Much as its predecessor pulled me out of the Civ 5 hole back in 2014, Endless Legend 2 has won my heart among the modern roster of 4X games. This fantastical, magical twist on exploring, expanding, exploiting, and exterminating has been in early access since last September, and now it’s finally hitting 1.0. While Firaxis has been trying to figure out Civilization 7’s identity, Amplitude Studios has delivered an experience that’s focused, purposeful, and gorgeous to look at.
The Endless Legend 2 1.0 launch introduces its sixth major playable faction, and when you compare that to the countless leaders other such games have to offer it might seem a little light. The real punch here is in the true sense of asymmetry; no two groups play the same as any of the others, so you’ll have a markedly unique experience with each of them. Machine hivemend The Aspects spread coral growths across the map that benefit allies, enticing them into cooperation, while the returning Necrophage consume anything and everything to fuel an ever-evolving army of warmongering bugs.
Amplitude describes newcomers The Sandshapers as “daunting to play, but powerful.” They rely on food to grow, but can’t get it from fertile areas, and they gain no yields from any tiles that are adjacent to rivers or lakes. They can’t even cross water, or build bridges. On the flooded world of Saiadha, that’s a problem. Fortunately, by uncovering special ruins visible only to them, they’re able to terraform the land into delicious sand tiles – which they, and only they, can benefit from.
The Sandshapers aren’t the only new face in town, however. There are two ‘rogue factions’ joining the lineup, both of which twist their base versions in fresh ways. The Order of Zelevas transform the Kin of Sheredyn into combat-loving conquerors, whose power is based on the number of territories they control. They’ve moved away from the traditional Holy Commandments (or at least the ones not pertinent for war), and are instead focused on powerful loyalty-based benefits and the ability to replenish their forces with Dust.
The Severed Claws, meanwhile, are a Necrophage group that was cut off from the Matriarch, leaving them without the larva they typically turn into soldiers. Instead of consuming their foes, therefore, they enslave them – turning the factions you conquer into their next wave of warriors and workers alike. This makes them distinctly unpredictable, with varying strengths and weaknesses resulting from the groups they absorb into their ranks.
Endless Legend 2 version 1.0 is out today, Thursday, September 17, and to celebrate you can grab it at a 50% launch discount – expect to pay $24.99 / £22.49 if you buy it by Wednesday, September 30. You’ll find it right here on Steam.
“Early access was never just about playing the game early, it was about building a better game together with the community,” Amplitude says of the launch. “We can’t wait to put the game in your hands and see what you think.” This is far from the end, as it promises that “there’s plenty more planned for the future” as well.
