Catherine de’ Medici, “the most powerful European queen of the 16th century,” will lead France to victory in Civilization VI using statecraft, diplomacy, and espionage. France’s special ability, Grand Tour, gives a bonus when building mid-game wonders and extra tourism from their constructions. The Garde Imperiale is the French unique unit who gets bonuses for fighting near the starting capital’s home continent, get great general points quickly, and replace the musketmen. France’s unique building is the plateau, which must be built near a river but generates culture and extra bonuses when built next to wonders.

All that pales in comparison to Catherine’s true talent though: espionage. Through her Ladies in Waiting ability, she can gather reports of who’s plotting against who, alliances between civ’s, and gets an extra spy when the castles technology is researched.

Unlike Egypt who prioritizes the early game or America who shines later on, France is a mid-game focused civ who can catch up quickly in the wonders race, is unmatched at espionage, and can defend themselves fiercely during the most war-torn period of history.

Catherine de’ Medici’s France brings the total confirmed civ count up to seven, with Queen Victoria for England, Montezuma II for the Aztecs, Qin Shi Huang for China, Teddy Roosevelt for the USA, Cleopatra for Egypt, and Hojo Tokimune for Japan.

Sid Meier’s Civilization VI is launching on Oct 21st for Windows PC.