Developer Firaxis Games has released what is called the Winter 2016 update for strategy game Civilization VI, alongside a couple of DLCs that will further expand the already massive title.
Civilization VI Winter 2016 Update
The Winter 2016 update is free for all players of Civilization VI, and it will automatically install upon launching the Steam client.
A look at the Winter 2016 update changelog reveals an expansive update that adds several important features and fixes some prominent bugs.
The new things coming to Civilization VI with the free update includes a new standard-size Earth map; an Alert action for units that places them in sleep until they see an enemy unit; a Scenario setup menu that allows players to easily access Scenarios from the Single Player menu; and a new replay option for Wonder completion movies.
The Winter 2016 Update also added a long list of gameplay updates, balance changes, AI tuning, and bug fixes to Civilization VI, along with improvements to the game's visuals, multiplayer mode, user interface, and audio.
Civilization VI Poland Pack
Firaxis Games launched two paid DLCs alongside the free Winter 2016 update, the first of which is the Poland Civilization & Scenario Pack.
The Poland DLC, which can be purchased for $4.99, gives players the ability to play as Jadwiga, the medieval queen and ruler of Poland. Jadwiga comes with interesting abilities, one of which allows players to steal territories by building forts and encampments. This "Golden Liberty" ability allows players to expand their reign by spreading their religion, leading to bonus resources of gold, culture and faith. Poland also has the unique Winged Hussars unit, which can knock back enemies during combat.
The DLC also comes with a 60-turn scenario wherein players will try to defend Poland, Vienna and Prague from invaders.
Civilization VI Vikings Pack
The second paid DLC that was launched for Civilization VI is the Vikings Scenario Pack, which also costs $4.99 to purchase.
The Vikings DLC will introduce six new city-states and three new natural wonders to Civilization VI, along with a 100-turn scenario where players can raid across Europe as either Sweden or Norway.
New Approach For Civilization VI Updates, DLC
Firaxis Games seems to have taken a different approach on how to roll out updates and DLC to Civilization VI compared to its predecessor, Civilization V. Civilization V was released as a game that did not have most of the features of Civilization IV, with the features eventually added back through updates. Civilization VI is a complete game upon release, which means that Firaxis Games can focus on adding civilizations and scenarios instead.
