Idea for Humankind 2

[u/No-Profession-7969]

Hey everyone. With the Humankind 2 announcement and the devs mentioning upcoming playtests, I couldn't wait to share an idea I’ve been thinking about.

​My favorite part of the first Humankind was the combat system, and I think adding historical "Hero" units (like 3 unique historical figures per culture) would add a ton of depth.

​How would we get them in-game? I see two ways:

​Option 1 (My favorite): Events and choices.

An event pops up based on your political focus or what your empire currently needs. You get to pick one of three heroes. Each one gives your civilization a different permanent buff, on top of their actual presence on the battlefield.

​Option 2: Veterancy upgrades.

Expanding the combat star system. Your best unit, once it hits max level, gets the option to upgrade into a hero (depending on its movement type). Honestly though, I think this second option makes more sense for a regular general or promotion system rather than unique heroes.

​Why do I think this is totally doable? Amplitude already did something similar with heroes in Endless Legend 2. The foundation is there, they’d just need to adapt the mechanics to Humankind's historical vibe.

​What do you guys think? Would you want historical figures leading your armies, or do you prefer a different approach for the sequel?

​

(I used ChatGPT's image generation to illustrate the hero mechanic in the attached images, just because it was the quickest and easiest way I know to get the idea across!)

[u/DerpWyvern]

completely against hero mechanics in any 4x game, personally

[u/No-Profession-7969 → u/DerpWyvern]

Understandably, we all have different views.

[u/warukeru → u/DerpWyvern]

agree

[u/JNR13]

Imho it goes a bit against the spirit of the game. Between citizen identities, unit customizations, and luxury actions there are plenty of other Amplitude mechanics I'd rather see in Humankind.

[u/No-Profession-7969 → u/JNR13]

I understand the point, but it can be raised as optional mechanics, like the climate pollution system.

[u/nevrtouchedgrass]

I agree with the general sentiment that heroes should for the most part stay out of humankind and 4X games BUT an additional game mode or scenario maybe centered around heroes and mythology would be fun I think

[u/PackageAggravating12]

A "choose your leader" mechanic for the culture would actually fit pretty well.
Not a fan of the individual unit hero, though.

[u/Complete-Alfalfa7439]

Get your AI trash out of my passionately handmade french game.

[u/baikencordess]

I like hero units. I prefer hero units that stick around, but maybe cultural units could work too if done right.

[u/Remote_Manager3333]

No, I would suggest Generals that can control the armies. HK1 had stacks of 4 military units. A general can provide upgrades to strengthen the armies. I like to more realistic warfare mechanics.

[u/ShortCategory7705]

Bro, no matter what, I support you expressing your thoughts. We have to defend freedom of speech.

[u/L444ki]

I dislike the idea of hero units. Just increase the number of unique units per culture and make each unit tupe have a couple of variants, but you only get one based on your culture.

For ww2 era infantry we vould get regular infantry and conscripts. Some cultures get unique regulars, some get unique conscripts, maybe some don’t get access to regulars at all.

[u/Clowl_Crowley]

Just play age of wonders if this is your fantasy

[u/No-Profession-7969 → u/Clowl_Crowley]

I don't see the resemblance to the mechanics of heroes I put forward in the post.