Stellaris’ new DLC will make the best space exploration game even better

Paradox Interactive has announced a new DLC for Stellaris, one of the company’s flagship grand strategy games. Coming on Sept. 22, Shadow of the Shroud is going to expand deep-space exploration, particularly focusing on Psionic abilities and paths, communing with Shrouds, and roleplaying as the Emperor of Mankind.

Shadows of the Shroud is the next $20 DLC for Stellaris, which aims to expand on one of the game’s most unique mechanics that fits more with the fantasy genre than science fiction. That is, as the title suggests, the Shroud, an anomalous dimension you can explore in the game that is tied to the Psionicpath, i.e., space magic. Breaching the Shroud is going to be more complex now, with deeper story and gameplay elements, which will also tie in with Psionic abilities your civilization possesses.

“Powers, knowledge, and wealth beyond measure are yours for the taking,” the DLC’s Steam page says.

But focusing on just one segment of the game would not be the Stellaris way of things, as DLCs and updates for this game tend to be a bit bigger than usual.

Thus, Shadows of the Shroud, aside from expanding deep-space Psionic anomalies and powers, will also bring in new government types, civics, origins, events, ships, portraits, and so on, giving everyone, and not just Imperium roleplayers, a lot of new stuff to play with.

Stellaris remains one of Paradox’s best games, with some of the greatest space exploration I have ever encountered. Though a grand strategy at heart, Stellaris‘ core gameplay, especially in the early game, revolves heavily around exploring space, encountering alien creatures and races, finding ancient artifacts, surveying uncivilized planets, and probing into the depths of the galaxy whichever way you see fit.

With Shadows of the Shroud, exploring the darkest corners of the cosmos becomes ever more rewarding, and I cannot wait to give this a try.

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