Discover the New Leader Harriet Tubman in Civilization 7: All the Key Details

The eagerly anticipated strategy game Civilization 7 has announced a remarkable addition to its roster of leaders: the renowned American abolitionist, Harriet Tubman. In the Civilization series, each leader uniquely influences gameplay through distinct advantages, disadvantages, and skills that shape how players build their civilizations and interact with others. Selecting the appropriate leader is crucial for achieving victory, a principle that will surely apply to Civ 7 as it has in previous installments.

Today, a first-look trailer on YouTube confirmed that Harriet Tubman will be a playable leader in Civ 7. She joins the lineup as one of two representatives from the United States, alongside Benjamin Franklin. With the new feature allowing players to mix civs and leaders, the relevance of pairing with a specific character has evolved. Let’s examine her potential in Civ 7.

Harriet Tubman: A Surprising Inclusion in the Modern Age

A Pivotal Addition for Civ 7

Civilization VII - A city surrounded by a red circle. — Image courtesy of Firaxis Games

Born in 1822, Harriet Tubman was a dedicated activist who is most famous for her pivotal role in the Underground Railroad, where she helped liberate numerous enslaved individuals. Tubman is known to have directly freed at least 70 people, with her extensive spy network aiding in the emancipation of many more. Additionally, she played significant roles in historic raids, including those at Harper’s Ferry and Combahee Ferry, encouraging many freed individuals to support the Union during the Civil War. Later advocating for women’s suffrage, Tubman’s legacy endures as a monumental figure in American history.

Joining the ranks of Benjamin Franklin and Abraham Lincoln, Tubman stands out as the first Black American woman leader in the series. As with her counterparts, she brings a distinct playstyle that reflects her historical significance.

Exploring Harriet Tubman’s Leader Bonus & Agenda

Harriet Tubman’s Unique Attributes in Civ 7

Harriet Tubman’s advantages in Civ 7 reflect her historical prowess. Her primary leader bonuses include eliminating movement penalties for units traversing vegetation, allowing for greater mobility across forested terrains. Additionally, her espionage operations benefit from a 50% increase in Influence, alongside gaining five War Support when wars are declared against her.

Influence, a critical resource in Civ 7, enables various diplomatic actions, enhancing Tubman’s strategic options.

In terms of her agenda, Tubman’s Veracity emphasizes the importance of honesty. Players using other leaders will see a boost in their relationship with Tubman following a formal declaration of war, although surprise attacks will negatively impact their standing with her.

Further analysis of her attributes reveals that Tubman possesses a map start bias favoring Vegetated areas, suggesting she will likely begin in lush locales. Her dual attributes are both Diplomatic and Militaristic, reflecting a balanced approach to leadership that values negotiation yet maintains a strong military presence as a safeguard.

Optimal Play Style for Harriet Tubman

Strategies for Playing as and Against Harriet Tubman in Civ 7

Civilization VII - Land with treasure surrounded by water. — Image courtesy of Firaxis Games

While leader attributes do not significantly alter gameplay when controlled by the player, they provide key insights into the winning strategies associated with each character. For Harriet Tubman, her paired Diplomatic and Militaristic attributes may seem contradictory but could position her as one of the top leaders in Civilization 7.

Players should strongly leverage Tubman’s unique abilities by prioritizing espionage early in the game. Target rival civilizations to disrupt their resources or impede their progress through strategic theft or intelligence-gathering.

Simultaneously, it is wise to focus on strengthening military capabilities. Tubman may initially avoid aggressive conflicts; however, with substantial War Support and a capable army, she can effectively respond if provoked. As the game progresses, her militaristic side may emerge as she gains strength.

Ultimately, Tubman’s playstyle is characterized by balance and versatility, calling for a strategic approach that spans multiple domains. While she may not appeal to casual players, careful strategizing might unveil her potential as one of the most formidable leaders in Civilization 7.

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