Stellaris Nomads

Stellaris Nomads adds nomadic empires to Stellaris. Rather than claim star systems or colonize worlds, you keep your civilization moving through the galaxy in massive Arkships, using Waystations and Waylines to build trade networks and relationships with other empires.

Nomadic empires

The Arkship serves as your empire’s capital, habitat and fortress, replacing traditional worlds. It can be fully upgraded, with three classes to choose from:

• Military Class: a mobile flagship designed to project power.
• Scientific Class: a roaming laboratory for discovering the galaxy’s secrets.
• Civilian Class: an industrial hub for resource extraction.

Build Waystations to create Waylines: lasting interstellar trade routes that harvest resources for you to claim by passing through. The routes also benefit static empires, making your network a center for trade. Through the Contract System, you can undertake task-driven interactions with other empires to earn favor, resources and influence.

Nomadic origins

Four origins offer different starting situations and stories:

• Voidfarers: a flexible, streamlined starting point for shaping a nomadic journey.
• Heirs of the Khan: evade marauder hit-squads through trickery and bribery as the successor to a murdered Khan, then grow strong enough to reclaim the throne.
• The Sacred Path: lead a fleet of pilgrims on a faith-fueled journey to ancestral holy sites.
• Forever Cruise: manage a society divided between a pampered elite seeking entertainment and sightseeing from its vista lounges and an overworked crew keeping the voyage running.

Defend the galaxy

The Defender of the Galaxy is an empire-defining ambition that reshapes the endgame. You command a set of Hero Ships against existential threats, then choose what to do once the threat is defeated. The ambition is framed as a response to Become the Crisis, which threatens the galaxy.

Weapons and spectacles

The late-game Stellar Cannon megastructure upgrade turns your entire energy stockpile into a devastating beam that can strike enemy systems across the galaxy. Champion’s Forge is a nomadic enclave that hosts gladiatorial fleet combat throughout the galaxy. The winner receives the Trophy relic and glory; the losers are left with envy.

The add-on also includes new Renown Nomadic Paragons, civics and traditions.