STOCKHOLM - Oct. 19, 2019 - Paradox Interactive, a publisher and developer of games where this only sometimes means war, today announced on stage at PDXCON 2019 that Stellaris will get a major diplomacy-themed expansion with Federations later this year. The pen is mightier than the plasma launcher in this expansion that focuses on the galactic community and its internal politics with expanded capabilities for federations and the establishment of a powerful galactic senate. Additionally, Paradox announced a new species pack including a race of sapient rocks, or Lithoids, with rock solid new gameplay which is available for pre-order now for a suggested retail price of $7.99 / £5.79 / €7.99 and will launch on October 24.

Play politics with the Federations trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZ_9oPMiMJ4 and dig the Lithoids trailer here: https://youtu.be/4pE0J6M_xIs

The Federations Expansion and Lithoids Species Pack can be pre-ordered at a storefront of one's choice below:

• Paradox Plaza: www.paradoxplaza.com/stellaris-federations/STST01DSK9877899.html

• Steam: store.steampowered.com/1140001

• GOG: www.gog.com/game/stellaris_federations

• Paradox Plaza: www.paradoxplaza.com/stellaris-lithoids-species-pack/STST01DSK6546546.html

• Steam: store.steampowered.com/1140000 (http://aboutblank)

• GOG: www.gog.com/game/stellaris_lithoids_species_pack

The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting. With the Stellaris: Federations expansion, players can extend their diplomatic dominion over the galaxy like never before. Use every trick in the book to gain an edge on friend and foe alike, with a host of new options to influence, manipulate, and dominate without firing a shot.

• Expanded Federations: With expanded diplomacy capabilities, players can build up the internal cohesion of their Federations and unlock powerful rewards for all members. Whether you join a Trade League, Martial Alliance, or Hegemony, membership can be extremely advantageous. 

• Galactic Community: Unite the space empires with a galactic senate that can vote on a wide range of resolutions to drive legislative agendas. For example, players can pass a resolution to increase commitments to collective defense or funnel profit towards wealthy elites. Members can also sanction those who defy the community, and enact a single galactic focus. Sway the senate to position yourself as a leader, trading favors and maneuvering, doing whatever it takes to gain influence among schemers.

• Origins: Each empire has a story that shapes its path. Give your civilization deeper roots with the new system of Origins. By choosing an Origin, players can flesh out their empire's background and alter its starting conditions. Whether it's Void Dwellers who have abandoned their homeworld to live in perpetual orbit, or a society that worships and protects a powerful Tree of Life, you can lay the groundwork wisely for the seeds of your empire.

• New Constructions: Construct glorious new projects for your empire like the Juggernaut, a massive mobile starbase that provides a moveable repair base even in enemy territory, or the Mega Shipyard, a new megastructure that can churn out fleets with incredible speed. Offering both tactical advantages and a good dose of shock and/or awe, these are sure to be an asset to any space empire.

In addition, the Lithoids Species Pack features not only completely new gameplay but also a selection of new rock-based species portraits and ship models for players who take nothing for granite and are looking to unearth a more grounded civilization. Lithoids are a bigger and boulder species type made entirely of sapient rock who eat minerals for sustenance, are long-lived, and can colonize in almost any environment. 

• Unique Mechanics for Lithoid Empires

• 15 New Portraits of Lithoids and 1 of a Lithoid robot

• New Mineral-based Ship Models 

• New voice pack

For more information about Stellaris, visit http://www.stellarisgame.com/