'Civilization 6' news: Fall 2016 update released; patch features optimization, a new multiplayer mode, and new maps

A promotional image for "Civilization 6"Facebook/civ

A massive game update has been rolled out by Firaxis Games, the game developer for "Civilization 6." The fall 2016 update contains optimization for AMD and NVIDIA video cards, a new multiplayer mode, and two new maps.

The month old game can now take advantage of the latest video cards available in the market. It is now optimized to use DirectX 12 that can provide better video performance compared to its earlier version. Gamers will have to make sure that the latest drivers are installed on their PCs. Additionally, the Logitech ARX is now supported by the game, according to the announcement.

Additionally, a map called "Cavalry and Cannonades" is added to the multiplayer scenario, while "Four-Leaf Clover" and "Six-Armed Snowflake" are new map types. All the maps are playable online and offline, and they are designed to offer "more conflict by forcing players to move toward the center."

The multiplayer maps will feature a reduced unit maintenance cost and do not require strategic resources for the units. It also contains a larger starting army and more starting tech compared to other maps. The time limit is set at 50 turns and a player with the largest territory wins the round.

Numerous bug fixes were also implemented on "Civilization 6's" fall 2016 update. These include adjustments for incorrect bonuses for Social Policies, Great People, and Pantheon. Adjacency bonuses for the Royal Navy Dockyard were also corrected.

The Great Wall was also fine-tuned to remove possible connection points from other players' walls, cycling error of units with formations, several issues related to occupied Airstrips and Aerodromes. The exploit with regards to districts with zero hit points will now refrain from giving experience points to the players, as well as a fix for incorrect information provided by the Settler lens.

The audio components of the game were also adjusted. It now plays mouse-over sounds that were previously missing, the Advisor voice not playing in other languages, and compatibility issues with some sound cards were given a remedy as well.

The game's AI also received refinements. They now have an increased competitiveness in Science and Tourism, lessened the aggressiveness towards "friends" nations, adjusted its approach in starting and ending a war.

"Civilization 6" is now available for Windows and MacOS.