Distant Worlds 2: Shadows Rising is a major expansion that plunges you into a shattered galaxy where pirates, smugglers, and mercenaries battle for survival and supremacy in the shadows of fallen empires.
Gameplay
Command as a lone pirate captain or lead a full space-based faction, engaging in raiding, smuggling, privateering, and trade. Complete contracts, build hidden bases, and corrupt worlds to expand your influence. A new "Age of Shadows" starting era offers unique challenges, and for established empires, the expansion introduces new interactions with these dynamic pirate elements, including hiring them as privateers against your foes.
Story
In the aftermath of a galactic cataclysm, civilization has collapsed. With hyperspace travel perilous and planets ruined, power has shifted from empires to outlaws. From hidden stations and outlaw fleets, pirates and mercenaries now vie for control, all while the relentless, all-consuming Hive threat grows stronger in the dark.
Key Features
- Diverse Pirate Careers: Begin as a Lone Pirate with a single ship or command a full Pirate Faction, with specialized paths like Raider, Smuggler, or Mercenary.
- Shadow Economy: Build a unique economy based on smuggling, raiding, contracts, and spreading corruption to siphon resources from worlds.
- Strategic Growth: Establish hidden bases and criminal networks, with the potential to evolve into a legendary pirate entity or even found a new Pirate Empire.
- Contract System: Undertake diverse missions including theft, ransom, espionage, and warfare to earn infamy and resources.
- Shadowport Hubs: Utilize neutral pirate stations to trade ships, technology, and secure rare equipment and contracts.
- New Starting Era: Experience the "Age of Shadows," a perilous time when the Hive is powerful and new empires are just beginning to emerge.
- Empire Interactions: As a traditional empire, face new challenges and opportunities by negotiating with, hiring, or combating the galaxy's pirate factions.
- Dynamic Independents: Encounter independent worlds that can now grow into formidable empires, adding another layer of galactic competition.
