Civilization: Beyond Earth is due to have its first expansion release within a few months, and to that end Firaxis made the game free on Steam for the weekend. They’ve also implemented a demo that lets you try the game by playing up to 100 turns of a game. There’s also a sale on, with a special The collection bundle being available that includes the game, the DLC of premade planets and a pre-order of the expansion, Rising Tide.

Rising Tide isn’t due out until October 9th though, so there’s plenty of time to get familiar with the new features including new faction INTEGR who are German-based along with promises of more content to be revealed soon.

If you want to pre-order Rising Tides separately it’s currently selling for 10% off at £22.49, but I’d advice waiting. Civ games have a habit of not really hitting their stride until there’s been a few expansions and Beyond Earth was in my eyes okay but not brilliant. Here’s hoping Rising Tides makes it feel more like the game it’s meant to be.