FTL: Advanced Edition adds new alien race

FTL: Advanced Edition, the expansion to Subset Games' Kickstarter-funded, space-based roguelike, FTL: Faster Than Light, will introduce a new alien race of "metallic lifeforms" known as the Lanius.

Described as "scavengers," the Lanius rely on the absorption of minerals to sustain themselves. They do not require life support to live, and can survive in deep space unaided, according to their description. The catch is that Lanius drain the oxygen within any compartment they inhabit, making it difficult to integrate with organic life forms. Thankfully, the update will also introduce a new Lanius ship, complete with its own set of achievements and an alternate layout.

In a post introducing the Lanius, Subset Games also highlighted other features coming in FTL: Advanced Edition including type C ship layouts that capitalize on the new content, a backup battery subsystem that provides temporary reactor power, new drones, and gameplay refinements.

FTL: Advanced Edition is due out some time in 2014 and will be free for anyone who already owns the game on PC, Mac, or Linux.