Civilization VI recently announced its second full expansion, Gathering Storm, which focuses on the environment and diplomacy, and now they’ve revealed another new civilization – the Maori led by the legendary figure, Kupe. This is the first Civ game to feature the Maori specifically, although Civ 5 did include Polynesia. You can check out a video overview of the Maori, below.
Kupe was the Maori navigator who first discovered and helped populate New Zealand somewhere around the 10th century. As you’d expect, the Maori gain power from water – in fact, your initial settler units start in the ocean. Interestingly, you gain Science and Culture bonuses before founding your first city, and that first city gets extra population and amenities when built. In other words, you’re encouraged to really search around for that perfect spot to place your capital. Here’s a complete rundown of what the Maori bring to the table:
Unique Ability – Mana
“Mana” grants the Maori the Sailing and Shipbuilding technologies at the start of the game, and provides additional movement and combat strength for embarked units. Unimproved Woods and Rainforest areas yield more Production, and Fishing Boats provide additional Food and perform a Culture Bomb on adjacent tiles when constructed.
Unique Building – Marae
Replacing the Amphitheater, the Marae provides Culture and Faith to all tiles in the city with a passable feature, such as Floodplains. The Marae also provides Tourism when unlocking the technology for Flight.
Unique Unit – Toa
The Toa, a classical-era melee unit, can construct the Pa – a unique defensive structure that provides combat bonuses for allied occupying units. Toa also have the “Haka War Dance” ability, which weakens adjacent enemy units’ combat effectiveness.
Kupe Unique Ability – Kupe’s Voyage
The legendary tales of Kupe’s discovery of New Zealand inspire his unique leader ability, “Kupe’s Voyage.” The Maori civ actually begins the game at sea, and receive Science and Culture each turn prior to settling its first city. Once settled, the Maori receive a free Builder and extra population in the capital, and the palace receives additional Housing and Amenities.
The Maori definitely sound unique, although I’m not sure how versatile they’ll be. At the very least, the Maori should be a good choice when playing on water-heavy island maps. Firaxis has also announced Hungary will be part of Gathering Storm.
Civilization VI: Gathering Storm, will include a total of nine new leaders representing eight civilizations. The $30 expansion comes to PC on February 14, 2019.
