Paradox Interactive is celebrating the sixth anniversary of its popular space strategy game, Stellaris, with a free weekend and significant discounts on the game and its expansions. The free weekend event, which began on June 21 and will run through June 25, allows players to explore the expansive universe of Stellaris at no cost. Additionally, the game is available for purchase at a 70% discount during this period, making it an excellent opportunity for new and returning players to dive into the game.
Stellaris, released on May 9, 2016, is a grand strategy game that lets players build and manage their own space empires. Over the past six years, the game has seen numerous updates and expansions, including new species, technologies, and gameplay mechanics, which have kept the community engaged and the game fresh.
The free weekend is a part of Paradox Interactive’s celebration of the game’s success and longevity. As stated by the developer, this event is aimed at both long-time fans and new players who have yet to experience the game’s depth and complexity. The game’s base version is free to download and play on Steam, with additional content and expansions available at discounted prices.
During the free weekend, players can enjoy the base game, which includes a variety of pre-made civilizations and the option to create custom empires. The game’s depth is highlighted by its robust customization options, allowing players to define their civilization’s origins, strengths, and weaknesses. This level of customization ensures that each playthrough can be a unique experience, driven by player choices and strategies.
For those who wish to purchase the game, the base game is available at a significant discount. The Standard Edition is priced at $9.99, down from its regular price, while the Galaxy Edition, which includes additional content like an exclusive alien race and the game’s original soundtrack, is available for $12.49. For players interested in expanding their experience, several DLC packs and bundles are also on sale. The Stellaris Starter Pack, which includes key expansions, is offered at 64% off, and the Ultimate Bundle, which contains all expansions and additional content, is discounted by 53%.
🆓 FREE WEEKEND 🆓 Play Stellaris free this weekend and save 70% when you buy the game!https://t.co/XjdIxDlz1E#SteamDeals
— Steam (@Steam) June 21, 2024
Stellaris has been praised for its blend of 4X (explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate) and grand strategy gameplay. Players can explore the galaxy, colonize new worlds, engage in diplomacy and warfare with other spacefaring civilizations, and manage their empire’s resources and technologies. The game’s expansions, such as Utopia, Apocalypse, and Nemesis, have added new dimensions to the gameplay, introducing features like megastructures, doomsday weapons, and espionage mechanics.
The latest expansion, Overlord, released in May 2024, adds even more depth to the game by introducing new ways to manage vassals and subjects within an interstellar empire. This expansion is not yet discounted but is part of the ongoing support and development that Paradox Interactive provides for Stellaris.
The free weekend event is a great opportunity for those curious about the game to see what it has to offer. For existing players, the discounts provide a chance to expand their game library and experience the latest content. With its rich storytelling, strategic depth, and continuous updates, Stellaris remains a standout title in the grand strategy genre.
For more information and to take advantage of the free weekend and discounts, visit the Stellaris page on Steam.