When the player creates a character, they must choose one of eleven (11) civilizations for their character: Rome, Germany, Britain, France, Spain, China, Japan, Korea, Arabia, Ottoman, Vikings, or Byzantium. Each civilization has different architectural styles, starting commanders, perks, and special units. No civilization is necessarily better than another; each has its own advantages and disadvantages. If the player wishes to change their civilization, they may purchase a Civilization Change for 10,000 gems from the Shop, or from the Alliance Shop for Resource icon individual credits.png2M individual alliance credits. The civilization change will not affect their starting commander, and will switch architectural style, perks, and special unit.