Stellaris

Stellaris is a 4X grand strategy game set in space, developed and published by Paradox Interactive. The game was released for Microsoft Windows and MacOS in May 2016. Stellaris is a science fiction grand strategy game set in the distant future, where players control a space-faring civilization as it explores and expands its influence throughout the galaxy.

The game begins with players selecting a species, which confers unique traits and starting bonuses. The player then chooses a home world, and from there begins expanding their influence out into the galaxy. Early gameplay is centered around managing the empire's economy, researching new technologies, and constructing buildings and units. Players can encounter other space-faring civilizations, and can choose to make peace, form alliances, or wage war.

Later in the game, players can encounter different space hazards, such as hostile aliens or nebula clouds that block movement. They must also contend with rival civilizations, which can be negotiated with, bought off, or defeated militarily. The ultimate goal of the game is to achieve galactic domination, either by wiping out all other civilizations, or by successfully colonizing every star in the galaxy.