A turn-based empire on a flat square world
The Battle of Polytopia is a turn-based strategy game set in the Square, a flat, square-shaped landmass drifting through an alternate dimension. You take the role of the ruler of one of 16 tribes, each with its own nature, culture, attributes, strengths, and weaknesses. Your goal is to build a civilization that outgrows the competition and ends up ruling the world. Every turn you explore the map, expand your borders, farm, build, research technologies, and fight wars. The 4X loop of eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate drives the whole game, and the auto-generated maps mean no two matches play out the same way.
Playing together online
Multiplayer runs online for up to 16 players on PC and Mac OSX, with matchmaking available. Mirror matches are supported, so the same tribe can appear more than once in a single game. Player avatars let you tell everyone apart on the board. Three game modes shape how a group session feels: Perfection, Domination, and Creative. Diplomacy is part of the toolkit, with peace treaties and embassies available between tribes. When talks break down, invisible cloaks and daggers open up stealth attacks for players who prefer striking from the shadows. Keyboard controls and shortcuts keep the turn flow moving quickly.
What to know before starting
Five map sizes are on offer: tiny, normal, large, huge, and massive. Map types can be configured as Dryland, Lake, Pangea, Contininents, Archipelago, or Water World, which changes how much water and land each tribe has to work with. Online leaderboards track the top scores for civilization builders if your group wants a long-term target. The 16 tribes range from the reserved, adventure-minded Xin-Xi to the archery-loving, mushroom-fancying Hoodrick, the tavern-frequenting Bardur, and the pillaging Vengir who sharpen their swords at the misty Kithkga Boneyards. Pick a tribe that suits how you want to play, then settle in for a match that rewards planning over quick reflexes.