ENDLESS™ Legend 2 Review – Tidefalls, Unique Factions and an Early-Access Edge
A gorgeous, asymmetric 4X that keeps exploration fresh with its Tidefall mechanic and standout factions — but Early Access blemishes (UI, writing, balance, bugs) mean you should buy only if you enjoy EA roughness or really love Endless.
I dove into Endless Legend 2 because the Tidefall idea sounded brilliant: maps that literally change as you play. It mostly delivers — the factions feel distinct and battles are fun — but don’t pretend it’s polished; this is an Early Access baby with a stubborn attitude.
ENDLESS™ Legend 2 plays like a focused 4X: found cities, expand, explore and exterminate — except exploration stays interesting thanks to Tidefall and monsoon seasons that reveal new land over time. Factions are highly asymmetric: some spawn armies, others spread coral or dig nests — each one forces a different playstyle. City-building is district-driven rather than complex micromanagement of dozens of buildings; you plan around adjacencies and district roles. Combat is turn-based tactical: you can autoresolve or take direct control of units on varied terrain, use active abilities and set up ambushes. Heroes exist, level up, get equipment (more limited than fans hoped), and can swing battles or campaigns. Diplomacy and the tech tree are simpler than some players want — expect less bargaining and more faction identity. The game leans heavily on events and quests to tell story beats, sometimes clumsily written, but they add flavor. Right now the Early Access state shows: UI clutter, balance swings (potions/skills can feel cheesy), and the odd bug; that said, performance is generally solid and the soundtrack often stands out. If you like AoW-style tactical fights, asymmetric factions and a changing map, there’s a lot to enjoy — just don’t expect a finished product.
ENDLESS™ Legend 2 is a bold, fun 4X with memorable ideas — Tidefall and faction asymmetry are its highlights — but Early Access rough edges mean patience (or a discount) will improve your experience.
Pros
- Tidefall/Monsoon keeps exploration alive — the map keeps surprising.
- Truly asymmetric factions — each plays differently and invites multiple runs.
- Tactical combat and hero progression feel satisfying; soundtrack and visuals often hit the right note.
Cons
- Early Access roughness: UI clutter, uneven writing, bugs and balance issues.
- Some systems feel simplified or missing compared to Endless Legend 1 (diplomacy, unit gearing, minor factions).
Player Opinion
Players are split. Many praise the Tidefall mechanic, the unique faction playstyles, and the addictive 'one-more-turn' feel — a lot of reviews mention stellar music and engaging battles. Critics miss the charm and depth of the original: clunky UI, weaker writing, fewer interesting minor factions, removed customization and some questionable design choices. Bugs and balance swings are common Early Access complaints, but the devs appear active and responsive, and several players report consistent improvements with updates. If you loved EL1, expect a different vibe; if you want fresh 4X ideas and can stomach EA, this is worth a look.