Understanding Civ 6’s New Monthly Challenge: The Civpocalypse Has Arrived

As the holiday season approaches, Civilization 6 kicks off an electrifying monthly challenge titled “Civpocalypse,”launched on December 10, 2023. This engaging challenge aims to keep players occupied as they eagerly await the release of Civ 7 in February. The monthly challenges in Civ 6 introduce exclusive scenarios that feature unique rules and limitations, and players can join the fun without needing to purchase the corresponding DLC. In this month’s challenge, players must navigate a world in turmoil—a Civpocalypse that pits them against a relentless barrage of natural disasters, marauding barbarians, and precarious rising sea levels.

Players will take on the role of Tamar from the Georgian Empire, facing a multitude of catastrophic events such as floods, tornadoes, and meteor strikes that wreak havoc across the game’s map. Those who endure the trials of the Civpocalypse, particularly newcomers, will earn a prestigious in-game Hall of Fame badge as a testament to their skills. However, this challenge is expected to be exceptionally difficult, requiring not just skill, but also a bit of luck. Below, we delve into all the details surrounding this month’s Civpocalypse challenge in Civilization 6.

Civpocalypse Timeline and Difficulty Levels

Challenge Duration and Difficulty Settings

The Civpocalypse challenge officially commenced on Tuesday, December 10, and will remain available until Wednesday, January 15. This challenge stands out as one of the more formidable tasks of the year, pushing players to their limits. Gamers can select from two difficulty levels: Prince or Emperor. To make a selection, players can navigate to the in-game main menu, where they can click on the “Challenge of the Month”banner to choose their preferred difficulty level. Regardless of chosen difficulty, players will face extreme challenges such as severe weather, high sea levels, and city-destroying comets in each round.

Leader	Tamar, Georgian Empire
Map	Pangea
Speed	Quick
Rules	Gathering Storm
Start Era	Information Era
World Age	New
Resources	Sparse
Start Position	Standard
Rainfall	Wet
Sea Level	High

This scenario is heavily influenced by the Gathering Storm “Apocalypse Mode,”introduced with the Maya & Gran Colombia DLC. In this mode, players will encounter an increased intensity and frequency of disasters, particularly in the later stages of the game. Two notable disasters are introduced in this mode: Solar Flares and Comet Strikes, which become increasingly devastating under Climate Change Level 7 conditions. Solar Flares affect the entire map, while Comet Strikes leave significant damage, creating literal impact zones.

Features and Challenges of the Civpocalypse

Strategies for Tamar’s Survival

Starting the challenge as Tamar of Georgia, players begin in the Information Era, which means they have no access to religious mechanics or victories, significantly hindering the advantages typically offered by the Georgian Empire’s faith bonuses. However, players can deploy unique Soothsayer units, purchasable with Faith, which act as harbingers of disaster in Apocalypse mode. These units can initiate disasters on specific tiles within enemy territory, potentially obliterating entire cities. Additionally, the “Appease the Gods”competition rewards successful Soothsayer usage by granting promotions, but at the cost of sacrificing combat units into a volcano.

Civpocalypse Feature	Type	Description
Soothsayer	Unit	A support unit exclusive to Apocalypse mode capable of initiating random disasters in adjacent hexes. Using this ability will consume the Soothsayer if it runs out of charges.
Solar Flare	Disaster	A sudden burst of solar radiation that disrupts advanced technology across the map.
Comet Strike	Disaster	Asteroids strike the surface, leading to catastrophic damage.

The most daunting aspect of this scenario is surviving the onslaught during the final stages, often relying on sheer luck. Players may witness frequent Comet Strikes that threaten to destroy any semblance of civilization they establish. In the early game, players must contend with aggressive barbarian hordes that pillage cities while attempting to build their empire. Although the beginning phases may feel deceptively calm, players should remain on guard as natural disasters escalate toward cataclysmic proportions.

Survival Strategies for the Civpocalypse Challenge

Navigating the Challenges of the Civpocalypse

Enduring the Civpocalypse will demand strategic thinking and a sprinkle of luck. Players can face the misfortune of losing their capital city at the hands of a single Comet Strike, underscoring the unpredictable nature of this challenge. Additionally, opponents will employ Soothsayers against players, while various barbarian groups create early game chaos. The Georgian Empire’s resources may feel inadequate given the limitations of starting in the Information Era, making survival all the more challenging.

As Comet Strikes become a frequent threat during Climate Change Level 7, players will find themselves grappling with fallout zones marked by impassable terrain, forever lost to devastation. The Civpocalypse challenge promises to test players’ determination and adaptability as they navigate a world rife with calamity.

To increase chances of survival, players can consider aiming for a Scientific Victory, focusing on advancements like the exoplanet expedition early in the game. For those interested in a Domination Victory, leveraging Soothsayer units to inflict maximum damage on opponents can be a game-changing strategy. While mitigation efforts against climate change can slightly help through renewable energy use, the devastation generally looms large in this challenge. With these strategies, players may yet find a way to navigate the tumultuous waters of the Civpocalypse in Civilization 6.

Source: Civilization

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