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Human history is not kind. It's filled with conflict and inequality. As a simulation of human history, Humankind reflects these aspects, with mechanics for war and conquest. Humankind's players can raze cities as much as they can build them up. And the effects of war are often long felt after the fighting has stopped.
There are multiple ways a war can end in Humankind. The most drastic end is empire destruction, killing all enemy units and cities. A much more likely end is forced surrender, where Humankind forces players to end a war and negotiate terms once the enemy's war support hits 0.
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There's another option in-between these two extremes, however: Vassalage. The loser of the war becomes a vassal state, and the winner of the war becomes their liege.
Vassals and Lieges
A vassal territory is one that is controlled by another civilization. Every turn, the vassal state has to pay money to the liege state, based on their income. The vassal also cannot control their state religeon or treaties. Those are instead established by the liege. This allows Humankind's players to expand their influence without hitting the city cap.
There are a few downsides to vassalage, however. Both the liege and the vassal share resources. The vassals might use up more resources than the money is worth. Since resources are shared, the liege can't build trading routes through the vassal territories, which can trip up long-term plans. The strain of the vassal may slow down the production of Humankind's influence points.
How to Get Vassals
Vassals are somewhat rare in the game because they have a steep requirement. Not only does the player have to win a war against another civilization, but they have to do so with overwhelming war support on their side. It can cost hundreds of points in war support to make a large empire a vassal.
A player is much more likely to hit forced surrender before reaching that point. However, if they do reach that point, then the "become a vassal" option will be available in the possible surrender terms.
How to End Vassalage
There are two ways to end a vassal-liege relationship. The first is if the liege decides to hit "Grant Freedom" in the relations tab, and the second is if a vassal hits "Demand Freedom" in the same tab. If the former is done, then both civilizations need to re-establish all treaties. If the latter is attempted and refused, another war begins.
Humankind is out now for PC and Stadia.
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