Enter the Era of Automation with Stellaris’ Latest Expansion: The Machine Age
Paradox Interactive has unveiled a new frontier in sci-fi strategy with the release of The Machine Age, the latest expansion for Stellaris. Now available on PC, this expansion introduces a plethora of features specifically designed for machine empires, pushing the boundaries of gameplay and narrative within the Stellaris universe.
What’s New in The Machine Age?
Crisis and Ascension Redefined
The Machine Age offers a unique twist on Stellaris’ endgame scenarios. Players can now encounter a novel synthetic threat that jeopardizes the cosmic balance in an all-new Endgame Crisis. Alternatively, players can embrace this menacing role themselves, charting a path that positions their empire as the galactic threat. This dual approach to the game’s climax adds depth and replayability, ensuring every playthrough has its own distinct flavor.
Individuality Among Machines
Gone are the days when machine empires were monolithic in their thinking and structure. The Machine Age introduces options for personalization and narrative diversity, including three new Machine Ascension Paths. These paths provide fresh ways to evolve your empire, offering more than just technological upgrades—they reshape how players experience their civilization’s journey through the stars.
New Challenges and Strategic Depth
The expansion doesn’t just add features; it transforms the strategic landscape. Players must navigate through new situations and authority swaps that challenge their governance of an empire. Decisions have far-reaching consequences, ensuring that the journey to machine ascension is as perilous as it is enlightening.
Origins and Innovations
Three innovative origins redefine how machine empires come into being and interact with the galaxy:
- Cybernetic Creed: Embrace the divine fusion of flesh and machine, where augmentation is not just enhancement but worship.
- Synthetic Fertility: Address the challenges of a genetic disease rendering biological reproduction impossible, with digital existence offering a new lease on life.
- Arc Welders: Born from a crowded world, this society looks to the stars, driven by necessity to harvest cosmic resources.
Additionally, The Machine Age introduces new reactive portraits, six new Civics, two mid-game structures—the molten Arc Furnace and the mighty Dyson Swarm—and enriches the game’s atmosphere with seven new music tracks featuring the best in synthetic beats.
Complementary Updates with Andromeda
Running parallel to the launch of The Machine Age is the free update 3.12, dubbed “Andromeda”. This update brings a slew of enhancements and bug fixes that improve gameplay for all players. Notable improvements include the rebalancing of tradition trees for those owning the Utopia and Synthetic Dawn expansions and enhanced AI functions that optimize leader assignments and economic management.
Pricing and Availability
The Machine Age expansion is priced at €24.99/$24.99/£16.45. It can also be accessed through Stellaris Season 08, which includes three upcoming additions to the game, or via the Expansion subscription offer, providing all Stellaris content for a monthly fee.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Linux, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series S|X, Mac Operating Systems
