Amplitude's strategy game Humankind 2 is set to build upon its predecessor's foundation with a reworked culture system deeply intertwined with environmental adaptation and climate change. The studio aims to create a more dynamic and unique historical simulation, moving away from what it described as the monolithic cultures of the first game.
Environmental Interplay
The core of Humankind 2's new design centers on the interaction between biomes and culture. Each starting tribe is assigned a "First Tale," a foundational myth influenced by its environment, providing initial buffs and shaping early development. For example, a tribe near the Nile might begin with "Flood Tamer," granting bonuses related to water consumption and generation.
Players will unlock specific "Adaptations" that deepen their culture's connection to its environment. In a demo showcasing an Ancient Egyptian civilization in a desert biome, adaptations like mudbricks and camel herding were available to help the culture thrive. However, the game's climate is not static. Events such as periods of extreme heat or cold can dramatically alter biomes, potentially blunting existing adaptations and forcing players to re-evaluate their strategies. The demo illustrated this by showing the Egyptian civilization adapting to a sudden snow-covered environment, shifting their focus to warmth and resource preservation.
Evolving Cultures
Humankind 2 also introduces a more flexible culture system, moving beyond the fixed bonuses of the first game. Players can unlock various "Customs" through a tiered system, which are then equipped into limited slots. These customs allow for further specialization, enabling factions to develop unique traits based on their circumstances, such as optimizing for authority generation or improving arid land survival.
At various "Crossroads" points in the game, players can choose to evolve their culture based on common history, shared land, or foreign contact. This system can lead to adopting new cultures, unlocking new customs, city aesthetics, and population roles. With a total of 70 cultures planned, Amplitude aims to ensure that each playthrough feels distinct, preventing the "same template over and over" experience that the studio felt characterized the first game.
Amplitude also highlighted improvements in production values, including more elaborate animations for wonders and enhanced visual effects. The studio indicated that these changes, alongside optimized load times, contribute to a more polished and competitive experience against other major strategy titles. Humankind 2 is slated for release next year.