Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword

The Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword game add-on is the second expansion pack for the strategy game Civilization IV. The expansion focuses on the period after the invention of gunpowder and brings 11 unique game scenarios to the game. You can look forward to ten new civilisations, sixteen leaders and five new wonders of the world. Gameplay is enriched by new mechanics such as corporations and expanded espionage. The base game Civilization IV on Steam is required for activation and play.

New Civilisations, Leaders and Scenarios

The Beyond the Sword expansion pack enriches the game with content focused on the later stages of the game after the invention of gunpowder. It introduces ten brand new civilisations, including the Portuguese, Babylonians and the Dutch. With them come sixteen new leaders, for both the new nations and those from the original game. Historical figures include Hammurabi, Abraham Lincoln and Sitting Bull. Your strategic options are further expanded by 11 unique scenarios created by the developers and the community.

Corporations and Espionage Change the Rules of the Game

The expansion introduces new gameplay elements that will fundamentally change your strategies. The new corporation mechanic works similarly to religion, allowing you to establish companies that you can expand across the world. Each corporation provides specific benefits in exchange for resources. Espionage has also been significantly improved, becoming available earlier in the game and offering more ways to gain information about your competition, incite unrest or protect your own secrets. The game is also made more dynamic by random events, such as natural disasters or citizen demands.

Improved Gameplay and Artificial Intelligence

Beyond the Sword also adjusts established game systems. The Apostolic Palace, the game's equivalent of the UN, is available earlier, which opens the way for an earlier diplomatic victory. The space race for primacy on Alpha Centauri has also been expanded. Based on community requests, an advanced start option has been added, where you 'buy' components for your empire at the beginning, thus skipping the initial phase of the game. Opponents now present a greater challenge thanks to significantly improved artificial intelligence, which relies more on clever tactical procedures.