Nexus 5X delivers all of the depth, diplomacy, conflict and conquest of a turn-based 4X epic, but played in fast-paced, 60-minute sessions, solo or in multiplayer for 2-8 players
STOCKHOLM — March 21, 2024 — Paradox Interactive and Whatboy Games today announced at the Future Games Show that Nexus 5X will launch for PC via Steam on April 18, 2024. This fast-paced, competitive, social-strategy title challenges players to ascend victorious as the new Galactic Emperor in single or multiplayer matches playable from start to finish in around one hour, making Nexus 5X the world’s first 5X game: Explore, Exploit, Expand, Exterminate, EXPRESS.
Originally announced as Stellaris Nexus, the title launched into Steam Early Access on Dec. 12, 2023. Nexus 5X is focused on taking all of the deep strategy, tense diplomatic drama, and epic military encounters that typify the 4X single-player scene and concentrates those gameplay elements into a competitive, short-run format perfect for game night, allowing groups of up to eight players to complete a full playthrough together in only about 60 minutes.
“As a team, we love the core concept of 4X games, but we wanted to evolve that to also capture the chemistry and tensions that emerge during game nights with friends,” said Dax Ginn, Studio Director at Whatboy Games. “By concentrating the play time down to about one hour, we are creating an exciting new opportunity for the 4X genre to move into a new ‘social strategy’ space.”
“Nexus 5X has developed alongside our community to reach veteran 4X players, as well as competitive gamers who may never have played a 4X title before,” said Adam Doherty, Game Director, Whatboy Games. “Our goal is for Nexus 5X to be welcoming, without ever dumbing down the core appeal of the 4X format. We’ve had so much fun playing Nexus 5X with our dedicated early access community, and we’re looking forward to sharing the experience with new players on April 18, or right now in early access!”
Consistently receiving 95%+ Very Positive reviews by players throughout its early access phase, Nexus 5X captures the deep strategy, diplomatic intrigue, and epic interstellar space battles of a sprawling spacefaring 4X, but with a focus on past-paced gameplay sessions among friends akin to a game night.
Nexus 5X features:
- An Hour of Power: Nothing beats the thrill of a deep strategy board game session with friends, and with Nexus 5X, players can play not just one, but multiple sessions during a game night where “One More Turn” becomes “One More Game.”
- Social Strategy: Choose from unique factions and leaders and play alone or in turn-based multiplayer with 2-8 players. Play with friends or brave the Nexus online in skill-based matchmaking. Form unlikely alliances, execute bitter betrayals, or quietly plot from the shadows to ascend victorious to the Galactic Throne, all in around 60 minutes.
- Diplomacy or “Diplomacy”: Starting from the safe haven of their home world, players can rapidly expand their reach across the galaxy to explore and occupy new systems, eventually taking control of the throne-world of Nexus. Military conflict and diplomatic dealings are available as players expand and explore, but so is the power struggle that plays out in the Galactic Council, as rival empires exert their influence to cast votes in favor of new titles and resolutions, aiming to empower their faction or advance their immediate strategic objectives.
- Unique Factions & Leaders: For role-players who want to immerse themselves in the lore-rich Stellaris universe, or for ‘by-the-numbers’ strategists, select from factions and leaders that alter the approach of each match, offering a range of playstyles and ways to gain the upper-hand over your opponents.
Nexus 5X will launch for PC on Steam on April 18, 2024, priced at $19.99 / £16.99 / €19.99. Nexus 5X is currently available on Steam Early Access for the reduced price of $14.99/ £12.99 / €14.99. All early access players of Stellaris Nexus will see the game updated to Nexus 5X at launch.
Join the Nexus 5X Discord for the latest news and community discussion about the game.
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About Paradox Interactive
Paradox Interactive is one of the premier developers and publishers of strategy and management games for PC and consoles. The players are located all over the world but some of the biggest markets are North America, Western Europe and Asia.
The game portfolio consists of popular franchises such as Stellaris, Europa Universalis, Hearts of Iron, Crusader Kings, Cities: Skylines, Prison Architect, the Surviving games, Age of Wonders and Victoria. Paradox Interactive also owns the World of Darkness brand catalog.
For more information, please visit www.paradoxinteractive.com.
About Whatboy Games
Whatboy Games is an indie studio founded in the UK composed of industry veterans and fresh development talent. Founded in 2018 by Adam Doherty and Dax Ginn, both ex-Rocksteady, Whatboy’s focus is on developing great strategy games for gamers who are short on time. The team on Nexus 5X all share a passion for systemic design which facilitates the creation of games that are not only deeply strategic but also highly replayable.
