Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth
Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth is a new science-fiction-themed entry into the award-winning Civilization series. Set in the future, global events have destabilized the world leading to a collapse of modern society, a new world order and an uncertain future for humanity. As the human race struggles to recover, the re-developed nations focus their resources on deep space travel to chart a new beginning for mankind. As part of an expedition sent to find a home beyond Earth, you will write the next chapter for humanity as you lead your people into a new frontier and create a new civilization in space. Explore and colonize an alien planet, research new technologies, amass mighty armies, build incredible Wonders and shape the face of your new world. As you embark on your journey you must make critical decisions. From your choice of sponsor and the make-up of your colony, to the ultimate path you choose for your civilization, every decision opens up new possibilities.
What it feels like
The narrative of humanity's recovery and the establishment of a new civilization conveys earned optimism despite the collapse backdrop. The long-term strategic planning and world-building invite reflection on civilization growth and direction.
What it's about
The entire setting is explicitly science-fiction: post-collapse humanity seeking a new home on an alien planet, with future technology and space colonization as the core premise. Set in a recognizable future where modern civilization has collapsed and space travel is extrapolated technology, fitting the near-future sci-fi aesthetic.
How it plays
The description explicitly names 4X (explore, expand, exploit, exterminate) as the core loop—exploring the alien world, colonizing regions, researching technologies, and competing with other civilizations. Commanding an entire civilization's direction, research paths, military, and diplomacy across the game world is the definitive high-level strategic experience. Managing production, science, culture, energy, and other scarce resources to feed growth and meet objectives is central.
How it looks and sounds
Grand-strategy 4X games typically employ sweeping orchestral or symphonic soundscapes to support the epic scale.
How it's structured
A research tree of unlockable technologies progressively opens new capabilities, units, buildings, and strategic options. A full game spans many hours of play across dozens of turns to reach a victory condition. Designed to support solo play as the primary mode, though multiplayer is available.
Kindred games
Shares 4X, Grand Strategy, Science Fiction, Turn-Based Combat.
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Both lean into 4X, Grand Strategy, Long-Haul Scope, Single-Player.
Shares 4X, Grand Strategy, Science Fiction, High Replayability.
Both lean into 4X, Grand Strategy, Science Fiction, Single-Player.
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