Players who preferred how Codex handled things before can however use a newly added Advanced Game Option to return to the more open and friendly maps. This, in a way, is a return back to the unmodded Beyond Earth, where the wildlife played a much larger role than it did in Codex. The planet is now a lot more hostile, and Aliens have a glorious comeback.A total of 5 new Improvements have been added, 1 'district'-type of Improvement that is very strong when placed next to a city, and Harmony and Purity each receive a new, situatonal Improvement. Many improvements now give situational bonuses when they're constructed next to a city, a river, on coastal terrain or next to a mountain. The Improvement system has been expanded as well.Having many Citizens follow an Affinity drasticly increases the speed at which higher levels of that Affinity can be gained, and new Perks and Bonuses unlock as Players reach certain amount of Citizens following an Affinity. The system is less micro-intensive, as no units are required to spread religion - instead, players can spread their own Affinity via Covert Operations, by constructing certain Affinity Buildings, or by spending Diplomatic Capital to increase the number of Citizens that follow their own Affinity. Similarly to religions in Civ 5 (and 6), Affiliation with the three ideologies now spreads through the world. The Affinity System has been expanded.Production times have generally been lowered, and players unlock new things quicker, but decisions still remain impactful.

War never changes gameplay overhaul