The sci-fi strategy game Stellaris has received a substantial update with the release of the Biogenesis expansion, a new addition to its ninth season of DLC. Players can now enhance their species further, construct fleets of living ships, or engage with a fragmented hive-mind through fresh storylines.

One of the most intriguing features is the Wilderness player start, which is touted as “the most transformative Origin we have ever added to the game” by Paradox in a recent developer diary. This allows players to start not as a civilization but as a sapient planet with a vibrant, green landscape seeking to expand its existence further.

In this expansion, players can bio-engineer their organisms, craft powerful lifeforms, or attempt to nurture their own intimidating galactic leviathan, which can wreak havoc across the universe.

The expansion is available for £22/$25 on Steam or bundled with the £38/$45 expansion pass, which also promises additional content releases by year’s end, focusing on diverse themes such as psionics and civilizations born from volcanoes.

Stellaris Biogenesis (Image credit: Paradox)