Summary

Ara: History Untoldis set to make its entrance to the 4X genre, and its leaders already stand apart fromCivilization’s in a notable way. WhileAra: History Untoldis certain to continue unfolding in the months leading up to its release, prospective players have already gotten a decent look at what they can expect from the game. One of the biggest reveals so far regarding the game has involved the selection of leaders that will be available to the players. In this sense,Ara: History Untoldcan provide something that theCivilizationseries has yet to do.

It will be months untilAra: History Untoldcomes to Xbox Game Pass, but previews of the game look hopeful. With almost 8 years having passed since the release ofCivilization 6,Ara: History Untoldlooks like it fills a void in the market. Much like its competitors, it will put players in the role of a leader attempting to build a civilization from a small village to a proud empire. In the end, victory will come down to building a civilization that can shine the brightest. While this is ultimately up to the player, their chosen leader will have their own effects on the game.

Sappho at the leader select screen of Ara: History Untold

Ara: History Untold’s Leaders Explore Some New Territory

Ara: History Untold’s Leaders Should Play a Familiar Role

Similar to the thought that goes intochoosing a leader inCivilization 6, the player’s leader inAra: History Untoldis an important decision to make. Not only do they determine the civilization that the player will lead, but they have their own traits that come into play during the game. In a move similar toCivilization, each leader has a unique leader ability that gives them an advantage that no other civilization in the game can make use of, which is sure to play intoAra’s metagame. This should ensure that every leader in the game can fit into a tactical niche.

The Leaders of Ara Are Taken From Many Fields

One place whereAra: History Untoldstands out is in its leader selection. While theleaders chosen forCivilizationgamesare typically generals, politicians, and other people who held great power,Arais taking a different approach.Arawill still include leaders such as Nefertiti and Shaka, but it will also include scientists, philosophers, and artists. Sappho was shown as a playable leader in the latest trailer, and art was also shown for leaders such as Confucius and Nicolas Copernicus.Ara: History Untold’s choice of leaders plays well into its alternate Earth setting, and should give the game more flavor overall.

Ara’s Leaders Have Additional Quirks That Affect Their Strategy

Leader abilities aren’t the only traits thatAra: History Untold’s leaders have. While there is a pattern in how certainCivilizationleaders aim for specific victories,Ara’s leaders have a set of traits that greatly affect their gameplay style. SinceAra’s leaders come from a wide variety of backgrounds, this should play even deeper into the game’s premise. The trait system also has a strong likelihood of featuring many traits that overlap between leaders. This would create a dynamic that doesn’t exist in theCivilizationgames, which have leaders with similar aims, but none who actually share the same abilities or bonuses in-game.

Ara: History Untoldlooks ambitious, and its leaders are one reason to be enthusiastic about the game. Since it seems thatArawill arrive beforeCivilization 7releases, it could be the standard-bearer for a new generation of 4X games. While playing a real-world leader is nothing new,Arais using sources thatCivilizationhas yet to reach into, and it’s making the game look like an interesting new direction for the genre.Ara: History Untold’s leaders may be one of its most interesting features going forward.

Sid Meier’s Civilization 6 Tag Page Cover Art

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.