When we covered Stellaris in Episode 11 of our podcast, we looked at what makes the game so special: its expansive sandbox gameplay, the freedom to create unique empires, and the endless possibilities brought by mods and DLCs. But one question kept coming up: Will we ever see Stellaris II?
The short answer is: maybe, but it’s complicated. Here’s why.
What do you think? Should Paradox focus on improving the original Stellaris, or is it time for a sequel? Let’s discuss!
The short answer is: maybe, but it’s complicated. Here’s why.
The DLC Dilemma
One of the biggest hurdles for Stellaris II is the sheer amount of content Paradox has added to the original game. With over 22 DLCs, story packs, and species packs, Stellaris has become a feature-rich experience that would be incredibly difficult to replicate in a sequel. Launching Stellaris II without matching this depth could leave players feeling like they’re taking a step backward—something we’ve seen with other sequels like Cities: Skylines II.Player Expectations and Financial Risk
The Stellaris community is deeply invested in the game, both financially and emotionally. Many of us have spent hundreds of hours (or more!) building empires, exploring galaxies, and tinkering with mods. For Paradox, releasing a sequel that doesn’t meet these high expectations could be a massive financial risk. Why fix what isn’t broken, especially when the current DLC model and subscription service are still generating revenue?Technical Challenges
Let’s be honest: Stellaris has its flaws, particularly when it comes to late-game performance. Large galaxies with thousands of pops and empires can bring even the beefiest PCs to their knees. A sequel would need a new engine or significant technical improvements to address these issues. But rebuilding the game from the ground up while retaining all the features we love is no small task.The Modding Factor
The modding community has been a huge part of Stellaris’ success. With over 30,000 mods available, players have been able to customize the game in ways the developers never imagined. A sequel would need to either support these mods or offer enough new content to make up for their absence - both of which are daunting challenges.What Would Stellaris II Need to Succeed?
If Paradox were to develop Stellaris II, it would need to offer something truly ground breaking. Think deeper diplomacy, more engaging ship combat, improved late-game performance, and maybe even a visual overhaul. It would also need to launch with enough content to rival the original game’s DLC library - a tall order, to say the least.The Verdict
While Stellaris II isn’t impossible, it’s clear that Paradox would need to tread carefully. The original game is still going strong, and the community remains active and passionate. For now, it seems more likely that Paradox will continue to support Stellaris with new content rather than risking a sequel that might not live up to expectations.What do you think? Should Paradox focus on improving the original Stellaris, or is it time for a sequel? Let’s discuss!