In Populous DS, players manage a small, embattled world government which tries to build a powerful new city. The game is a bevy of social/nuclear warfare with players managing a grand total of 10,000 years of history. The world is alsodiscovering new creatures and events which can impact the game world, and players must work together to keep the world in check. The in-game currency is labor, and players must be careful not to lose it as the game changesuctions to it over time.