Before this expansion, water was largely a barrier. With Rising Tide , the seas become a fully playable landscape. You can now build floating cities that can move around the map, granting unprecedented strategic flexibility. This single mechanic changes the flow of the game entirely; you are no longer boxed in by coastlines, and naval dominance becomes as crucial as land superiority.
: The AI's attitude is now governed by transparent "Fear" and "Respect" scores, making diplomatic interactions more predictable and strategic . 3. Hybrid Affinities and Units Before this expansion, water was largely a barrier
: These can be cashed in immediately for quick rewards or combined to unlock powerful permanent buildings and wonders . 5. New Factions and Biomes Before this expansion