https://www.pcgamer.com/humankind-culture-guide/
I think the "How to choose your Humankind culture" section sounds quite obvious to me, so I guess there is nothing wrong.
But:
So... Harappans OP as starting culture, or is PCGamer missing an alternative strategy?
I think the "How to choose your Humankind culture" section sounds quite obvious to me, so I guess there is nothing wrong.
But:
What's the best starting culture?
In the Ancient Era, it's the Harappans. While the Myceaneans and the Egyptians are good starters for either warfare and industry, those affinities also rely on population. Every civilization is built on food, and the Harappans legacy trait of +1 food on rivers and food-producing tiles, as well as their Canal Network emblematic quarter, really help grow your population.
Since their emblematic unit, Runners, are a better form of Scout, all your Tribe members will upgrade into them as soon as you enter the Ancient Era. This unit has really good movement, meaning you can quickly fan out to explore, establish outposts, sack sanctuaries, and claim curiosities.
When you arrive in the Classical Era, you'll have a strong population infrastructure with which to do what you want, whether it's pivoting to produce science, money, industry, or to start churning out units.
So... Harappans OP as starting culture, or is PCGamer missing an alternative strategy?