Expansion launches along with the free version 2.0 update which includes new units, improved graphics, updated market view, new VO and more

Harbinger Expansion Trailer: https://youtu.be/tTMjpY2LAAs 

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stardock today released the first expansion for Sins of a Solar Empire II, Harbinger. The new DLC adds the long-awaited fourth faction to the Sins universe, giving a face to the great enemy that’s chased the Vasari for 10,000 years. The expansion is available now on Steam, Epic Games Store, and direct through Stardock with a launch discount price of $23.99. Shipping alongside Harbinger is a free version 2.0 update for every Sins of a Solar Empire II owner.

The Eidolon

Fighting for planets, trade routes, culture, or wealth is not the Eidolon way. Working behind the scenes, the Eidolon spread corruption wherever they go. Their technology shrouds entire worlds to fuel their advance, and they strike from the shadows with cloaked fleets, forcing every other empire to fight for survival on unfamiliar terms. 

Expansion Features 

The Eidolon rewrite the rules of galactic conquest with systems built around corruption, secrecy, and control: 

• Planetary Transformation: The Eidolon spread corruption across the galaxy to empower themselves and their worlds. As populations fall under the Eidolon’s influence, their planets gain corruption over time. Once a world has fully fallen, it can be shrouded, greatly expanding the upgrades that planet can support.
• Unit Corruption: Corruption empowers Eidolon units in combat as well as weakens them. As an Eidolon ship gains corruption, its hull dwindles while its offensive power increases. Enemy forces can become infected by corruption, giving the Eidolon another advantage.
• Null Weapons: Eidolon weapons are far more advanced than the other factions, and can negate shields and spread corruption against enemies.
• Cloaked Ships: Subterfuge is one of the sharpest weapons of a great enemy, as on the Kalizaeth Profaner support capital ship. New cloaking and detection systems let the Eidolon appear and vanish at will, enabling hit-and-run tactics that reward patience and punish anyone caught off guard. 
• Psionic Abilities: The Eidolon possess psionic abilities that allow them to seize control of lesser beings and drive Vasari ships into madness, firing on friend and foe alike. 
• Phase Echoes: Sometimes the dead don’t die. Eidolon units infused with corruption may refuse to die and carry on the onslaught. 

Version 2.0 Features

• Quality of Life UX Improvements
  • Updated Unity quick bar system can now expand and be pinned.
  • Weapon ranges of defense structures are now visible on mouseover and during placement.
  • Market window has been redesigned and now uses price fluctuations with tracking and price history.
  • Improved tooltips that give more information on why you can’t do something.
• Updated Mod UI
  • Redesigned the Modding UI system to make it easier to browse collections and highlight popular mods.
  • Users can now save playlists of mods and reload them. The game will automatically offer to download mods that aren’t installed.
  • Added more filtering options and various safeguards during installation (e.g., low disk space, etc.).
• Updated Graphics Settings
  • New planetary shaders provide more natural lighting and weather effects.
  • Improved threading system helps prevent crashes or hangs on systems with low texture memory.
  • The game now auto-detects which graphics settings are best for your system.

Sins of a Solar Empire II: Harbinger is now available to play on Steam, Epic Games Store, or direct through Stardock with a launch discount price of $23.99 through September 14 at 1:00 PM ET. The expansion is also included as part of the Premium Edition for $99.99 or as part of the Sins of a Solar Empire II: Content Pass for $59.99. The free v2.0 base-game update has also been released simultaneously to all Sins of a Solar Empire II owners on all platforms. Follow Sins II and learn more at https://www.sinsofasolarempire2.com.

About Stardock Entertainment 
Stardock is a pioneer in the strategy gaming genre headquartered in Plymouth, Mich. that has been developing and publishing strategy and simulation games since 1993, starting with the original release of Galactic Civilizations. Stardock’s recent hits include Sins of a Solar Empire, Ashes of the Singularity, Elemental: Reforged, and Offworld Trading Company. Learn more at https://www.stardock.com.

Media Kit: 
https://www.sinsofasolarempire2.com/press

Media Contact: 
Colin Regan
Stardock_Media@zebrapartners.net 
Zebra Partners

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SOURCE Stardock Entertainment