Biogenesis breathes new life into stellaris, but with growing pains

NEWS Fyra Frost - May 6, 2025, 10:30 AM

In the ever-expanding universe of Stellaris, where empires rise and fall among the stars, the question of what it means to live has taken center stage. With the release of Stellaris: Biogenesis, Paradox Interactive’s newest expansion, players aren’t just ruling the galaxy—they’re nurturing it, rewriting the very DNA of their civilizations.

Stellaris: Biogennesis includes a wide range of new features that significantly change the way you play the game. With the expansion, you can unleash the full potential of biological evolution with a reimagined Genetic Ascension system. You can choose a path—Cloning, Purity, or Mutation—or take your own approach by combining them as you see fit. With over 18 unique authorities to unlock, your species’ transformation is entirely in your hands. As your empire evolves, so do your fleets. Command living ships—organic vessels that grow, adapt, and specialize in roles ranging from brutal frontline destroyers to tactical support organisms that empower allies and undermine foes.

You can shape the galaxy with bold new choices, including the ability to become a biological crisis yourself. Breed and unleash a monstrous Behemoth to wreak havoc across star systems. Three new origins offer fresh storytelling and gameplay possibilities: become a hyper-adaptive predator species, uncover the secrets of the Starlit Citadel, or guide a sentient planetary ecosystem as it seeks to expand its consciousness among the stars. Encounter a fractured Hive Fallen Empire with a splintered mind, explore seven new civics, and enhance your species with 16 new phenotype traits. Fortify your territory with the Deep Space Citadel megastructure, watch your leaders evolve through reactive portraits, and immerse yourself in a universe brought to life with new city sets, music, and over 60 narrative events.

A galaxy evolving… and crashing

Yet, while the concepts in Biogenesis are amazing, the launch has not been without friction. Players have reported a host of bugs—from erratic AI diplomacy to severe performance drops in late-game. Some features have been flagged as incomplete or broken, leading to frustration from both veterans and newcomers. Bug reports pile up on the official forums and the hope for Paradox to acknowledge the instability and pledge rapid updates grows. Historically, the studio has a strong track record of post-launch support, and many players remain patient, believing Biogenesis will find its footing soon.

Stellaris: Biogenesis is not just another DLC—it’s a statement. It wants to redefine how we think about identity, adaptation, and the intersection of life and power in a strategy game. At times, it stumbles. But even in its flawed state, it points toward a brilliant future of survival, mutation, and meaning. If you want to add the expansion to your collection, our comparator offers the best discounts on Stellaris: Biogenesis Steam keys. However, you might want to keep a save backup handy.