Summary
Harald Hardrada is a leader thatCivilization 6players shouldn’t underestimate, because he has some surprisingly strong tricks at his disposal. While he may not be as famous as series icons like Montezuma and Shaka Zulu, he’s a capable conquest-focused leader in his own right. InCivilization 6, he has a specific niche that he manages to fit comfortably into, and some advantages that can turn him into a strong contender if utilized properly. Harald Hardrada’s Norway is a civilization that more players should give a chance to, and after examining his strengths, players may wonder why they didn’t sooner.
When it comes to scoring adomination victory inCivilization 6, many leaders are well-equipped to take that path. Typically, they have powerful unique units and abilities aimed towards combat and warfare. These leaders include such names as:
Harald Hardrada of Norway is similarly domination-inclined albeit with a more sea-based approach that one would expect from a viking. Because naval combat and units are more situational than land units, this can cause his advantages to be overlooked, but that by no means makes them weak.
Harald Hardrada Makes Norway a Fierce Competitor in Civilization 6
Norway’s Uniques in Civilization 6 Play to its Strengths
Norway receives one significant advantage when it comes toexploring the maps ofCivilization 6. Not only can their naval units cross oceans one step earlier in the tech tree, but units can embark and disembark for free, greatly hastening players' exploration. As for uniques, the Stave Church is a temple replacement that gives extra Production for worked coastal resources and shipwrecks. However, the Berserker is Norway’s true secret weapon. Replacing the Man-At-Arms, it has higher strength, even more bonus strength when attacking, and bonus movement in enemy territory. Despite a strength penalty when getting attacked, the Berserker is an absolutely lethal medieval unit.
Konge Harald is the Biggest Threat in Civilization 6’s Seas
Harald Hardrada’s base form, known as Konge Harald Hardrada, is not aCivilization 6leader designed for beginners, but what he can do is effective all the same. In addition to building naval melee units twice as fast, they all have the ability to perform coastal raids, pillaging improvements and districts, and even capturing civilian units, making his navy a massive threat to coastal cities. In addition, Konge Harald is assisted in this endeavor by a rare third unique, the Viking Longship. A stronger, faster Galley replacement that can pass through enemy units, the Viking Longship ensures that Konge Harald rules the coasts.
Varangian Harald’s Enemies Should Fear His Friends
Varangian Harald Hardrada may not look as intimidating as his Konge counterpart, but what he can do withcity-states inCivilization 6is terrifying nonetheless. While any player can levy the military of a city-state that they’re the Suzerain of to take control, Varangian Harald gets a massive discount for doing so. That, combined with a universal unit maintenance discount, makes it relatively cheap for him to control a large army. In addition, kills made by levied units reward him with Faith, Culture, and Science all at once. Varangian Harald Hardrada can turn skilled diplomacy into a fearsome fighting force.
Both new and oldCivilizationplayers should give Harald another look. Both of his incarnations have what it takes to begreat leaders for domination victories inCivilization 6. If a player can build some coastal cities early and give him a navy, then Harald’s naval dominance will make itself known in due time. WhileCivilization 6’s more famous warlike leaders may be more well-known to players, Harald is equally capable of stampeding over his opponents if given the chance. Harald Hardrada is quite underrated, and moreCivilization 6players should see what he can do.
Sid Meier’s Civilization 6
WHERE TO PLAY
Civilization VIoffers new ways to engage with your world: cities now physically expand across the map, active research in technology and culture unlocks new potential, and competing leaders will pursue their own agendas based on their historical traits as you race for one of five ways to achieve victory in the game.Expansive empiresSee the marvels of your empire spread across the map like never before. Each district, wonder, and improvement is built on its own hex, allowing you to customize your city to your heart’s content. From the Commercial Hub to the Spaceport, every district provides unique and powerful bonuses. Pick and choose which districts to build to fit your needs! Build better than your opponents, place yourself strategically for your allies, and become the best civilization on Earth.Active ResearchBoost your civilization’s progress through history to unlock powerful bonuses before anyone else! To advance more quickly, use your units to actively explore, develop your environment, and discover new cultures. Research isn’t just limited to science. Explore the Civics tree to unlock powerful new governments and cultural policies Cultivate the civilization that fits your playstyle, or switch it up every time you play!Dynamic diplomacyAs the game progresses, so do your diplomatic relationships. From primitive first interactions where conflict is a fact of life, to late game alliances and negotiations. Carry influence with nearby city states to gain its diplomatic allegiance and earn game-changing city-state bonuses. Enlist spies to gather crucial intel on rival civilizations, steal precious resources, and even topple governments.
