2023 Stellaris Beginner's Guide | How to get started in Stellaris Tutorial for 2023

[@MaxTheCatfish]

I also stream on Twitch over at twitch.tv/maxthecatfish where we regular play Stellaris and other thinky factory-builders, survival games, and more! Come kick it with me and our awesome community LIVE!

[@fullyawakened]

How refreshing to find someone on YT that can speak a full sentence without 7 jump-cuts! This is definitely the tutorial I'll be investing my time in. EDIT: This is actually the best game tutorial for any game I've ever seen! No stone left unturned, every tiny detail gets addressed, and your personality keeps me engaged and entertained without taking over the video. I went from completely overwhelmed after my first few game attempts to feeling confident about playing my next few after watching this series.

[@Slapdab]

Agree

[@OffAzrael]

Agreed. He's really good at this 👍

[@sergentboucherie]

The problem with making full sentences is that you need to know what you are talking about to be able to make them, that is why so many people use jump cuts on youtube

[@Beauweir]

@@sergentboucherie Just need a script really

[@sergentboucherie]

@@Beauweir but reading a script mean you have to know how to read, it feels like most youtubers wannabe never finished school, so reading might be too hard for them, or they read so poorly that they need jumpcuts to make coherent sentences

[@davidmorris2314]

Wrapping up the series but leaving this on part 1 for newcomers. This is not just the best Stellaris tutorial I’ve seen, but the best game tutorial I’ve watched, period. Fantastic job. He has a true talent for clear explanations and keeping the content engaging.

[@maxmustermann-hx3fx]

Thx I was wondering which one to watch bc last time I kinda jumped from tutorial to turoial which then led to me dropping the game.

[@TheVideotoaster]

Stellaris I have owned since it first came out but just could not wrap my head around it and looking like gameplay has changed somewhat. This video has me interested enough to give it another go!

[@MaxTheCatfish]

Glad to hear it! The game has changed *so* much over the years and a new DLC is the perfect time for a refresher. I'll cover a lot of the deeper concepts in the episodes to come, so stay tuned for them!

[@fusion2128]

How’s it going?

[@shanephillips4011]

Cmon, you can do it. It is the one grand strategy game I actually figured out. Keep trying.

[@justincarnes1656]

Sorry for necroing this. I used to play it all the time, but a big update from about 3 or so years ago made me stop playing as I had a hard time figuring it out and didn't have the time to spend refiguring it out. I feel your pain.

[@oliver_twistor]

Same for me. I'm no stranger to Paradox games or 4X games, but for some reason I have had a hard time getting a hang of Stellaris. Hopefully this video series will make me understand the game a bit better.

[@foxfireballroom]

I'm trying to play this game for like the 3rd time, and your tutorial video was by far the best I've watched. You definitely have a gift - like that one teacher that everyone hopes to get because they make learning easy and fun. You've earned a subscriber, thank you!

[@MaxTheCatfish]

Wow, thanks so much! I've honestly dreamt of teaching some day - so this is a great middle ground between that and my hobbies and interests. Glad it was helpful to you!

[@jamesrobert4265]

​@@MaxTheCatfish Dude I thought you were a teacher. The explains things in an efficient and simple way

[@greenbeans4796]

I'm an older guy looking to infuse some fun into my life, so I got into gaming. I love space fantasy and found Stellaris on Steam(also new too). I was overwhelmed but found your videos tremendously helpful. Looking forward to viewing all your Stellaris videos to get up to speed. Thanks for doing this series!

[@Tymelost]

@@Libtard lol a friend in a single player game.. sad shit

[@just_dec]

Hope you managed to get your head around it my friend! I am learning and enjoying it now - it's not as intimidating once you know what everything is!

[@Selene231189]

@@Tymelost there's multiplayer and co-op too!

[@ethanrice7798]

This was super useful for a beginner like me in the game to see how all the UI works. I can't wait to see the next video and I hope it comes soon!

[@MaxTheCatfish]

Glad it helped!

[@Aly-l-Axy]

Just finished this video and i saw your playlist... 10 videos of 30 min+ just to teach us how to play the game! That's dedication, that's motivation, and above all, that's love. Love for what you do, love for the game, love for the community. I barelly know you, but i already respect you a lot. You looked so happy and so hyped to be making this video, watching through it was a breeze, barely felt like 10 minutes. Congratulations for putting up this amazing content. I'm very impressed and happy that there are people like you doing what you love and helping others out, in any way they can

[@tomkmb4120]

I've watched a lot of Stellaris tutorials in my time and still found myself overwhelmed. However, watching this one was a pleasure, it's well paced and informative and you can tell that you enjoy not only the game but also teaching people about the game too. I cant wait to go on and watch the rest now! Thanks so much for these.

[@Toshiro4619]

Thank you so much for doing a beginner guide as though you just opened the game for the first time. Almost every other one seems to assume I know what half the terms they're using mean in terms of gameplay.

[@jackstark5277]

This is one of the best tutorials I've seen for this game. I've played the game but struggled mightily on managing the planets, people and expansion. Looking forward to the other videos. Thanks!

[@leov4751]

I really appreciate the "let's just take a base game". Too many "beginner" tutorials start with an intricate explanation of set-up.

[@derpdadouch3654]

Despite it being a lesser form of it can we all take a moment to appreciate how well they ported stellaris over to console. It's simply incredible that they gave people like me a chance to experience it in a way that wasn't through watching someone else play it.

[@USSCYT]

Stellaris is on console?

[@Nerino]

Finally a guide that every brain can handle. Very good for beginners who have never played the game like me.

[@SeaDawg02]

This is so helpful! I started this game a few days ago but my empire got invaded by a hostile enemy and I had no idea what to do 😫You do a great job of explaining little details in the UI that I was confused by. Looking forward to the next vid!

[@MaxTheCatfish]

Glad I could help! We'll get you sorted on the right track I think! 😄

[@bortz0230]

Way to go Max. This was immensely helpful. When first starting this game, there was just so much "stuff" to get a handle on that I wasn't even thinking about how to go about winning the game. This was a great "this does this and why" video. Keep 'em coming.

[@thomaskositzki9424]

Am somewhat experienced but am here for the Tutorial series to pick up some tips. When I started Stellaris, it took me a week to half know what I was doing. Game is too complex for it's own good but still so interesting!

[@tomgrinham433]

This is the best Stellaris tutorial I have seen yet! I'll definitely be watching the whole series. Thank you very much.

[@ImSiggo]

Would have loved this when I started playing Stellaris, you explained the game well :)

[@Rick203]

The video I was waiting for before getting started myself :)

[@MaxTheCatfish]

Heck yeah! Give it a go!

[@pup1ez]

I feel like I'm repeating the praise of others, but since this is the first comment to be posted in a while, I'm doing this for others that are just picking up Stellarus and have stumbled across Max's video series. Search no further: you have found the Rosetta stone to figure out the basics is this game. Watch the entire series and then you can really start to have fun, as opposed to getting exasperated because the the game mechanics are so dense. Big shoutout to Max--as a teacher myself, you have the goods. Keep up the good work, and if you ever toss around the idea of doing a Stellaris Intermediate level series, I AM SO IN. Thanks again!

[@horatio118]

This is super usefull, thanks so much! I find that it helps me most when I watch a segment of the video and then open up the game and fiddle around a little bit with that part of the UI or issue a few orders.

[@kruornoctis]

thank you bro. been so bored with games lately but have fond memories of things like civ, starcraft and sins of a solar empire.. this game looked real appealing but holllyyyyy what a task to figure out what you should be doing. very helpful. shout outs from new zealand homie

[@77goanywhere]

Great intro to a game I have just purchased, and have yet to really even explore. Very clear, and importantly for me, you don't go into too much detail that isn't relevant to the stage of the game you are at. I'm a "senior citizen" so I am not as quick as I used to be, so having a well balanced "tutor" is important to me right now. Cheers!

[@TheTraceyWay]

Extremely helpful thank you, hoping you're working on the next episode already, cause I clearly have so much more to learn about this game still ^^

[@MaxTheCatfish]

Yup! Should be out next Sunday! Thanks for watching!

[@pablocastro88]

I'm a few videos in on this guide, but I want to say thank you! I've literally tried starting this game about half a dozen times. This is the the furthest I've ever got and it's thanks to your videos. Finally enjoying this game and starting to grasp why people love it. Great work!

[@Kingsston]

Subscribed after this. Just got the game a few days ago and I've never played anything like it sadly. But on the positive note, I've been playing the tutorial over, about 4 times now and watched this video. You've helped me alot understanding the basics of how to start exploration and building up a science fleet and better understanding of how many things are actually connected. I'd love to see another video discussing how to handle planets and the easy steps upon implementing a sustainable economy and happiness rate. You're a legend.

[@gavinadams4572]

Thanks max,just bought the game and dlcs on sale.

[@MaxTheCatfish]

Enjoy! There's so much to the game with the DLCs, you're gonna have a blast!

[@turtle2554]

This first tutorial episode was awesome! I just bought the game recently on sale and there is so much to do. I am eager to see more videos from you explaining all the different things that are in the game. Super helpful!

[@Jtobiwon]

Just started playing the game, and this was great to watch! Looking forward to studying more of your content to get GUD

[@technotron_hf]

Wonderful tutorial. I am new to Stellaris and I didn't know what to do after I bought this game on Steam. But thanks to this tutorial I'll be playing it without pulling my hair because I don't know what to do. This video is very instructing. Thank you so much ! (I need to watch this again and again to grasp it, though)

[@JamesColeman12]

if you lucky enough to land yourself in this video before u do a head dive onto Stellaris as a new player, u are in for a treat, i wish I found this series much earlier than i did, I thought i could figure some of those districts and policies, jobs etc on my own but 3 different empires saves after, i gave up and had to do more research, finally i found a more structured tutorial by this guy who is not only knowledgeable about the game but his love for the game just makes me want to play the game even more. absolutely 10/10.

[@badger3802]

This tutorial was a year ago, but it's crazy to see how much the game has changed since then. The UI is more pleasing to the eye and DLC makes the game more fun to play, as it opens you up to a plethora of possibilities.

[@Aendolin]

I've played Stellaris >200 hours, and still watched this entire first episode because it was so well done :)

[@MaxTheCatfish]

Wow, that's high praise! Thanks so much!

[@pdmarsh5466]

This is an excellent series of tutorials for Stellaris. In fact, these are the best game tutorials I have ever come across. Very well done indeed. Thank you.

[@xchalibur77]

You are so chill and well spoken that If I don't get it now I never will.

[@ironbug9924]

I just bought the game last weekend, so far you have been the most detailed guide. Nice work! Subscribed.

[@BryanPeretto]

Well done. I just got this game and trying to learn by playing wasn't going well. I watched another video of the same length and it was absolutely horrible. This video helped me so much more. Time for episode 2!

[@bloodTorque]

I've a new interest for grand strategy, 4X and RTS since I got my Steam Deck. I've avoided them in the past because it takes more smarty pants thinking than trigger twitch. Your tutorials are the best and will help my empire to soon dominate and subjugate all on their knees under one banner of domination. thanks

[@daveaauk]

I have watched several tutorials but I have not been able to understand or follow them, this is the first time I have been able to do both. Very well written and presented, looking forward to watching the rest. Thanks for sharing.

[@fazm.9254]

I had picked up this game a year ago but could never wrap my mind around all the complexities of the game. I absolutely love this tutorial. Your enthusiasm is genuine. Your knowledge of the game is deep. Most importantly, you go over all the concepts at a perfect pace. You have gained a subscriber. I will watch all parts of this tutorial and will launch a new game!

[@topamaxer]

If we had more educators like you in the school system and on KZbin we would be a more educated people. Keep it up! Many Thanks.

[@TheLucidDrummer]

You are a great speaker, and did a great job explaining things! I'm new to the game and this was very helpful, thank you. Will definitely watch the next segments!

[@Dextergec413]

Thank you for this. In particular, thanks for not spending 30 minutes explaining before even starting the game. It really helps to see someone actually playing the game and not just talking about it

[@thomasjones5260]

I just picked this up because a couple of friends play it and it was on sale in Steam. I've played for about thirty minutes and had no idea what I'm doing, so videos like this are super helpful.

[@FranciscoTorres-lr6wc]

Dude, i just watched the entire series and i just have 1 thing to say. You should be doing tutorials for every single game. Thank you so much

[@dmunro5069]

Fantastic video series, so very clear and full of enthusiasm- the benchmark of how beginner guides should be!

[@ringofart]

Almost gave up on the tutorial but watching this has got me started

[@TheClergyGamer]

This was an awesome series! I bought the game on Steam when it came out, but forgot how to play lol. Obviously a lot has changed with the various updates and dlc. Thank you so much for this excellent tutorial. I was about ready to give up before I found this.

[@Perrylump]

I've watched a few vids trying to get my ahead around the game. This is def the best introductory one. Great job, thanks. Reminds me of Rodney Smith for board games (which is pretty much the highest praise I can give for tutorials)

[@MaxTheCatfish]

Rodney is a HUGE inspiration of mine from the KZbin side of things. The praise is well received! Thanks so much!

[@tangpau93]

i know this is a year old noww but I just bought Sterllaris on the Winter sale and hunted your videos down. I love your style of teaching and you seem to know just enough to cover to explain the subject well enough but not get overhwleming at all. Thank you and I am looking forward to watching all these tutorial videos and learn this game with your help.

[@laurabaumgartner3085]

I just bought this game on a Steam sale. It looked like a more in-depth vibrant version of Escape Velocity, which I loved. When I saw the tutorial recommendation I thought I had better invest my time into watching it BEFORE I start playing, and the fact that it was recommended by Steam made me feel like it was the best one to watch. I am looking forward to learning about my new game and hope I can be able to manage and grow my sphere of influence. And it is very nice that this is taught to us in an up front honest manner, without speaking down or making us feel ignorant. 👍😀👍

[@Stringbean421]

This is the best tutorial on this game out there on KZbin. Very nicely explained. Thank you.

[@BrettOssman]

One thing I like to do is get to a point where you are going to do something, like assign leaders. Then I do it first with my choices. Then I continue seeing how you would do it. I may adjust, but try to continue on my path.

[@WaIterWhite]

Thank you for making these tutorials for newbies, I'm downloading the game as I write this, a little overwhelmed but happy when it finishes and I play it, keep up the good work

[@WaIterWhite]

Also holy they might as well make the game free because of the dlcs

[@-Markus-]

This is the tutorials ive been looking for! Started up Stellaris again this past weekend after a few years away from it and calling me confused isnt even close! I hardly recognize anything so this will be such a great help to get my bearing!

[@porkeywings]

Yo just what I was looking for, uploaded 4 minutes ago, nice.

[@MaxTheCatfish]

You're one of the first to see it! Enjoy!

[@thegooglegnome8933]

2 hours ago for me lmao I was honestly shocked

[@AstroSardaukar]

I like it how enthusiastic you're about the game.

[@MaxTheCatfish]

Thanks! It's a real favorite of mine!

[@SirMoribund]

Planetary buildings and assignment of workers is what I find the most confusing.

[@MaxTheCatfish]

I have a tutorial for that coming up soon!

[@DerpyMcSquirtle]

Just found this guide as I have recently purchased this on sale on Xbox with its dlc.I’m a strategy game newbie and usually don’t play them as I find them overwhelming but the setting of this peaked my interest…but boy am I out of my depth playing this so thank you for doing this guide 🙏…got yourself a subscription for sure

[@highgroundchess]

As someone brand new to this game - I know I am late to the party but I am a bust family man - this was extremely useful and helpful to help get started. I played a game and just expanded with no idea what I was doing. Just go go go and then got smacked and crushed. Restarted and following along. Thanks much for your help and guidance.

[@stepheningram6415]

Dude you should be a teacher or something. This is the best guid series I’ve seen. Jumped into a failing saved game and fixed most of my problems… still a little rocky😂

[@TheTrueDan]

This was actually an amazing part 1 for your tutorial, I learned a lot of stuff already and the way you explain things In such a simple manner so everyone understands exactly what you mean Is great. I'm going to see part 2 right after finishing this, good job!

[@saratchandramv1886]

I like that there is live gameplay and explanation. This way its easier to learn. At least for me. 👌🏻

[@michaelfurtmayr979]

I normally don't comment but here I have to: Your videos and the way you teach are truly great. I am a teacher in real life and we might be the same age - and just as you I really enjoy helping people to achieve a better position once they understand, try and experience the offered information. One can really tell you like doing these tutorials and helping people to have a great time with an amazing game. Regarding Stellaris: I am now 100+ hours in and it's still only my second game - a truly astonishing experience that will hopefully still be around, alive and tweaked with free patches and DLC for many more years to come. All the best for your future work and teaching, Greetings from Austria

[@DeleriousOdyssey]

Thank you eight pound, six ounce, little baby Jesus for this man's tutorial. Please don't stop making these.

[@mariposakedi]

I thank you for explaining stellaris in a way that my brain can process the information. I've seen videos that are good at explaining, but they skip so much info. Had the game for a few years, and every time I encounter any trouble, I stop playing because I get confused with the mechanics. Now I'm playing with more confidence. I'm pretty sure I'll lose but atleast I know what I'm doing. Thanks again 😁

[@christopherhendrix8527]

Just purchased the game last. Can't wait to take what I learned from video and try it out Thanks and looking forward to more.!

[@irishbob26]

Just downloaded this game, wanted it for ages. I don't think I've ever been as confused starting a game.

[@theXaxx]

pretty good introduction, I shall have to reinstall and give it another go!

[@MaxTheCatfish]

You should!

[@BiffGimble]

I've owned Stellaris for so long and I've tried it a least half a dozen times. Gonna give it another shot using your tutorial. So far, so good! Cya on Twitch!

[@ryanstewart2289]

The best advice that I never got as a new player is that just because you CAN build a district or a building doesn't mean that you SHOULD do it, at least right now. Paying upkeep on unused districts and buildings will kill your economy in the early game, and pulling out of an economic death spiral is even harder now than it used to be.

[@michaelmartin5623]

I bought Stellaris so I could play the Star Trek: New Horizons mod because I’m a huge Star Trek nerd. But I also knew that Stellaris was a top shelf 4x game as well. After several failed and very frustrating attempts to “learn as I played” I quickly found out just how in-depth Stellaris is and and that I was a bit in over my head. I then searched for a tutorial to learn the nuts and bolts of the game. I came across your beginner’s guide playlist and found the tutorial I was looking for. Thanks for creating these videos! They really helped me understand the complexities of the game and how many of the functions and features work. I have watched all the videos and will probably have to watch them a few times because they contains so much content to absorb in a single viewing. Hey! Have you ever considered doing a few tutorial videos for ST: New Horizons? Because that would be extremely helpful! 😊

[@blandeeezy5893]

By far the best guide ive seen after hunting for something about this game. You are the best. Heading over to part 2 now.

[@coldgarden_]

I just wanted to say that I have watched your guide, and it has helped me immensely. This is still mostly up to date as of May 2023. The new Galactic Paragons dlc releases tomorrow, and with so much extra content besides the base game, the game seems daunting for new players. I'm so glad for your guide because now I can enjoy the game. There is so much content in this game it can be overwhelming. Thank you for these great guides. The whole playlist, all 9 videos, are great. I watched them all and there are a lot of great tips.

[@doerayegon1227]

This tutorial is amazing I don’t have much time on my hands so learning stellaris has been a challenge but listening to these videos on my drive to and from work has helped so much.

[@spiritfox6066]

Hey Max. Wanted to say you have the most in depth videos, and the easiest to understand. Thank you!

[@j1lakenan1]

Just downloaded the game again this week. Super helpful and getting me ready for the paragons dlc

[@chetranqui]

Max, I'm checking out Stellaris again after a few years off from it... I catch ya on twitch whenever I can. ...so excited to see that I can get my reintroduction to the game from you! It's always a pleasure to experience your upbeat attitude.

[@timvu8442]

Thank you for this. Got the weekend free option and was overwhelmed. This made it a lot better.

[@jap-vx2zd]

Thanks for the guide. Just picked up the game in the Steam Summer Sale. This was very helpful to get started.

[@gschmeus1]

Thank you, I would have been lost without you!

[@DaisyHollowBooks]

I just got Stellaris from Steam, and the tutorial didn't do much for me. I appreciate this video for the introduction and overview of the game. Your enthusiastic presentation style is very engaging. Thanks for this.

[@sujeevansahadevan4903]

I am downloading Stellaris and watched many tutorials but this one is the best. 10 mins into the video and I have learned much more than the hours of videos i watched. Great Content man!!!

[@Albireo8]

Brilliant start to a how-to. Thanks very much. Will watch them all now!

[@garymoore1288]

This guy is honestly an amazing talent for producing content like this. To keep it so engaging just with his subtle personality traits while being so good at conveying the concepts and teaching in a way you retain it is unbelievable.

[@AceArata]

After playing two different saves that went under two different ways (one by expanding too slow, and another by having really low planetary approval everywhere) i have humbled myself enough to watch this series. I am determined to make my next save something the filthy xenos will regret messing with. Will check back in when i finally conquer the galaxy

[@MXNGRXVE]

I started a play through yesterday and I have 5 or 6 colonies and I just got a vassal. I know a bit of the game but I still need to learn about stuff. Thanks for making these vids.

[@lukasgarcia4167]

I’m a complete beginner and I’m at 2:57 and I just learned something that I didn’t know at all. Thanks bro

[@StraytheSkies]

thanks for this. i've never played a game like this so i was overwhelmed haha.

[@Bushdad89]

Bloody good, wish id had you as a teacher back in the day.

[@JejjyGoodboy]

I was following the tutorial so well until I took a break for a few months and forgot it all lol Great as a crash course!

[@adamn7004]

I had given up on Stellaris until I found this incredible series. Thank you so much. I hope you got paid for these excellently presented, explained tutorials; you deserve it. You have a skill in teaching. I’m now really enjoying playing; thanks again.

[@theraven4648]

i dont comment often but your tutorials are very well made, always wanted to get into this game but never did because if you jump right in tons of stuff going on looking forward to more of these

[@MaxTheCatfish]

Thanks so much! There are a lot of REALLY QUICK tutorials out there designed to teach you a lot of information in a tiny amount of time. I wanted to provide something different, especially because Stellaris is so complex and there's so much to learn about the game. I'm glad you're enjoying the series!

[@rueyashirogane2710]

One of the best tutorials on Stellaris with the charm of Gaius Baltar!

[@TheOmmadawn]

This is easily the best tutorial for Stellaris. Thank you!

[@Phoenix27272]

This reminds me a lot of Sins of a Solar Empire I used to play back in the day.

[@rubenrabbani4763]

Great video man, this taught me a lot about the game

[@MaxTheCatfish]

Glad to hear it!

[@gordonl7455]

You might be the happiest youtuber I've ever watched

[@AdmiralDoobie96]

This is just great! Clear descriptions, focus on main details, right level of advice so as not to spoil the game for other users.. I just bought Stellaris and am definitely going to watch the other parts of this tutorial. Only thing is, I think you should've spent a tiny wee of time explaining pros and cons of the various empires