Stellaris

ReleasedMay 9, 2016

Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation 4
Linux
PC (Microsoft Windows)
PlayStation 5
Mac
Xbox One

About

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.

Developer: Paradox Development Studio
Publisher: Paradox Interactive, DMM GAMES
Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Simulator, Strategy
Themes: Science fiction, 4X (explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate)
Modes: Single player, Multiplayer
Perspective: Bird view / Isometric
Age ratings: USK 6, GRAC ALL, ESRB E10+, ACB PG, PEGI 7
Time to beat: 32 h rushed · 79 h normally · 412 h completionist
IGDB rating: 78 / 100 (290 ratings)
Also known as: dowser.exe, Stellaris: Console Edition

Release dates

Release dates by platform
Platform	Release
Linux	May 9, 2016
Mac	May 9, 2016
PC (Microsoft Windows)	May 9, 2016
PlayStation 4	Feb 26, 2019
PlayStation 5	Nov 6, 2025
Xbox One	Feb 26, 2019
Xbox Series X\|S	Nov 6, 2025