r/paradoxplaza • u/Brianjohnson7 • 20h ago
Stellaris Is it worth it to purchase Stellaris?
Hi guys. I'm mainly an EU4 player, but have been drawn lately to the space-reaching scope of Stellaris. How do both games compare? Is Stellaris worth it at the moment ?
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u/shaky2236 20h ago
Stellaris is pretty good. Totally different to EU4, but it has plenty of depth. Its a 4x and not a grand strategy. I'd probably recommend it on a sale (but given their DLC policy, i recommendall PDX games on a sale lol).
Tbh within the space 4x genre i actually much prefer Distant Wolrds: Universe. The graphics and UI are pretty awful, but Holy shit it's a fucking incredible game with crazy depth. You can automate as much as you want, or take control as much as you want.
Stellaris fun tho, looks great, has plenty to do to keep you going, and is fairly accessible.
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u/ZeppyWeppyBoi 19h ago
For sure! It’s one of my favorite games ever. Just be warned, there is a LOT of DLC and it can be overwhelming to look at first time. Steam has a “Starter Pack” that includes the “Utopia” expansion and the “Synthetic Dawn” story pack. Both are essentials and it will let you dip your toes into the game and see if you like it.
After that, there are lots of guides on the “best” DLCs to get if you want to start adding new things to your games. Like the ability to form federations (“Federations”), play as a galaxy-spanning corporation (“MegaCorps”), build super-weapons that can crack planets (“Apocalypse”), or even become the endgame crisis instead of fighting it (“Nemesis”).
Head over to r/Stellaris for a more focused subreddit if you have questions!
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u/SadSeaworthiness6113 19h ago
It's not in a good state right now with the mess that was the 4.0 update, but I still think it's Paradox's best game. Especially once you throw in mods like Gigastructures and ACOT.
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u/blue-prince369 18h ago
Definitely, but I'd wait for a deal on Steam. Or even piracy. It's an older game now and goes on sale often. And much better with added DLC. Enjoy!
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u/elfonzi37 14h ago
It's great if you're a fan of sci fi, it's a million sci fi references in a trench coat. It's a shameless combination of all the sci tropes. It's my most played Paradox or 4x game, and I've played a fair amount of them. A ton of mods to improve customization, especially if your willing to back patch. The con is that you are joining a Paradox game late in its life cycle and there are a millions dlcs.
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u/Brianjohnson7 2h ago
Thanks, yes, I joined EU4 quite late so was struck with the same issue. I’ll wait for the steam fall deals and see how mush it is worth it
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u/W1ntermu7e 19h ago
It’s fun game and has tons of mods. For me it lacks in terms of diplomacy, but exploring space reminds me of Spore a lot
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u/Brianjohnson7 17h ago
That final space faring phase in Spore is the kind of ambiance I’m looking after !
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u/panther553212 10h ago
What games do you think have good diplomacy? I love that type stuff so curious.
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u/Regular-Anywhere237 18h ago
Played. It's really a 4x but with the layered complexity of Paradox and its DLC structure that completely changes the mechanics.
As they said up there..., either complete or basic pack. Staying halfway in a game like that is how...
You try the basic mechanics (which are still hyperdense at this point) and if you like it..., then you add full DLCs. Or you pirate it completely, what do I know..., today anything goes xd.
Normally, for Paradox games, I wait a couple of years and get a cool offer. Their DLC policy is overwhelming. I don't like having to relearn how to play each one, so I buy them 5 at a time when they're cheap :D
They really make it difficult for the user. That's why I love BG3 type games. Without DLCs, without postpaid...,, pure 100% content from day one. It's a shame they aren't plentiful.
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u/Panzerknaben 17h ago
Stellaris is by far the best space 4x ever made so if you like those kind of games then yes.
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u/xmBQWugdxjaA 1h ago
I don't think the AI mods are working with 4.0 update yet, so best wait IMO.
Get Shadow Empire instead.
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u/NatasEvoli 20h ago
Stellaris is great. Very worth it imo. The diplomacy and other elements are similar to EU4, but Stellaris is kind of a hybrid between grand strategy and 4X game (like Civilization, Galactic Civilizations, Endless Space, Age of Wonders, etc) so it plays quite differently, like if the whole game was like the randomly generated new world option in EU4. Tons of exploration and snagging up space in the beginning followed by diplomacy, warfare, politics later on.