Early Modern Era

Navigate the Early Modern Era in Humankind with our comprehensive guide. Learn strategies for managing AI bonuses, trade, expansion, and achieving victory through Fame.

The Early Modern Era in Humankind presents unique challenges due to AI bonuses in Food, Industry, Money, Science, and Combat Strength. This guide focuses on strategies to overcome these advantages and secure victory.

AI Bonuses and How to Counter Them:

• FIMS Bonuses: The AI receives flat bonuses to Food, Industry, Money, and Science. These bonuses are more impactful early in the game when city populations are smaller. As your cities grow and you develop Industry Districts and wonders like the Jama Masjid, these bonuses become less significant. Focus on building wide to maximize your own FIMS output.
• Combat Strength: A +2 Combat Strength bonus for AI units makes early warfare highly disadvantageous. Avoid combat until at least the Classical Era, and ideally the Medieval Era. The Professional Soldiers Civic and leaning towards the Homeland ideology can help balance this deficit later.
• Stability: The AI's bonus stability is hard to quantify but can be offset by trading for luxury resources.

General Strategy:

1. Avoid Early War: Postpone aggressive actions until the Classical or Medieval Era.
2. Prioritize Trade: Secure trade routes, especially for luxury resources, to manage stability and gain economic advantages.
3. Culture Choice: Opt for Agrarian and Builder cultures early on to facilitate growth. Transition to late-game cultures that excel in the later stages where AI bonuses diminish. Building wide is generally more effective than building tall.
4. Fame is Key: Focus on accumulating stars and Fame. Avoid prematurely transcending cultures, as this can lead to missing out on Fame opportunities within an era. A high Fame score is crucial for victory, even if you have a strong in-game position.
5. End Game: Aim for the Science ending by researching all technologies, as it's generally the fastest and most consistent. Alternatively, if conquest has been successful, eliminating or vassalizing all other cultures can also lead to a swift victory, especially with fewer AI opponents.

Optimal Map Settings:

• World Size: Huge: Provides ample space for expansion and more opportunities for minor cultures to spawn, allowing for diverse territorial claims and assimilation strategies.
• World Shape: Large Pangea: Facilitates easier scouting and interaction with trading partners.
• Land Percentage: 70-80%: Offers a balance between land for expansion and sufficient ocean for accessible trade routes.
• Climate: New World: Ensures a diverse starting environment.