Civilization: Beyond Earth Pre-Order Maps Based On Real Exoplanets

Civilization: Beyond Earth is available for pre-order today on Steam and other digital distributors, with two different options to get in the game. If you don’t yet own the more recent Civilization titles, there’s a bundle that might catch your eye.

For those that are new to the series, the Civilization: Beyond Earth Classics Bundle will net you the new game, along with Civilization III Complete, Civilization IV, and Civilization V. The package costs $69.99.

If you already worship at the altar of “One More Turn,” then you can pre-order the game for $49.99. Either way, you’ll get a pack of six additional maps based on real exoplanets. They are:

• ​Kepler 186f: This lush forest planet is one of the oldest known Earth-like planets;
• Rigil Khantoris Bb: Orbiting the closest star to our solar system, the historical records of this arid continental planet’s settlement are well-preserved;
• Tau Ceti d: This planet of seas and archipelagos features a booming biodiversity and a wealth of resources;
• Mu Arae f: Tidally locked in orbit around a weak star, the southern hemisphere of this planet is a blistering desert where the sun never sets, while the northern hemisphere is perpetually in frozen darkness;
• 82 Eridani e: An alien world of scarce water and wracked by tectonic forces;
• Eta Vulpeculae b: A mysterious new discovery with unknown terrain.

According to 2K, those that purchase the bundle will get access to the rest of the content immediately. For more on Civilization: Beyond Earth, check out our previews from E3 and Gamescom. The game will arrive on October 24 for PC.

Our Take
As a Civ fan, the idea of playing on worlds inspired by real planets somewhere out in the universe thrills me. Even if these are the equivalent of artist renderings, it’s a nifty idea to connect the title to reality (even if dangerous space worms don’t inhabit those planets).