The first premium expansion for Endless Space 2 arrives next week, delivering the first new faction for Amplitude’s sci-fi 4X game since ES2’s May 2017 debut. A new prologue trailer for the Vaulters DLC offers some backstory on the Aurigans, a band of respected fighters and scholars featured in several other Endless games.
Amplitude says Vaulters are one of the most popular factions to appear in the Endless universe. As newcomers to the IP, we’ll just have to take the studio’s word for it. Here’s how it describes the Aurigans’ largest space-faring faction on Steam:
The Vaulters are a scientific- and military-oriented faction. They play defensive with strong population traits oriented towards system protection. Their teleport ability can carry fleets across the galaxy from one Vaulters system to another. Strong allies in peaceful times, it would be foolish to provoke the Vaulters into aggression.
Vaulters answer to Ilona Zolya, described as the organization’s “uncontested leader,” and their defensively-minded heroes will make excellent governors. But they won’t be the only Aurigan faction introduced by the Vaulters DLC. ES2 players will also encounter the Sisters of Mercy, a minor faction obsessed with justice and fighting evil wherever it appears. Whether that helps or hurts your own efforts will largely depend on the actions undertaken on your path to victory.
Aurigans aren’t the only major addition. Amplitude says players can expect a new Pirate Diplomacy mechanic, new exotic ship modules, more Deeds and a handful of new exploration quests. Players will also be able to take advantage of the Vaulters’ teleport abilities and make use of the Argosy, the faction’s “legacy super colonizer ship.”
To get a sneak peek at the Aurigans before they’re added to Endless Space 2, check out the new Vaulters trailer from Amplitude and Sega. Then head down to the comments and let us know what other factions you’d like to see in ES2 down the road.
Endless Space 2 is currently available on Steam. The Vaulters DLC debuts Jan. 25.
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