
Ancient Era
The Ancient era is your first real leap into structured gameplay. You’ll choose from 10 different cultures, each with its own strengths and playstyle. In this era, you’ll begin constructing cities, researching early technologies, and even laying the foundations of a religion. This is the point where your strategy starts to take shape.
Classical Era
New cultural options become available, each unlocking different military, economic, or scientific bonuses. This is also the point where Iron becomes available—a key strategic resource that enables more advanced technologies and military upgrades. Expansion and conflict often heat up here as players compete for territory and dominance.
Medieval Era
Cultures like the Aztecs, Byzantines, and Mongols enter the stage, each offering powerful bonuses and new emblematic units or districts. You’ll also unlock more advanced techs such as Theology, Alchemy, and Chivalry. Empires that thrived in earlier eras can start to snowball here – but even underdogs have the tools to catch up.
Early Modern Era
At this point, your civilization should have a clear identity. Cultures like Joseon, Edo Japanese, Ottomans, and Ming become available, and new technologies such as Gunpowder Warfare and Siege Cannons bring tactical variety to battles. Trade and diplomacy also begin playing a larger role as empires expand their global influence.
Industrial Era
Known for rapid and transformative change, the Industrial era introduces powerful resources like coal and oil. Cultures like the British, French, and Germans bring major industrial and military boosts. Technologies such as electricity, steam power, and urban planning unlock vast production capabilities and reshape your cities.
Contemporary Era
Welcome to the modern world. Aluminium and Uranium become strategic priorities, and new cultures like the Americans, Soviets, and Brazilians represent cutting-edge ideologies and technologies. Modern warfare, global diplomacy, and climate-related events come into play as your civilization reaches its final form.
With each era introducing around ten new cultures to choose from, Humankind ensures there’s no shortage of variety when developing your civilization. It’s worth remembering that empires can move through eras at different speeds – so don’t be surprised if rival nations get a head start (or if you do).
You’ll also encounter narrative events tied to specific eras. These moments ask you to make meaningful decisions, shaping not just your culture’s gameplay bonuses, but its personality and story too.
Humankind has delivered on its promise of being a deep, replayable strategy game full of choice, culture, and consequence. Whether you’re conquering the world or cultivating a peaceful utopia, every decision leaves a mark.
