So you want to know about Humankind’s influence mechanics? This multifaceted resource is the new 4X game’s answer to ‘culture’, but it’s also a resource used to pay various costs, and has a notable impact on Humankind’s diplomacy, even leading to war with other civilisations.

Thankfully, it starts off as a relatively simple concept, but as the game progresses and you start butting up against the territories of your neighbours, the more important it becomes. Generating influence is also directly related to one set of era star sets you can earn in each era. Era stars net you fame points, which is how you win Humankind.

Like industry, food, and science – influence is a resource you can generate, and your net gain can fall below zero, which drains your influence ‘stock’ if you’re not careful – this results in your cities gradually losing stability, which is a bad situation to be in. Influence is largely generated by territories, but there are other circumstances where it can be acquired, especially in the Neolithic era. Here’s a quick guide to influence in Humankind, including how you spend it and everything else you need to know.

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