Beloved, headstrong strategy types Amplitude are making the first sequel in their history: Endless Space 2. After four years away to let new ideas percolate and expand their fiction into the roguelike and fantasy 4X genres, they're returning to the turn-based colonisation sim that made their name.
Related: the best PC strategy games.
Read on and we'll let you know what to expect from your own randomly generated galaxy of frontier worlds, experimental technologies and oddly shaped lifeforms. And to check back, as we'll update the post with new data once we've pushed back the darkness and uncovered more of what's lurking in the void.
Endless Space 2 release date
May 19, 2017. That's when Endless Space 2 will leave the drydock of early access for the starry void of a full launch on Steam. It'll cost $39.99 for the standard edition or $49.99 for the digital deluxe,which includes the soundtrack, some new heroes, and some skins for hero ships.
The game's already available to play inSteam Early Access– currently $29.99, or $37.49 for the digital deluxe.
Bit of Amplitude trivia for you: the studio consult their community on release dates. "We have some pretty scary times at game release because we're asking the VIPs to vote on whether the game should release at this date," CEO Mathieu Girard itted in our Amplitude interview. "It can be really tricky."
Endless Space 2 system requirements
Here are ES2's system specs as they currently stand in Early Access. We can't imagine they'll be altered significantly before full release:
Minimum
- OS: Windows (64bits only) 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10
- Processor: i3 4th generation / i5 2nd generation / A6 series
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: AMD Radeon 5800 series / NVidia 550Ti
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 8 GB available space
- Sound Card: DX11 compatible
- Additional Notes: Minimum Resolution: 1280 x 720
Recommended
- OS: Windows (64bits only) 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10
- Processor: i3 5th generation (or newer) / i5 3rd generation (or newer) / FX4170 (or newer)
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: AMD Radeon 8000 series or newer / NVidia GTX 660 or newer
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 8 GB available space
- Sound Card: DX11 compatible
- Additional Notes: Recommended Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Endless Space 2 factions
The crucial thing to about Endless Space is that everyone thinks they're the conquerors. Here's a really nifty look at two of the game's factions: a split-screen trailer that flits between the perspective of the clumsy but advanced Sophons and the cruel, imperialistic Vodyani.
Sophons
And here's a closer look at the Sophons, who aren't a million light years away from humanity – pioneering but careless.
Vodyani
Find out more about the Vodyani, who squandered their homeworld but have found a way to prolong life at the expense of others.
Cravers
This lot are the Cravers – a horrible bunch with a ceaseless appetite for planets. They've outgrown their creators, but still they press on.
United Empire
The United Empire are a Soviet-style race of propagandists and warmongers whose message doesn't quite match the reality.
Riftborn
Next are the Riftborn. They come from a perfect, pristine universe that was ruined when a portal opened to ours, and they're none too pleased about having to make do here.
Horatio
TheHoratio are a faction of clones – all named Horatio – who seek to refashion the galaxy literally in their own image.
Lumeris
And here are the Lumeris – a sort of grasshopper mafia. You heard me.
Endless Space 2 empire building
As you explore new star systems and claim their planets, you'll expand your empire's population, assimilating and uniting newcomers. And as that population grows, it'll become both the source of your strength and the pokiest thorn in your side.
It's possible to change your government, a political party or vote for powerful laws in the Galactic Senate to your goals. But equally, your population will look on as you expand, analysing and criticising your decisions. Perhaps they fear their new neighbours – and perhaps that fear will guide your hand in subsequent turns.
Endless Space 2 warfare
Scraps in Endless Space 2 are handled via real-time cinematic battle sequences that are somewhat reminiscent of Football Manager's match engine – fittingly, since Amplitude have just ed the Sega family.
That doesn't mean you're relinquishing control, however – you're still deg your ships, upgrading them with researched technology, composing a fleet and picking a play for the course of the fight. Then crossing every available finger.
Endless Space 2 victory conditions
Endless Space 2 makes no bones about the fact it's a space colonisation game; you're not necessarily here to make lasting friendships. Ultimately the galaxy will belong to the civilisation that controls the most Dust – the mysterious substance that fueled the ancient Endless of the title.
Even so, Amplitude are implementing six different victory conditions. Depending on your preference you can play aggressively, socially, economically and diplomatically, to varying degrees. You're ruling the universe; that much is fixed. But you can decide how you go about it.
Endless Space 2 multiplayer
Amplitude slipped multiplayer into Endless Space 2 in March. Like the online play of its predecessor, it's designed to be quick, with as little waiting around as possible in the 4X genre. Eight players can compete in the same galaxy, and of course there's potential for all sorts of devious alliances. That's what grand strategy is all about, right?
That's everything we know for now! Keep checking back as we update this article.