Their DLC Policy is disappointing...

Important to note that you pretty much need to buy some of the DLCs to have a more complete experience (Such is the way of paradox game). Especially: Apocalypse, Utopia, and Federations (IMO). This game basically requires you to invest in over 2 times the price of the base game in order to have a more complete experience. I'd be ok if they were not AUD$28 (now AUD$36 by the looks) but, at the moment, their too expensive for what they offer and you cannot fully enjoy the game without them.

I Understand that the devs need money to continue making the game. I'm ok with them releasing paid content so they can support a game for 5+ year. But, It's getting a bit much and it feel like I'm being forced to pay for critical features when they should be included with the game. However, knowing me and how much I love this game. I'll probably buy the other DLCs I've missed (and further contribute to the issue).


Now, about the game...

This game does a good job catering to different levels of depth in the micromanagement. If you want to monitor ever single pop and their jobs and build planets up to produce one thing to maximum efficiency. You can do that. or just tell the AI to build all the stuff on the planets if you want to focus on the space combat. A friend of mine hasn't played Stellaris since the planetary system got changed and her just told it to build what is need and didn't worry about it.

This game also has a tone of mods that change the visuals add extra perks/traits, ship designs, planets. Some mods add more late game tech, and tonnes or ships who's weapon slots fill the entire window and cost 20K+ allows to build.

It's also nice that only the person who hosts needs the dlc and everyone can enjoy it. (The good part of their DLC policy. I love this).