While many modern 4X titles experiment with bold new directions, others like the long-standing Civilization series, despite its recent innovations, still adhere closely to their core identity. Then there are giants like Stellaris, constantly evolving over nearly a decade. But for those yearning for a fresh, yet classic, 4X experience on a beautifully crafted map, the arrival of Endless Legend 2 has been eagerly anticipated. After diving into the early access build, it’s clear this game is a much-needed shot in the arm for the genre, even if its initial offering feels a tad sparse.
The developer Amplitude Studios’ previous title, Humankind, was solid but lacked a truly groundbreaking element. Endless Legend 2, however, takes a nostalgic leap back to its highly acclaimed 11-year-old predecessor. This return to form is fantastic news, as the original remains a benchmark for 4X games, one of the few that could truly captivate players away from the Civilization series. Much like its predecessor, Endless Legend 2’s greatest strength lies in its incredible faction diversity, with each group offering a distinctly unique playstyle.
An embedded video showcasing Endless Legend 2 gameplay.
The sequel truly amplifies this diversity, evident in the five distinct playable factions available from day one. Each faction comes with its own unique mechanics and rich lore. While every group feels fresh and worthy of multiple playthroughs, the current roster means that playing through each faction once will exhaust the initial “newness” factor, potentially making encounters with rival factions feel somewhat repetitive. Despite this minor point, these five campaigns alone offer dozens of hours of strategic enjoyment.
Among the standout factions are the Aspects, a fascinating blend of coral infection and machine hivemind that blanket the landscape in beneficial spores. These spores, while aiding growth, movement, and healing for all, also leave rivals more vulnerable to your Chorus’s influence. Then there are the Tahuk, a more traditional-looking faction that ingeniously merges scientific research with spiritual faith, making them a truly intriguing force to command.
Other notable factions include the Kin of Sheredyn, perfect for newcomers, who gain access to their cosmic allies’ advanced technology by restoring communication. The fan-favorite Necrophage return, emphasizing their disposable swarms more than ever. Players can unleash hordes of warriors, evolving them through diverse paths, and channeling all resources into a central hive city to rapidly traverse the map via underground tunnels.
The Last Lords, a returning faction, retain their core identity but face new challenges on Endless Legend 2’s unique ocean-dominated world, Saiadha. Early on, they’ll contend with scarce Dust resources. However, as the game progresses and the mysterious Tidefall causes water levels to recede, new opportunities emerge. Players can gather more resources, rouse dormant armies, and transform the Last Lords into an unstoppable endgame power.
This incredible map-altering phenomenon, the Tidefall, is Endless Legend 2’s truly innovative feature. At various intervals, the world’s water levels dramatically shift, revealing new pathways and connecting previously isolated landmasses. This dynamic evolution of the map creates a more intimate early game before expanding into a vast, open world as your empire grows. The Tidefall also unearths hidden discoveries that were once submerged, adding another layer of surprise and exploration.
Beyond the core mechanics, several other elements stand out. Hero characters, for instance, are not permanently lost (unless you opt for permadeath in the settings), allowing them to develop and evolve throughout your campaign. Equipped with full skill trees and customizable loadouts, they become powerful cornerstones of your empire, reminiscent of Total War: Warhammer 3’s legendary lords. These heroes also participate in narrative events, and while sometimes these can momentarily pull focus from pure strategy, Amplitude’s dedication to weaving in more dramatic storytelling is truly commendable.
Visually, Endless Legend 2 is a treat. While it doesn’t redefine graphical fidelity, its aesthetic is undeniably beautiful. The clean and straightforward menu design is largely appreciated, though Amplitude has openly admitted that some UI improvements are necessary, particularly concerning readability and correcting occasional misleading information.
City management also needs refinement; it occasionally succumbs to the classic 4X pitfall of requiring players to advance through multiple turns without significant decisions, simply waiting for milestones. While few games in the genre have truly cracked this challenge (Solium Infernum’s 2024 reimagining being a rare exception), it’s a minor inconvenience that hasn’t detracted from the overall experience.
At launch, players can explore five factions and pursue nine distinct victory conditions, including conquest, score, and seven narrative-driven paths. Amplitude opted for early access, driven by the philosophy that games flourish with community involvement. Upcoming features include online multiplayer, a sixth faction, custom faction creation, and Steam Deck compatibility.
Game director Derek Paxton describes this launch as a pivotal moment, years in the making—both thrilling and daunting. He draws a parallel to the game’s own Monsoon period, where storms rage before the Tidefall reveals new lands. Paxton acknowledges the high expectations set by the original Endless Legend, expressing his personal passion for the series and admiration for his talented team and dedicated community.
Endless Legend 2 is now available in early access on Steam for $49.99 / £44.99, and also as a day-one release on PC Game Pass. While it’s still early in its development cycle, Amplitude has clearly established a strong foundation, promising a game that could easily ascend to the ranks of the best strategy titles. If you’re ready to conquer the world of Saiadha, this is an adventure well worth beginning.