From developer Oxide Games and publisher Xbox Games Studios, Ara History Untold offers a deep strategy experience that takes players across human history. Like the civilizations forged through its gameplay, Oxide Games continues to push its game forward. With the 1.1 update titled “The Invisible Hand,” the developers hope to bring some new elements to the game while streamlining others.
The first thing players will notice is a new leader to play as. John A. Macdonald arrives with a solid kit for players looking to bolster their infrastructure while holding enemy forces at bay. His fifty percent bonus to government and military improvements ensures players can get their governments running effectively. While the military side of this ability may cause some to expect him to be a military leader, this boost is tempered by his pacifist trait, giving his military units minus ten present strength outside of their territories.
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This makes Macdonald a more defensive choice for weathering the assaults of more aggressive opponents. His focus on infrastructure is also complemented by his boost to your lumber output. This ability further enhances the player’s chances to ensure smooth growth for their civilization.
This character looks like a great meta-pick for serious players. If you expect live opponents or CPU adversaries to be overly aggressive, Macdonald brings a great option to help you survive. The lumber bonus also helps you get a leg up in the early game, further allowing players to get their nation set up before other players start to encroach on your territories.
The next big arrival in “The Invisible Hand” update is the National Economy Screen. This screen allows players to manage their crafting globally through one screen. No more going from city to city setting crafting priorities. The screen design is clear and intuitive, keeping everything easy to decipher from the start. Several filters let players further focus on exactly what they are looking for. Opened from a button near the top of the main screen, it is always conveniently located for the player’s use.
Improvements are also coming to the battle viewer in this update. More information will be displayed during fights now, helping players better understand why battles turn out the way they do. This extra intelligence is revealed from the player’s first viewing. There are a lot of elements that go into battles in Ara History Untold. This added transparency will provide greater clarity for players.
While we are on the topic of the military side of Ara History Untold, “The Invisible Hand” is also bringing Unit Upgrades to the game. Rather than disbanding outdated units, players can upgrade them, bringing them in line with new innovations. While not having to disband old units and train replacements is a great saver of time and resources, this new system also has strong storytelling potential. Players will watch their famed military units survive the march of time. Having that one unit that spearheads every invasion or is perpetually standing guard over their capital will help recreate an aspect of military traditions that exist in the real world.
This update also includes the Earth Map. Players wanting an added level of history will have a blast playing on this recreation of our world. But while Oxide Games wants players to take their history-inspired adventures to the next level, they don’t want to sacrifice balance in the name of real-world authenticity. They have made sure that some of the imposing geographical advantages nations enjoy in the real world don’t break the game.
A new advisor system will be arriving as well. Looking to give players additional aid throughout the game, the advisor system leverages the narrative event system to guide the player in a way that is based on their chosen leader and paragon. The opportunity to get a little extra help is always appreciated. After all, no one person can forge a nation alone.
“The Invisible Hand” is taking the first steps to support the modding side of the community. These first steps look to let modders bring their special touch to their games of Ara History Untold.
With so much new content coming to Ara: History Untold in “The Invisible Hand,” it’s clear that Oxide Games is ready to plow ahead to seek a bigger and better 4X experience for their fans. With promises of even more to come, it seems like players have lots to look forward to as they forge their nations into the greatest in the world.
“The Invisible Hand” 1.1 update is going live for Ara: History Untold on November 14, 2024.
