Following up on the success of the Leviathans Story Pack Paradox has just announced the first major gameplay expansion for Stellaris - Utopia. It will bring with it numerous new options for developing your empire, including new types of space stations and buildings that open alternative routes towards becoming the dominant force in the galaxy. As your species advances and grows in power you'll also be able to choose how to further pursue enlightenment: by following the biological path, the psionic path, the synthetic path, or perhaps a mixture of all three.

Since all of this is fairly complex stuff with far-reaching implications for gameplay Paradox has taken the time to release a trailer detailing all of the new features... by which I mean they've released 20 seconds of random footage that means absolutely nothing. It is pretty to look at, if nothing else! Have a gander:

The release date is still unknown, but what I can tell you is that Utopia will set you back $20. As for the actual features coming in with the expansion, here's pretty much everything released so far:

• Megastructures: Build wondrous structures in your systems including Dyson Spheres and ring worlds, bringing both prestige and major advantages to your race.

• Habitat Stations: Build “tall” and establish space stations that will house more population, serving the role of planets in a small and confined empire.

• Traditions: Collect Unity points and adopt ideas and bonuses that will ease your species’ expansion across the stars, unlocking special perks for completing a set.

• Rights and Privileges: Set specific policies for which of the many species under your thumb will have the rights and privileges of full citizenship.