Borders define territory. Ideas define empires. Paradox Interactive and co-developer Abrakam have today unveiled Willpower, the next major expansion for their landmark sci-fi grand strategy game Stellaris — and it’s arriving sooner than you think. Launching Monday 23rd November 2026 on PC, this game-changing pack turns your empire’s deepest beliefs into your most powerful weapon: spread your values across the galaxy, reshape civilisations from within, and lead not just through conquest, but through conviction.
What Is Willpower? — Belief as a Galactic Force
Every empire in Stellaris is built on Ethics — the core principles that guide your society. Willpower elevates those convictions into living, breathing Ideologies — movements with the power to cross borders, sway foreign populations, and destabilise rival empires without firing a single shot.
Here’s what awaits:
Build Your Ideology
- Evolve your core Ethics into a formal Ideology with unique Tenets and strengths
- Spread your influence via Starbases, Hyper Relays, and Ideological Beacons that project your values deep into neighbouring space
- Watch as foreign worlds adopt your beliefs, spawning Fanatic Factions that campaign for alignment with your empire — from the inside out
- Maintain Momentum — stray too far from your own Tenets, and disillusionment may turn your own population against you
Monuments to Your Values
- Deploy the Galactic Hall — a mobile orbital megastructure that amplifies your ideological influence across entire star systems
- Customise modules to boost production, spread propaganda, or reinforce loyalty
- Construct Cathedrals and other grand monuments to cement your legacy on colony surfaces
New Paths, New Beginnings
- Three new Origins to launch your campaign:
- Golden Generation — raise leaders in a dedicated academy, nurturing talent from youth to greatness
- Lost Makers — a machine intelligence seeking the long-forgotten creators who built you
- Great Mosaic — begin with an extra Civic, a society woven from diverse threads
- Five new Fanatic Civics to sharpen your society’s identity
- New Force of Will Ambition — pursue galactic supremacy through influence rather than warfare
- Over 40 Ideology events and 8 ideologically aligned Paragons to recruit
Price & Availability
Willpower is the second major release in Season 10, following the earlier Nomads expansion. You can grab it in two ways:
Table
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Season 10 Expansion Pass | Willpower is included — no extra purchase needed |
| Standalone Pre-Order | Available now — £20.99 / $24.99 / €24.99 |
| Release Date | 23 November 2026 — PC (Steam, Paradox Store, Epic) |
Pre-purchasers get immediate confirmation, with all content unlocking on launch day alongside the free Corona Borealis (v4.6) game update.
Why It Matters — A New Way to Conquer
For nearly a decade, Stellaris has let players explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate. Willpower adds a fifth, subtler path: persuasion. You can still conquer every system — but now, you can also wait for worlds to join you of their own accord. It’s grand strategy reimagined: influence is the new border, and loyalty is the ultimate resource.
Of course, ideas can also tear empires apart. Let your Ideology radicalise unchecked, and those same Fanatic Factions could turn on you. Stay true to your values, and the galaxy might just follow.
Wishlist & Prepare
Pre-orders are live right now — secure your copy today and be ready to lead when the stars align on November 23rd.
More Info: Stellaris
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