Sci-fi grand strategy Stellaris’ highly anticipated BioGenesis expansion is out now on PC alongside the free and sizeable 4.0 Phoenix update. Bringing a significant slate of new content for the forces of life alongside core system reworks and refinements, the two additions signal the start of Season 9, which promises even more DLC and updates later in 2025.
Stellaris: Biogenesis fleshes out the experience of playing as a master geneticist through the introduction of an overhauled genetic ascension, living ships – previously showcased in its story trailer –, new civics, and much more.
Stellaris: Biogenesis Expansions and 4.0 Phoenix Update Available Now
Here is a list of key features, as highlighted by the publisher in an emailed press release:
- Overhauled Genetic Ascension: Choose from three distinct paths, Cloning, Purity, and Mutation, and customize your evolution.
- Biological Ships: Command living starships that evolve alongside your empire.
- New Player Crisis Path: Behemoth Fury: Unleash an unstoppable Behemoth on the galaxy.
- Three New Origins:
- Evolutionary Predators: Push the boundaries of Species Traits by unlocking and combining unique phenotype abilities to craft the ultimate adaptive empire.
- Starlit Citadel: Solve the mystery of your empire’s biological attackers while boosting hyperlane choke-point strategies with early access to the Deep Space Citadel megastructure.
- Wilderness: Begin as a sapient planetary ecosystem, a living gestalt of countless lifeforms united in harmony, seeking to spread its consciousness to the stars.
- New Megastructure: Construct the Deep Space Citadel to defend your territory and better control hyperlane choke points.
- And More: Seven new Civics, Phenotype Species Traits (16 new traits), two Biological Ship Sets, City Sets and Diplomatic Rooms, Reactive Species Portraits, new music, and 65 new events
Stellaris 4.0 Phoenix update brings a seismic shift in terms of game systems through its major population and trade overhauls. Aside from adding depth to these key aspects of managing our empires, the changes also “keep gameplay running smoothly, even in massive, late-stage galaxies.”
The notifications and event systems have also been refined, translating to more impactful early game choices alongside improved guidance for new players.
Finally, a slate of quality of life improvements is also now live. You can read more about them in this dedicated article over on the Paradox forums.
As mentioned above, the launch of Stellaris Biogenesis expansion and free 4.0 Phoenix update is just the first step on Season 9’s roadmap. Another expansion, Shadows of the Shroud is set to release in Q3 2025, followed by the Infernals species pack coming in Q4 2025.
Throughout the year, additional patches will likely launch, addressing issues resulting from the launch of its new content while improving the overall experience.
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