From Press Release:
This is the Age of Shadows, a new era where piracy and smuggling are not only essential to survival, but they govern the universe. Civilizations have collapsed. Hyperspace travel is dangerous. Planets were shattered. Across the stars, survivors cling to life aboard hidden stations, outlaw fleets and space ruins. The best chance at survival lies in Piracy.
The Age of Shadows has begun.
Will the galaxy descend into chaos… or be forged anew from the shadows?
Lone Pirate or Pirate Faction?
With Shadows Rising, players can step into the role of a Lone Pirate, beginning with a single ship with, poised to make a name for themselves in pirate infamy. Alternatively, take control of a Pirate Faction vying for dominance in the galaxy.
Whichever path is taken, whether operating alone as a Lone Pirate, or commanding a fully space-based Pirate Faction, the galaxy is now a playground for those willing to live outside the law.
Piracy is the best way to survive and progress against increased threats from the Hive, with more control over a new economy based around spreading influence, completing contracts, smuggling, raiding, privateering, and espionage.
Four Ways to Rule the Shadows
The new pirate systems offer four distinct playstyles:
- Pirate: A versatile jack-of-all-trades capable of adapting to whatever opportunities the galaxy presents.
- Raider: An aggressive and chaotic force built around combat, destruction, and intimidation.
- Smuggler: A master of trade and contraband who profits by moving valuable resources through the galaxy’s black markets.
- Mercenary: A combat-focused pirate who takes contracts and fights for whoever can pay.
Every path offers different ways to generate income, build influence, and expand the criminal network.
Contracts and Corruption
The galaxy’s new Contract system gives pirates opportunities ranging from routine jobs to high-risk operations. Pirates can also raid planets or defend them against rival pirates, allowing them to expand their influence and shape the balance of power across the galaxy.
Influence brings its own rewards to pirates. As influence grows, corruption spreads, covertly siphoning income from colonies while expanding the availability of black market resources for smugglers to profit from.
Smuggling Comes With a PriceA new smuggling system lets pirates transport contraband resources and sell them at premium prices across the galaxy.
But profit comes with risk. Smuggling operations can be discovered, potentially resulting in the destruction of ships and damage to relationships with valuable trade partners. Successful smugglers will need to carefully balance opportunity against exposure.
Pirate vs Pirate
Influence, contracts and corruption decide the amount of power players will have over the galaxy and over the Pirates, but they say “Keep your enemies near”. The powerful and independent Shadowports act as neutral pirate-aligned hubs where pirates trade ships, technology, and rare equipment to bolster their ships and fleets. They also offer valuable contracts and guide pirate efforts to keep Independent worlds and planetary Empires under control and to counter the Hive.
The game’s expanded pirate systems add more ways to interact with pirates and other galactic powers. Pirates can be hired for resources or defense, privateering agreements can support wars, and so much more: pirates are another strategic tool.
Will you become a legend of the shadows, build a criminal empire, or turn the galaxy’s pirates against your enemies? Whatever your choice is, remember: The Galaxy Lives On
What is Distant Worlds 2?
Distant Worlds 2 is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game. Experience the full depth and detail of turn-based strategy, but with the simplicity and ease of real-time, and on the scale of a massively-multiplayer online game.
Shadows Rising is the fifth DLC, that adds content and new gameplay mechanics to a an already multi-faction and wide game.
About The Slitherine Group
The Slitherine Group is the world’s leading producer and publisher of digital strategy and wargames. Under the Slitherine (www.slitherine.com) and Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com) brands it has published literally hundreds of games, with many award-winning titles in its portfolio and spanning all digital platforms. Slitherine also works with a wide array of key licensing partners, such as MGM®, NBC Universal®, Games Workshop®, Sony Pictures, BBC, Osprey, and many others.
