Released in 2013 for PC and Mac, this is a map pack DLC for the turn-based strategy game, Civilization V. It enhances the core game by introducing a unique approach to map generation, focusing on geographical accuracy combined with randomized interiors.

Core Concept

At its heart, this DLC provides maps based on real-world geographic regions. These maps accurately represent the outlines of continents such as Africa, Antarctica, Eastern Asia, North and South America, the Middle East, and Western Europe. However, the interior of each continent is procedurally generated at the start of each new game, ensuring a different strategic challenge every time you play.

Gameplay and Features

The primary gameplay involves the standard Civilization V experience of building cities, researching technologies, developing your civilization, and engaging in diplomacy or warfare with other civilizations. The Scrambled Continents DLC modifies this by altering the strategic landscape presented to the player. The randomized interiors mean that resource locations, terrain features, and tribal settlements will be different each game, even when playing on the same continental outline.

Additional Maps

Beyond the main feature of scrambled continents, this DLC also includes specifically designed maps for different game scenarios. These include:

Maps created for Small Continents games, offering a more compact and focused strategic experience.
Maps designed for Oceania scenarios, emphasizing naval exploration and island-based gameplay.
A map that includes all of Earth's continents, providing a large-scale, comprehensive world to conquer.

What makes the map layouts unique?

The blend of accurate continental outlines with randomized interiors is the key differentiator. This approach provides a sense of familiarity with the world's geography while ensuring that each game presents new and unpredictable strategic challenges. The absence of a fixed storyline encourages players to create their own narratives through their strategic decisions and interactions within the game world.

Setting and Atmosphere

The setting is determined by the chosen map and the randomized terrain within it. Players can expect diverse environments and strategic challenges depending on the specific continental layout generated for their game. The atmosphere is one of exploration and adaptation, as players must adjust their strategies to the unique conditions of each new world.