Rising Tide is Civilization: Beyond Earth's expansion, due this fall

Firaxis and 2K Games today announced an expansion for its science-fiction turn-based strategy game Civilization: Beyond Earth.

Rising Tide will expand Beyond Earth's oceanic options allowing players to build floating settlements while accessing submerged natural resources. New aquatic creatures will also be introduced.

A new diplomacy system will offer upgrade traits which can activate new ways of interacting with AI rivals. Four extra factions are being introduced including one descended from wealthy Middle Eastern states.

Two biomes are also being introduced as well as new upgrades and units based on hybrid affinities.

"Rising Tide builds upon the lore of Beyond Earth, breaking away the historical boundaries of the original franchise and furthering mankind's search for a new home in outer space," said Sid Meier, director of creative development at Firaxis Games. "Whether colonizing the planet's oceans, acquiring new Affinities or meeting exotic new leaders, aliens and units for the first time, Rising Tide offers more ways for players to write their own stories on a new world."

Rising Tide will be available for Windows PC in fall 2015 for $29.99.