2K and Firaxis unveiled the faction leader for the Aztecs today, Montezuma I. The Aztec civilization will be a preorder incentive for Civilization VI, as early purchasers will get access to the faction upon the game’s launch. Other players will receive the content for free, but will have to wait 90 days from the game’s release.
Montezuma I was the second emperor of the Aztecs, and his nearly three decade-long reign helped to consolidate the power of the empire while expanding its reach and curbing the costly, decadent lifestyles of its people. He died of unknown causes in 1469, succeeded by his 19-year-old son Axayacatl.
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In-game, Montezuma I’s special ability makes amenities especially valuable for the Aztecs. Luxuries give amenities to different cities, and improved luxuries add to the fighting power of military units. The unique unit for the Aztecs is the Eagle Warrior. A more powerful version of the basic warrior, this unit can turn defeated foes into builder units. Those extra builders will come in handy, as the Aztecs have the unique option to use builders to speed construction.
The Aztecs are a civilization built for rapid expansion in the early game. Their powerful basic warrior gives them an advantage against other early military, and their rapid recruitment of extra builders will speed along construction. You can see for yourself how they operate when Civilization VI launches on October 21.