Nexus 5X (previously called Stellaris Nexus) is a turn-based multiplayer 4X game that respects your time, giving you the full spectrum of a thrilling, strategic 4X experience. Designed to be completed in about 60 minutes, Stellaris Nexus allows players to explore the universe, forge alliances, or conquer the galaxy with their friends.

Nexus 5X is a real-time grand strategy game set in space, beginning in the year 2200. Players take control of a species in its early stages of interstellar space exploration, right after the invention of FTL spaceship technology, ready to claim a place as one of "the species of the stars." They navigate their civilization through varying goals, scenarios and gameplay, with the general goal being to create the universe’s most powerful empire. 

In the aftermath of the fall of the ruling Tzynn Empire, the seat of all galactic power known as NEXUS is left empty.  Each turn, players influence the galaxy through Edicts with the goal of having their empire’s ruler ascend the throne. Players can take control of planets using military might or peaceful diplomatic annexation, constructing buildings to provide resources for their continued expansion.

Nexus 5X is packed with the strategic decision-making and grand space battles iconic to the franchise. Exploration, construction, diplomacy, espionage, trade, research and cultural influence are all at players’ fingertips as they compete with their friends for galactic domination. Players can group up with up to five of their friends or use skill-based matchmaking online to form alliances, wage wars, double cross, and compete for the galactic throne.

We're leveling up the 4X genre with an extra X making Nexus 5X the world’s first 5X game: Explore, Exploit, Expand, Exterminate, EXPRESS.

Originally announced as Stellaris Nexus, the title launched into Steam Early Access on Dec. 12, 2023. Nexus 5X is focused on taking all of the deep strategy, tense diplomatic drama, and epic military encounters that typify the 4X single-player scene and concentrates those gameplay elements into a competitive, short-run format perfect for game night, allowing groups of up to eight players to complete a full playthrough together in only about 60 minutes.

“As a team, we love the core concept of 4X games, but we wanted to evolve that to also capture the chemistry and tensions that emerge during game nights with friends,” said Dax Ginn, Studio Director at Whatboy Games. “By concentrating the play time down to about one hour, we are creating an exciting new opportunity for the 4X genre to move into a new ‘social strategy’ space.”

“Nexus 5X has developed alongside our community to reach veteran 4X players, as well as competitive gamers who may never have played a 4X title before,” said Adam Doherty, Game Director, Whatboy Games. “Our goal is for Nexus 5X to be welcoming, without ever dumbing down the core appeal of the 4X format. We’ve had so much fun playing Nexus 5X with our dedicated early access community, and we’re looking forward to sharing the experience with new players on April 18, or right now in early access!”

Nexus 5X is now available through Steam Early Access.

Key Features:

• Your Hour of Power
  • From the haven of your Homeworld, rapidly expand your reach across the galaxy to explore and occupy new star systems and take control of the galactic throneworld, NEXUS.
  • Construct a vast military star fleet and develop your diplomatic cunning to exploit the opportunities available to you to grow your empire and exert your dominance in the new galactic order.
  • Research new technologies, confront the scientific enigmas of deep space and subdue the threats of other spacefaring races to forge a powerful interstellar empire and be crowned the undisputed emperor of the galaxy… all in the time it takes to finish your laundry.
• Social Strategy
  • Choose a unique faction and leader and play with up to 5 friends in turn-based multiplayer, or brave the Nexus online against strangers through skill-based matchmaking.
  • Negotiate and form diplomatic alliances with other empires to avoid direct confrontation or sabotage their agenda using covert espionage plots… and blame it on another player.
  • Stellaris Nexus offers limitless opportunities for bluffing, subterfuge, double-crossing, back-stabbing, petty revenge and all other forms of diplomatic intrigue, sure to transform your best friends into your worst enemies.
• Craft a Unique Story within the Stellaris Universe
  • Redefine the course of galactic lore with every play-through as you inhabit well-established Stellaris factions and leaders. Your destiny is in your hands as you craft your own emergent narrative in pursuit of galactic glory and domination.
  • Military conflict and diplomatic dealings are always available to you, but so is the power struggle that plays out in the Galactic Council as rival empires exert their legislative influence to cast votes in favor of new titles and resolutions that empower their faction or advance their immediate strategic objectives.

Nexus 5X is coming to PC (Steam) on April 18, 2024.