In the year 2200, the launched their first science ship, the UNS Pathfinder , into the unknown. This marks the beginning of many stories in Stellaris , a grand strategy game where the goal is to explore, expand, and compete with other civilizations.

: You find a primitive civilization on a lush world. Instead of invading, you build an Observation Station to study them.

One common "useful" story—or cautionary tale—revolves around the ethics of uplift:

: You decide to "Indoctrinate" them, subtly pushing your ethics so they become better neighbors.