- Steam pricePrice
- $49.99
- Players
- 2 - 32
- Release
- May 9, 2016
- Modes
- Platforms
How co-op works
Players manage expanding interstellar empires by surveying star systems, researching technologies, building fleets, and engaging in diplomacy or warfare. Multiplayer sessions support competing or cooperative empires that unfold over hours or multiple sittings as players negotiate treaties, claim territory, and respond to galactic events.
About this game
Stellaris is a sci-fi grand strategy game that places you at the helm of a species taking its first steps into the galaxy. You will explore uncharted systems, encounter alien civilizations with their own ethics and ambitions, and decide whether to pursue diplomacy, trade, federation-building, or conquest. Each galaxy is procedurally generated, offering a unique spread of planets, anomalies, and potential allies or rivals every time you start a new game.
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Gameplay revolves around empire management and strategic decision-making. Science ships survey distant stars and uncover anomalies, construction ships build starbases to secure borders, and colony ships settle new worlds. You will research technologies across physics, engineering, and social trees, design custom warships, and engage in real-time-with-pause fleet battles that hinge on weapon loadouts and tactical positioning. Diplomacy, espionage, and participation in a galactic council add political depth alongside military options.
Campaigns span centuries of in-game time, and multiplayer sessions can stretch across marathon evenings or resume over days. Government ethics, species traits, and origin stories let you roleplay machine empires, hive minds, megacorporations, or xenophobic isolationists. Steam Workshop support and frequent expansions keep the meta evolving, rewarding experimentation and long-term strategic planning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a typical campaign or multiplayer session last?
Campaigns span centuries of in-game time and can take many hours to complete. Multiplayer sessions are often marathon evenings that stretch across several real-world hours, and you can save progress to resume over multiple days. The pace depends on your chosen galaxy size, crisis settings, and how much you pause for strategic planning.
Can I customize my civilization and playstyle?
Yes, Stellaris offers deep customization through government ethics, species traits, and origin stories. You can roleplay as machine empires, hive minds, megacorporations, or xenophobic isolationists, and choose whether to focus on diplomacy, trade, federation-building, or military conquest. Custom ship designs and branching tech trees let you tailor your strategy each game.
Is the galaxy different every time I play?
Yes, each galaxy is procedurally generated, so every new game offers a unique spread of planets, star systems, anomalies, and alien civilizations. This ensures fresh exploration and emergent stories across different campaigns, and Steam Workshop support adds even more variety through community content.