With the release of #MODJAM2024 in just a couple of weeks, the developers for Stellaris have published a first look at what designers have been working on. The theme this year was based on Legendary Leaders. According to a post made on the Paradox Forum for the game, they had over “100 modders sign up, and over 60 design documents submitted.” While 60 design documents were submitted, the developers do not expect that many legendary leaders to be made.
MODJAM is a yearly contest held by the developers that allows the players to submit mods that add new dimension to the game. Each year they choose a new theme for the modders to create for. Last year’s theme for Stellaris was mid-game crisis. This allows the community to come together to create one central mod that is worked on by multiple people. This mod includes multiple different variants in it based on a central theme. MODJAM also allows the community to vote on which mod was their favorite.
The developers of Stellaris made the decision to create one mod package instead of the individual ones used last year. This would allow players an easier download experience with the mod package. They also believe this will allow the mod to be used in the future with new versions of the game. Then, when the player is in the game, they can choose which Legendary Leaders are allowed to spawn within the game. There are three ways in which the leaders are spawned in: random spawns, Random Leader for Players, and Players Choose. A tooltip will appear, allowing the player to know the necessary information on what each Legendary Leader does. Some Legendary Leaders are going to be locked if the players don’t have certain DLC’s that the leader is apart of. Some of the current ideas for leaders include one with the ability of time-bending, one bound to a specific place and relic, and one that has a main goal that it wants to accomplish that will do it above all else.
Stellaris, which is a game based on discovering new planets, galaxy diplomacy, and the creation of a galactic empire, came out in 2016. It relies on the player to build space stations on planets and to send out spaceships to discover new planets. Stellaris is very customizable, allowing players to develop their planets how they want to. The game is available on PC, PlayStation, and XBOX. The developers have continuously been releasing DLCs, with the most recent one being released back in November 2023, and they also release free updates regularly as well. Paradox Interactive is the publisher of the game. Stellaris has very positive reviews on Steam.
This mod will be released on its scheduled date of January 11th. To learn more about the potential designs of Legendary Leaders that will become available with the mod you can visit this link.