Stellaris

Overview

Stellaris is a real-time 4X grand strategy game set in a procedurally generated galaxy. Players control an interstellar civilization, exploring star systems connected by hyperlane networks, colonizing habitable worlds, and managing their empire's economy across resources like energy, minerals, and alloys. The game emphasizes empire customization through species traits, ethics, government types, and civics that shape both aesthetics and mechanics. Gameplay progresses through diplomacy, trade, and warfare with other civilizations, while mid-game and late-game galactic crises introduce escalating threats such as extragalactic invasions or hostile artificial intelligence awakenings. Players can pursue ascension paths including genetic engineering, cybernetic augmentation, or psionic abilities. Originally released for PC, the game later received a console edition and has been supported with numerous expansions adding megastructures, new empire types, espionage mechanics, and additional crisis scenarios.

Developed by

Paradox Development Studio

Published by

Paradox Interactive, DMM GAMES

Facts

Game modes

Single player, Multiplayer

Player perspectives

Bird view / Isometric

Themes

Science fiction, 4X (explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate)

Game engine

Clausewitz Engine

Release dates

• Linux: May 9, 2016
• Mac: May 9, 2016
• PC (Microsoft Windows): May 9, 2016
• PlayStation 4: Feb 26, 2019
• Xbox One: Feb 26, 2019
• PlayStation 5: Nov 6, 2025
• Xbox Series X|S: Nov 6, 2025