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Humankind, the turn-based 4X strategy game from Amplitude Studios, released exclusively for PC earlier this year. Unlike the studio’s previous titles,Endless SpaceandEndless Legend,Humankindis a historical strategy, game charting the development of mankind from nomadic tribes to the modern era.
At each Era of history,Humankindplayerschoose a new Culture to adopt. These Cultures each offer a unique Emblematic Unit and Emblematic District, as well as a Legacy Trait that will stay with the player for the rest of the game. Picking the right Culture can be a daunting task, but there are definitely some that are stronger than others, as well as some to be avoided at all costs.
Updated June 21, 2025 by John Higgs:Humankind has recently received its first ever DLC package, the Cultures of Africa, which adds six new Cultures to the game. Each of the African Cultures occupies a different Era, giving players new strategic options when they ascend. The game has also received some minor balance changes since launch, but nothing dramatic enough to alter the current meta.
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Ancient Era Culture Tier List in Humankind
There are several good choices for players to choose from after reachingHumankind’s Ancient Era, and only one Culture that’s truly awful.
D-Tier
Classical Era Culture Tier List in Humankind
TheClassical Era inHumankindis a time of expansion, discovery, and the dawn of politics, and the best cultures can be seen below.
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Medieval Era Culture Tier List in Humankind
TheMedieval Era inHumankindoffers the first truly overpowered Culture, and one that has already been nerfed in a balance patch.
Early Modern Era Culture Tier List in Humankind
The world begins to shrink inHumankind’s Early Modern Era, with ocean-crossings and more diplomacy options for all Cultures.
C-Tier
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Industrial Era Culture Tier List in Humankind
TheIndustrial Era inHumankindis one of the most interesting, with powerful new units and buildings behind each Technology.
Contemporary Era Culture Tier List in Humankind
The endgame forHumankindis the Contemporary Era, which introduces modern and future Technologies, as well as radical new Units.
Humankindis out now for PC.
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