First Wars & Diplomacy

Master early warfare and diplomacy in Humankind. Learn unit positioning, terrain advantages, and diplomatic pacts to secure your civilization.

Initiating your first conflicts and navigating early diplomatic landscapes in Humankind is a critical phase that can set the trajectory for your entire civilization. The game's approach to warfare and interaction with other cultures differs significantly from some familiar 4X titles. Instead of directly choosing historical leaders, you create a custom avatar, and your civilization's identity is built through the cultures you adopt across eras. This means early interactions are less about pre-defined rivalries and more about emergent relationships based on proximity and shared resources. Understanding the core combat mechanics, such as unit positioning, terrain advantages, and the impact of infrastructure on military strength, is paramount. For instance, units fighting on hills gain a defensive bonus, making strategic placement crucial. Similarly, the presence of certain districts within a city can bolster its defenses or provide offensive support to nearby armies. Early scouting with units like scouts is vital to identify potential threats and opportunities, as well as to locate valuable resources and neutral territories for expansion. The game emphasizes a more nuanced approach to conflict, where outright conquest isn't always the most efficient path to victory. Diplomatic options, though perhaps less developed in the early game compared to later eras, still offer avenues for alliances, trade agreements, and non-aggression pacts, which can be instrumental in securing your nascent empire against more aggressive neighbors. The initial units available, such as the basic Warrior, have specific strengths and weaknesses that players must learn to exploit. For example, understanding that a Warrior is effective in melee combat but vulnerable to ranged attacks from units like the Archer is key to successful engagements. The concept of "war weariness" also plays a role, impacting stability and population growth if conflicts are prolonged or particularly brutal, encouraging players to consider the long-term consequences of their military actions.

The early game is often characterized by skirmishes over territory and resources. Establishing your first outposts strategically is key; placing them near valuable resource nodes like Luxury Resources or Strategic Resources can provide a significant early-game advantage. However, these outposts can also become targets for aggressive neighbors. The game's combat system involves a tactical layer where battles are resolved on a grid. Unit flanking, line of sight, and the concept of "reinforcement" from adjacent friendly units are all important factors. A single unit can be supported by up to three adjacent friendly units, increasing its combat effectiveness. Conversely, being surrounded by enemy units can severely penalize your combat performance. The early game often sees players experimenting with different unit compositions. A balanced force of melee units for engaging enemy frontlines and ranged units for supporting from a distance is generally advisable. The concept of "Era Stars" is also introduced early on, and while primarily tied to advancement, achieving certain military milestones can contribute to earning these stars, thus indirectly influencing your progress through the ages. Diplomacy in the early game is often limited to basic interactions. You can send envoys to other civilizations to establish contact, and depending on their relationship, can propose trade deals or non-aggression pacts. The "Humankind" encyclopedia notes that early interactions are crucial for understanding potential allies and rivals. The initial cultures available, such as the Sumerians or the Egyptians, each possess unique units and bonuses that can influence their early military and diplomatic strategies. For example, the Sumerians' War Carts offer a powerful early-game offensive option, while the Egyptians' ability to build Wonders faster can provide significant cultural or economic boosts that indirectly support military endeavors.