For millennia our race has developed, explored and battled for control of a planet. Now we turn our eyes beyond our own solar system, to other stars in our galaxy. New planets, new discoveries, maybe even new civilizations await us. And Paradox Development Studio, the masters of grand strategy, will be your guides on this new voyage.

With a dynamic decision system and a heavy emphasis on exploration and science teams, Stellaris gives you much more to research than bigger lasers or stronger hulls – though you’ll need those too. Space is very big, and your first step will be getting a grasp of just what is around you and how it can be best used for the benefit of your civilization.

Paradox Interactive announced that Stellaris' upcoming Overlord expansion is coming to PC on May 12, 2022 for $19.99/£15.49/€19.99 and will grant players access to new features centered around more intricate management of their intergalactic empires, from specialized vassals to powerful new megastructures.

Overlord brings a host of new features to Stellaris centered around empire management and intergalactic ambition. From specialized vassals to powerful new megastructures, Overlord will offer fans multiple and exciting ways to control their galactic empires.

Launching simultaneously with the expansion is the free 3.4 “Cepheus” update for Stellaris, which will add new content and adjustments created by the Stellaris Custodian Team for all players. Both will be released just in time for the community to celebrate the sixth anniversary of Stellaris, which originally launched in May 2016.

Features of Overlord will include:

• Rulers Make the Rules:
  New vassalization mechanics let you define the role of your new subjects - create new Specialist Empires to grow into economic superpowers, military specialists, and technological creators. Negotiate or demand contracts and agreements between your vassals to define the future of dozens of worlds, and reap the benefits!
• The Brightest Star Must Guide Them:
  Seek out and unite scattered empires across the stars! As you explore the vast galaxy you’ll encounter more unique enclaves of people, from mysterious shroudwalkers to militaristic mercenaries and crafty salvagers. Will you forge a mutually beneficial relationship and earn their unique services, or will they submit to your rule by force?
• Five New Origins to Lord Over:
  • Imperial Fiefdom - You may be just a Specialist Empire now, but some day, the galaxy may need a new ruler… don’t leave any doubt that it will be you.
  • Slingshot to the Stars - The ruined remains of a Quantum Catapult have been discovered near your homeworld - what secrets might it unlock if your people are clever enough to bring it back online?
  • Subterranean - Your species adapted to life underground, excelling in mining and archaeology. Now it’s time to see what awaits you far, far above the surface!
  • Teachers of the Shroud - Developing in contact with the curious psions known as the Shroudwalkers, your empire has learned a thing or two about expanding their minds!
  • Progenitor Hive - Under your leadership, this hivemind empire can achieve more than ever before… but without your guidance, the hive will fall to ruin!
• Engineer the Future and Showcase Your Power:
  New feats of technology will give your empire the edge it needs to become the dominant force across the galaxy. 
  • Orbital Rings will elevate your influence (and defense) in grand displays of power  from your planets further into space.
  • Hyper Relays will give your fleets the ability to enforce your will across the stars faster than ever before. 
  • Quantum Catapults enable new ways to react quicker in the galaxy while projecting your might - but it’s a daring one-way trip for your fleet!
• Four new music tracks to inspire your rise to greatness

Thousands of planets populate procedurally generated star systems giving you the largest possible theatre for performing the emergent stories that Paradox has become famous for. Customize your ships, encounter unique randomly generated races, and participate in advanced diplomacy that would make Picard look like an amateur.

And all in a beautiful and evocative star map unmatched by anything we’ve made before.

• Behold the enormity of space with procedurally generated galaxies and an untold number of planets to explore.
• Encounter a myriad of wild, quirky, and dangerous alien races who may prove to be crucial trade partners or conquering forces hellbent on enslaving your civilization.
• Take on strategic space warfare and resource management to ensure the survival and advancement of your empire.
• Explore scientific anomalies and uncover technological wonders throughout the galaxy to utilize them toward your own gains.
• Govern your own fledgling empire and secure your power and agenda through manipulating internal policies, factions, traditions and more.

Stellaris is currently available on PS4, Xbox One and PC (Steam).