All developer diaries about the Astral Planes narrative expansion and patch 3.10 (aka Pyxis).
Patch 3.10 (Pyxis)
No.
Title and Link
Description
Date
1
Leader Consolidation
Leader Consolidation - changes to leaders' classes, roles, and traits
2023-10-05
2
Ad astra per aspera
Star Trek: Infinite, a new Stellaris-like game project, on which Stellaris players may feel interested
2023-10-12
3
Announcing Astral Planes
Announcement of a new expansion (Astral Planes)
2023-10-19
4
Astral Scars and Rifts
Astral Rifts offering more opportunities for exploration into the mid and late game
2023-10-26
5
Astral Threads and Actions
Introduction to astral threads & astral actions
2023-11-02
6
Origins and Civics
1 new origin - Riftworld; 4 new civics - Hyperspace Specialty, Dimensional Worship, Dark Consortium, and Sovereign Guardianship; 2 new pre-scripted empires - The Certeran Covenant & Guardianship of Nyrr
2023-11-09
7
3.10.0 "Pyxis" Custodian Features
Custodian features coming in 3.10: leader consolidation and corresponding changes to council legitimacy, civics, traditions and ascension perks; outliner improvements; event chain subtitles; additional content browser
2023-11-10
8
3.10.1 "Pyxis" Beta and Next Steps
Release of the 3.10.1 beta, which includes a number of bugfixes, as well as hotkeys for the Tabbed Outliner.
2023-11-21
9
3.10.2 "Pyxis" Released and December Plans
3.10.2 patch notes, and plans for 3.10.3 & 3.10.4
2023-11-29
10
3.10.3 "Pyxis" Released and Further Beta Plans
Along with 3.10.3 release, the Dev team shares plans for a Holiday Open Beta to collect feedback regarding potential balance changes to ship production, upkeep, & research
Some summer experiments relating to the Habitat system
2023-07-27
2
Leader Experiments
Stellaris Summer Experiments with a focus on class-based leader limits
2023-08-03
3
Rock On! (Also an Announcement Regarding Species Pack Pricing)
Custodian changes coming to 3.9 on Lithoid species as well as species packs planned updates and changes in pricing.
2023-08-10
4
OK, Bloomer
Improvements to the Environmentalists civic; new trait, new origin, and new portrait of Plantoid species; changes to enclave leaders; UI modding changes; interim leader XP updates.
2023-08-17
5
Matters of Life and Death
The Humanoids and Necroids species packs get new contents: a Tradition Tree, Ascension Perk, Traits, and Portraits; Trade gets a rebalance; A new socialist MegaCorp civic; Simplified Automation; More Habitat rework information; Now available 3.9 Open Beta.
2023-08-24
6
Chiseling Away
First update to 3.9 open beta, and Steam Strategy Fest
2023-08-31
7
3.9 'Caelum' Patch Notes, and Ask Us Anything!
3.9 patch notes
2023-09-06
8
3.9 'Caelum' is Out, What’s Next?
Plans about patches 3.9.2 and 3.9.3
2023-09-14
9
Pi in the Sky Ideas
What Custodians have contributed to Stellaris as well as what they're planning for the future
2023-09-21
10
The Velvet Glove
3.9.2 patch notes, plans about Diplomacy & Trust, and some preliminary changes coming in 3.9.3
2023-09-28
Patch 3.8 (Gemini)
No.
Title and Link
Description
Date
1
Introducing Coop
Two cooperative gameplay modes
2023-04-06
2
3.8 'Gemini' Coop Open Beta Release Notes
Announcement and preliminary patch notes for 3.8 open beta
2023-04-13
3
Armies, Sectors, Messages, and More
Overview of changes to army building, orbital bombardment, and fleet manager; introduction of new science ship automation options, new capital designations, sector editor, side menu reordering, and new toast notifications and message settings
2023-04-20
4
Announcing Galactic Paragons
Announcement of Galactic Paragons expansion
2023-04-25
5
Leaders, The Council, and Agendas
Overview of the council, council agendas, and changes to leaders, with new traits and veteran classes
2023-04-27
6
Renowned and Legendary Paragons
Overview of the two paragon types – unique, scripted leaders, each with special content
2023-05-02
7
Civics, Origins, and Traditions
Overview of new civics, origin, and traditions coming in Galactic Paragons
2023-05-04
8
Happy Anniversary! 3.8 "Gemini" and Galactic Paragons Release Notes
Patch notes for 3.8 and Galactic Paragons, review of the last year of Stellaris
2023-05-09
9
Galactic Paragons is out, what's next?
Preview of next 3.8.X patch
2023-05-16
10
Leaders and 3.8.3 Balance Changes
3.8.3 patch notes; changes to leaders, level caps, and balance; prioritization of bugs and balance; script improvements for councilors; a solution to the Out of Syncs issue
2023-05-25
11
Stellaris with a Twist Community Event!
Changes to ground combat in 3.8.4; 'Stellaris with a Twist' event to celebrate the 7th anniversary
2023-06-01
12
3.8.4 Released, What's Next?
3.8.4 patch notes, some future plans, and an upcoming Free to Play weekend
2023-06-15
13
Midsummer Festivities
Stellaris Free to Play weekend, Stellaris Nexus, a new Starter Pack, and a preview of coming Lithoid attractions
2023-06-22
First Contact[]
All developer diaries about the First Contact story pack and patch 3.7 (aka Canis Minor).
Patch 3.7 (Canis Minor)
No.
Title and Link
Description
Date
1
A Message from Minamar Specialized Industries
Teaser for patch and DLC
2023-01-12
2
Announcing First Contact
Announcement of First Contact story pack
2023-01-17
3
The Vision of First Contact
A summary of some features and why First Contact story pack comes out
2023-01-19
4
Broken Shackles
Introducing a new origin (Broken Shackles)
2023-01-26
5
Observation and Awareness
Observation events and interactions with pre-FTL civilisations in First Contact story pack
2023-02-02
6
Fear and Archaeotechs in First Contact
A new origin (Fear of the Dark) and changes to archaeological mechanics
2023-02-09
7
The Art of MSI
Art development of MSI (Minamar Specialized Industries) in First Contact story pack
2023-02-16
8
Payback and Insights
A new origin (Payback) and Insight technologies
2023-02-23
9
Hide and Seek
Cloaking & counter-cloaking systems and new low-tech civics
2023-03-02
10
We Have Contact (3.7.2 'Canis Minor' Patch Notes)
Preliminary changelog and new achievements for 3.7
2023-03-09
11
First Contact is Out, What's Next?
Post-launch support for 3.7 and First Contact story pack
2023-03-23
12
3.7.4 Released, and Concepts
Patch notes for 3.7.4, and preview of concepts tooltips coming in 3.8
2023-03-30
Toxoids[]
All developer diaries about the Toxoids species pack, patch 3.5 (aka Fornax), and patch 3.6 (aka Orion).
Patch 3.6 (Orion)
No.
Title and Link
Description
Date
1
Digging a Grave, and Galactic Matters
Tiyanki Graveyard and new galaxy shapes coming in 3.6
2022-09-29
2
Traditional Results (of Summer Experiments)
Rework of ascension paths: new ascension perks & tradition trees of Psionic, Genetic, Cybernetic and Synthetic Ascension Paths
2022-10-06
3
Ready…? Fight!
Fleet combat rebalance and the 3.6 "Orion" Open Beta
2022-10-13
4
The Pact is Signed and Spoken
Changes to Covenants and Psionic Ascension, more Accessibility Features, and an Open Beta changelog
2022-10-20
5
A Peek into the Future
New UI elements and a partial list of changes coming in the next update to the 3.6 "Orion" Open beta
2022-10-27
6
3.6.0.beta.final.final(1)v2 Copy
November 1st Update to the 3.6 "Orion" Open Beta
2022-11-01
7
Bless Thy Soul
Holy Covenant federation type
2022-11-10
8
Death is the Beginning
Cordyceptic Drones civic and reanimated leviathans
2022-11-17
9
The Hunt is On (Stellaris 3.6 'Orion' Patch Notes)
3.6 Patch Notes
2022-11-23
10
Release the Hounds
Post-launch support for 3.6 "Orion"
2022-12-01
11
3.6.1, Holiday Beta, and More
3.6.1 patch notes, 3.7 open beta, 2022 ModJam
2022-12-08
12
A Look Back at 2022
Retrospective on Stellaris development over 2022
2022-12-15
Patch 3.5 (Fornax)
No.
Title and Link
Description
Date
1
It Belongs in a Mega-Art Installation!
Relic balance changes
2022-07-07
2
Summer Culture
Rework of culture workers
2022-07-21
3
Challenge Accepted
New difficulty settings, species pack achievements
2022-08-18
4
Ringworlds, Reliquaries, Relics, and More
Preview of outliner section for megastructures, accessibility improvements, changes to Caravaneer reliquary purchases, more species pack achievements, further relic balance changes
2022-08-25
5
Announcing Toxoids
Announcement of Toxoids species pack
2022-09-01
6
Damn the Consequences
Overview of Overtuned origin, new species traits, new civics, and new Detox ascension perk
2022-09-06
7
The Art of Toxoid Clothing
Toxoid portraits designs, especially their clothing designs
2022-09-08
8
Rise a Knight!
Overview of the other new origin (Knights of the Toxic God)
2022-09-13
9
3.5 'Fornax' Patch Notes, AI, Performance, and Modding
3.5 Changelog, as well as details on improvements coming to AI, Performance, and Modding in the 3.5 "Fornax" Update
2022-09-15
10
Toxoids are Among Us, What's Next? (Plus a Transcript!)
3.5.2 hotfix, future plans about 3.6 "Orion", and September 19th Discord Q&A Transcript
2022-09-22
Overlord[]
All developer diaries about the Overlord expansion, and patch 3.4 (aka Cepheus).
Patch 3.4 (Cepheus)
No.
Title and Link
Description
Date
1
We have a Situation
Explanation and walk-through of the upcoming Situations system and its scope
2022-03-10
2
Announcing Overlord
Announcement of the Overlord expansion pack and vassalization mechanic overhaul
2022-03-17
3
New Ways to Rule
Review of negotiation of terms for vassals, spending vassal loyalty, and a glance at Overlord holdings
2022-03-24
4
Special Prospects
A look at the Prospectorium specialist vassal empire and a glance at new origin icons with their names
2022-03-31
5
New Friends
Reveal of three new enclaves (Salvagers, Shroudwalkers, and Mercenary), the Bulwark specialist vassal empire, more Overlord holdings, the Imperial Fiefdom civic
2022-04-07
6
Elevating Civilization
Walk through of Orbital Rings and their new starbase buildings, Quantum Catapult megastructure, the Scholarium specialist vassal empire, more specialist holdings, and new Galactic Community resolutions
2022-04-14
7
All Roads Lead to Deneb IIb
Discussion on the Hyper Relays and their function as well as potential benefit to creating a network of them. Reveal of achievement icons, new flag background colors, symbols, and patterns.
2022-04-21
8
Artificial and Automated Intelligence
Update on the AI refinements and Sector automation from the Custodian team to 3.4 and the Subterranean Origin reveal.
2022-04-28
9
Three in One 3.4 'Cepheus' Patch Notes and more!
Patch notes, modability changes, and the Progenitor Hive Origin reveal.
2022-05-05
10
3.4.3 'Cepheus' Patch Released (Checksum 9d15)... What's Next?
Future plans about 3.4.3 and 3.4.4
2022-05-19
11
Overlord Q&A
May 5th Discord Q&A transcript
2022-05-26
12
Making a Station
Overview of art development with Salvagers enclave station as example
2022-06-02
13
Summer is Coming...
Overview of various developers' summer experiments
2022-06-09
14
3.4.4 'Cepheus' Information
Patch notes for 3.4.4
2022-06-16
Aquatics[]
All developer diaries about the Aquatics species pack, patch 3.2 (aka Herbert), and patch 3.3 (aka Libra).
Patch 3.3 (Libra)
No.
Title and Link
Description
Date
1
Aquatics and 3.2 are out, now what?
Update on Custodian priorities post patch.
2021-11-25
2
AI feedback and future plans
Planned goals for AI updates in 3.3 .
2021-12-02
3
Happy Holidays and thanks for all the fish
Review of 2021 Stellaris releases. Holiday hiatus announced until January 13th 2022.
2021-12-09
4
Reworking Unity, Part One
Planned changes to unity generation and administrative capacity in 3.3.x.
2022-01-13
5
Ascensions, Betas, and More
Quick overview of the new Planetary Ascension tiers, unity generation, and Permanent Employment megacorp civic. Dev Clash announced, and 3.3 Beta release.
2022-01-20
6
AI++
Further improvements to AI performance in 3.3
2022-01-27
7
Scripting Improvements in 3.3
Scripting changes & improvements
2022-02-03
8
Unity Open Beta and the Dev Clash
Unity Open Beta changelogs, and the Dev Clash Season 3
2022-02-10
9
3.3 'Libra' Patch Notes and Release Date Announcement
Patch notes for 3.3.1
2022-02-17
10
3.3 'Libra' is out, now what?
Patch notes for 3.3.2, and some planned goals for influence, espionage and Idyllic Bloom in 3.4
2022-02-24
11
A Time for Change
Announcement of the change of game director from Daniel Moregard to Stephen Muray
2022-03-03
Patch 3.2 (Herbert)
No.
Title and Link
Description
Date
1
Custodians & Next Steps
Update on the future patches: 3.2 planned for November and 3.3 for February
2021-09-30
2
Looking after the AI
Improvements to AI economic script
2021-10-07
3
New Content & Features in 3.2
New Pompous Purists civic, new options for anomalies, events for terraformation and a fix for AI terraforming
2021-10-14
4
Aquatics Species Pack
Announcement of the new species pack - Aquatics Species Pack
2021-10-21
5
The Art of Aquatics Ships & the Drake
A look at how the Aquatics Species Pack ships and the Aquatic Dragon were developed
2021-10-28
6
Aquatics Portraits and Art
Preview and design process of the Aquatic Species Pack portraits and animations
Announcing "The Custodians" initiative and the free Lem Update
Announcement of the division of the Stellaris team into a maintaining team and an expansions team as well as a look at future update processes.
2021-06-03
2
Gameplay themes & Balancing considerations
Broad overview of direction for Species pack gameplay themes, future balancing changes, and Unity & Empire sprawl brainstorming.
2021-06-10
3
Changes to Necroids Content in the Lem Update
Discussion of updates that will be found regarding the Necroids, Necroid Hiveminds, Death Cults, and Reanimated Armies.
2021-06-17
4
Custodians Feedback and Q&A Transcript
Solicited feedback and Community Feedback review and the Discord Q&A transcript.
2021-07-01
5
Plantoids Gameplay
Post break review of three new traits and two new civics for plantoids in the Lem update.
2021-08-05
6
Selectable Traditions
Select-able traditions discussion as well as an overview of changes to existing traditions and three new traditions coming in the Lem update.
2021-08-12
7
Additions to Humanoids Species Pack
Dev diary provided new information on the three new civics (masterful crafters, pleasure seekers, and clone army) added to the Humanoids species pack.
2021-08-19
8
Balance and Quality of Life Improvements
Balance notes on changes to Void Dwellers and Shattered Rings. QoL notes on Ecumenopolises and other assorted items. Additional information on Civic balance changes.
2021-08-26
9
Moddability Updates in Lem
An in depth dev diary on new changes to modding including variable changes, sprite sheets, randomness being actually random, and modder early access request.
2021-09-02
10
Release Date and Patch Notes for the 3.1 Lem Update
Patch notes for the 3.1 Lem update and announcement of release date on September 14 2021.
2021-09-09
11
Lem is out, what now?
Transcript of the Q&A with developers and new wallpapers
2021-09-16
12
3.1.2 "Lem" Patch Update
Patch notes for the 3.1.2 update
2021-09-23
Patch 3.0 (Dick)
No.
Title and Link
Description
Date
1
Leading Economic Indicators
A new district and reworked building slots
2020-11-05
2
And Yet It Moves
Discussion on experimental rework of colony automation and pop resettlement
2020-11-12
3
Perfectly Balanced, As All Things Should Be...
Rework of population growth, changes to buildings and districts due to this as well as updates from the two previous Development diaries
2020-11-19
4
Signal Discovered
A look at the updated first contact mechanics
2020-11-26
5
Intel
Introduction to the concepts and basic mechanics of Intel
2020-12-03
6
Happy Holidays & Help Stellaris
Espionage announcement and open job positions
2020-12-17
7
[REDACTED]
Introduction to the concepts and basic mechanics of Spy Networks
2021-01-14
8
Operations and Assets
A look on spy Operations and Assets
2021-01-21
9
Provocations
Discussion on operations of an aggressive nature
2021-01-28
10
Become the Crisis
Announcement of Nemesis and preview of the player-controlled crisis
2021-02-04
11
The Custodian
Custodian, their diplomatic options and ships
2021-02-11
12
Galactic Imperium
The creation and effects of a Galactic Imperium
2021-02-18
13
Nemesis Ship Set & Art Direction
Discussion on the ship art and design process
2021-02-25
14
VFX in Nemesis
A look at the VFX of Nemesis
2021-03-04
15
Scripting Language and Moddability Improvements
Changes to the scripting language/modding in 3.0
2021-03-11
16
Announcing the 3.0 'Dick' Update
Announcement of the 3.0 (Philip K. Dick patch) version of Stellaris and some changes to announced features
2021-03-18
17
Directing Nemesis
Daniel Moregård discusses the challenges in creating and balancing systems in Nemesis
2021-03-25
18
Challenging Origins
April Fools' Day joke
2021-04-01
19
Nemesis patch notes
Patch notes for version 3.0
2021-04-08
20
Nemesis - Attack of the Patch Notes
Patch notes for version 3.0.1
2021-04-14
21
A post-Nemesis address
Addressing issues and complaints with version 3.0 'Dick'
2021-04-22
22
3.0.3 Beta Updates
Highlighting changes planned in version 3.0.3 and that is currently available in the beta branch
2021-05-06
Necroids[]
All developer diaries about the Necroids species pack and patch 2.8 (aka Butler).
Patch 2.8 (Butler)
No.
Title and Link
Description
Date
1
Threading and Loading Times
Discussion on threading in Stellaris and startup time improvements
2020-08-27
2
The Perils of Scripting and How to Avoid Them
How to write scripts to interact with the game. The best practices for mod creators.
2020-09-03
3
Memory Allocation
Here, a new civic to remember us by.
2020-09-10
4
Fwd: Notice of Termination
On the topic of Death Cults and their sacrificial edicts.
2020-09-17
5
Announcing Necroids
Announcement of the Necroids species pack.
2020-09-24
6
Necroid Ships & the Art Process
A walkthrough of the design process for a species ship set focusing on Necroids.
2020-10-01
7
Post-mortem
A reveal of the Necrophage origin and mechanics as well as additional details on Reanimated Armies
2020-10-08
8
Necroid Characters & the Art process
A look at how the Necroids Species Pack characters/portraits were developed
A mention of Tiyanki improvements in the May update.
2020-03-26
19
Space Fauna
Space creatures tweaks and resolutions related to them.
2020-04-03
20
Habitat Tiers
Upcoming changes to habitats, their districts, buildings and tech.
2020-04-09
21
Edict Rework
A subject dear to the hearts of many galactic rulers - namely Edicts!
2020-04-23
22
Federal improvements (UI and more!)
Improvements to federations for the upcoming free update!
2020-04-30
23
4th Anniversary & 2.7 'Wells' Update
A look at the space journey Stellaris had over the past years.
2020-05-07
24
DLC Visibility Experiment
Experimentation on how DLC is shown in game.
2020-05-14
25
Dev Diary Summer Hiatus
The Swedish summer downtime is upon us
2020-06-26
Patch 2.6 (Verne)
No.
Title and Link
Description
Date
1
Empire Sprawl & Administrative Capacity
Changes that aim to give a more important role to Empire Sprawl
2019-08-29
2
Origins
New dedicated background stories for your empire, derived from Civics
2019-09-26
3
Federation rework
Types, Perks, Laws and Internal mechanics of Federations
2019-10-31
4
Galactic Community
A look to its creation, Resolutions, Diplomatic weight, Favors, Galactic Council and Focus
2019-11-07
5
Origins Full Reveal
A list of all 18 Origins that will be present at the release
2019-11-14
6
Development Update
An update on performance and AI development and a tentative release window for Federation
2019-11-21
7
New Diplomatic Features
Envoys, Diplomacy interface, Diplomatic Stances and Favors
2019-11-28
8
Juggernaut & Mega Shipyard
New Spaceship and Megastructure
2019-12-05
9
Summary of the Year 2019
2019 journey retrospective and changes in Stellaris Dev team composition
2019-12-12
10
Ready for 2020!
Polish progress update and information about upcoming Q&A sessions
2020-01-16
11
Federation Q&A
Q&A sessions about the Federation rework
2020-01-23
12
Galactic Community Q&A
Q&A sessions about the Galactic Community
2020-01-30
13
Diplomacy Q&A
Q&A sessions about General Diplomacy, Diplomatic stances, Diplomatic Weight, Diplomatic Relations and Envoys
2020-02-06
14
Origins Q&A
Q&A related to Origins events, civics and Fallen Empires' Origins
2020-02-13
15
Performance and other technical issues
Summary of causes of performance issues and a demonstration of the improvement.
2020-02-20
16
Reworking the AI
A look at the AI mechanics and plans to improve it.
2020-03-05
17
Federations is soon upon us! (with patch notes)
Patch notes for 2.6.
2020-03-12
Lithoids[]
The developer diary about the Lithoids species pack and patch 2.5 (aka Shelley).
Patch 2.5 (Shelley)
No.
Title and Link
Description
Date
1
Things That Rock
Announcement of the Lithoids Species Pack, preview of Lithoid species portraits and ships, introduction to Lithoid species mechanics, and patch notes for version 2.5.
Martin Anward and & Daniel Moregård, Stellaris' game director and game designer, go through some of the design challenges with Stellaris and ideas of what might happen next: FTL, borders, combat, crises and more.
Martin Anward and Daniel Moregård, Stellaris' game director and game designer, expand on the latest border and FTL rework as well as detailing what possibilities open up through them.
Martin Anward and Daniel Moregård, Stellaris' game director and game designer, with details and a Q&A section about planetary rework planned coming in patch 2.2 (aka "Le Guin")
In this new discovery-themed pack, players will uncover new anomalies and storylines, and encounter strange new beings in the uncharted depths of space.
Astral Planes 
Galactic Paragons 
First Contact 
Overlord 
Nemesis 
Federations 
Ancient Relics 
MegaCorp 
Distant Stars 
Apocalypse 
Synthetic Dawn 
Utopia 
Leviathans 
Base version