Civilization VI: Gathering Storm

Sid Meier's Civilization VI: Gathering Storm
Company type	Video game expansion pack
Industry	Video games
Founded	February 14, 2019; 7 years ago
Products	Turn-based strategy video game expansion
Website	civilization.com

Sid Meier's Civilization VI: Gathering Storm represents the second expansion pack for the turn-based strategy title Civilization VI, launched on February 14, 2019, roughly one year following the debut of the initial expansion, Rise and Fall. Compatible with Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux, this add-on introduces fresh civilizations, leaders, wonders, and gameplay elements centered around natural disasters and climate change. The expansion was met with generally favorable critical reception.

Gameplay

In Gathering Storm, environmental factors and their influence on gameplay take center stage, incorporating dynamic weather phenomena alongside anthropogenic climate effects. Players must navigate shifting ecological conditions driven by both chance events and their strategic choices.

This expansion incorporates a range of natural calamities including volcanic eruptions, floods along rivers, sea level increases, hurricanes, dust storms, blizzards, tornadoes, and droughts. Players have access to infrastructural defenses such as dams and seawalls to lessen these impacts. Certain disasters may even enhance tile yields after occurring. A novel climate mechanic governs the frequency of such events; reliance on coal and oil to power advanced buildings in later stages elevates CO₂ concentrations and heightens disaster probability. Conversely, sustainable energy alternatives like solar, wind, and geothermal power can be developed. Unlocking the Computers technology enables construction of flood barriers that safeguard city centers from rising seas. The Future Era returns featuring new Technologies and Civics that become available through random discovery.

World generation has been improved with additional geographic features including geothermal fissures and volcanoes aligned along mountain ranges that separate continents; floodplains tend to cluster adjacent to rivers. These landforms receive names based on the civilization that first explores them (for example, the Thames named by England).

Diplomatic systems have been overhauled with the reintroduction of the Diplomatic Victory condition and the World Congress. Players accumulate Diplomatic Victory Points via multiple methods and must secure victories in several voting sessions across different eras to win. A new Favor currency replaces the Warmonger score as a means to sway votes, complemented by a Grievances system tracking diplomatic tensions. The World Congress enables players to propose resolutions akin to peace agreements subject to global voting.

Several foundational mechanics from the base game undergo refinement, including expanded Historic Moments, an additional Governor role, enhanced espionage features, and tweaks to science and culture victory paths.

The expansion adds nine new leaders alongside eight fresh civilizations, each offering distinctive units and unique abilities. It also presents two new scenarios—The Black Death (single-player) and War Machine (multiplayer)—both inspired by historical conflicts.

Key new civilizations include:

Hungary, under Matthias Corvinus, excelling at recruiting units from allied city-states;
the Māori, led by Kupe, who begin gameplay at sea with a focus on environmental stewardship;
Canada, headed by Wilfrid Laurier, featuring specialized units suited for cold environments;
the Inca, led by Pachacuti, gaining strategic advantages related to mountainous terrain;
Mali, led by Mansa Musa, generating wealth through desert exploitation and trade networks;
Sweden, under Kristina, benefiting cultural output, tourism, and great person generation;
the Ottoman Empire, led by Suleiman, possessing strengths in siege warfare and unique governors combining diplomatic and military prowess;
Phoenicia, headed by Dido, capitalizing on ocean tiles with the ability to relocate their capital city;
Eleanor of Aquitaine as a versatile leader capable of ruling either England or France, influencing loyalty via Great Works.

Reception

Gathering Storm was met with mostly favorable critiques from reviewers, as reflected on the review aggregator platform Metacritic.

Accolades

The title received several nominations, including "Best Original Choral Composition" and "Best Original Soundtrack Album" at the 18th Annual G.A.N.G. Awards. It was also shortlisted for "Game Beyond Entertainment" at the 16th British Academy Games Awards and contended for "Video Game Score of the Year" at the ASCAP Composers' Choice Awards.

External links

Official website of Civilization