PGC NEWS

Just five months after its lauded release, Paradox Interactive’s grand strategy title Stellaris receives its first major expansion, Leviathans, alongside the significant Heinlein 1.3 update. This combination promises a refined and more balanced gameplay experience, adding new content while overhauling existing systems. While the Leviathans DLC introduces interesting elements, it’s the Heinlein update that truly steals the show, solidifying Stellaris as a must-play 4X game.

Stellaris: Leviathans – Guardians

Heinlein 1.3: A Stellar Refinement

The most impactful aspect of this release isn’t the Leviathans content itself, but rather the sweeping changes introduced by the Heinlein 1.3 update. The planetary habitability system has been completely reworked, simplifying colonization efforts. Strategic Resources now offer empire-wide benefits, adding a new layer of strategic depth.

Perhaps the most exciting change is the awakening of Fallen Empires. These ancient, powerful civilizations can now be roused from their slumber under specific conditions, such as excessive player power or attacks on fellow Fallen Empires. They emerge as Awakened Empires, adopting extreme personalities and often pursuing aggressive expansionist goals, presenting a formidable late-game challenge.

Several quality-of-life improvements enhance the overall gameplay experience. A long-awaited auto-exploration feature for Science Ships streamlines early game exploration. Warship customization receives a significant boost, with clearly defined ship roles and a wider array of weapons, modules, and components. New mechanics like weapon tracking and rally points add tactical depth to combat.

Stellaris: Leviathans – Space Combat

Heinlein 1.3 also introduces the Federation Victory condition. This peaceful alternative allows players to win by dominating the galactic political landscape through alliances and federations, offering a welcome option for diplomacy-focused empires. Other notable improvements include enhanced sector AI management and a streamlined Expansion Planner. These changes address many of the shortcomings present at launch, significantly improving the overall polish and depth of Stellaris.

Leviathans DLC: Potential Unrealized

While the Heinlein update shines, the Leviathans DLC itself feels somewhat underwhelming. Guardians, powerful space-faring entities, offer rewards upon defeat, but their late-game appearance renders these benefits largely insignificant.

Enclaves, independent space stations offering trade and information, prove more useful, particularly in the early game. Their ability to reveal Guardian locations and strategic resources provides a valuable advantage. However, their presence highlights the lack of a robust internal trade system within the game.

The War in Heaven, a major event involving warring Fallen Empires, suffers from pacing issues and a lackluster payoff. The lengthy build-up often feels like a grind, and the rewards for siding with a victorious Fallen Empire are disappointingly minimal. The AI behavior during this event can also be erratic and frustrating. While the concept is intriguing, the execution falls short of its potential.

Stellaris: Leviathans – Planetary View

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Stellaris

Despite the somewhat underwhelming Leviathans DLC, the Heinlein 1.3 update significantly elevates Stellaris. The comprehensive changes and quality-of-life improvements address many of the game’s initial flaws, creating a more balanced and engaging experience. While the added content from Leviathans could use further refinement, the foundation laid by Heinlein 1.3 sets the stage for a bright future for Paradox’s 4X space opera. The improvements made to core gameplay mechanics and the addition of new strategic layers solidify Stellaris as a compelling and rewarding grand strategy experience. The free Heinlein update alone is reason enough to return to the vastness of space and forge your galactic empire.