During Slitherine Next showcase, we officially revealed Shadows Rising, the next major expansion for Distant Worlds 2, arriving on October 7, 2026. Alongside the DLC announcement, players can already download the brand-new free Command Update, bringing improvements and new features to the base game.
Set after the devastating Cataclysm, Shadows Rising introduces one of the biggest gameplay expansions ever created for Distant Worlds 2. The galaxy has been left fractured by war: ancient civilizations have fallen, hyperspace routes have become increasingly dangerous, and the Hive actively threatens the galaxy.
For the first time, players will be able to experience the galaxy from the perspective of the Pirates. Whether starting as a Lone Pirate with a single ship or leading an entire Pirate Faction, players will build criminal networks through smuggling, espionage, raids, contracts, and privateering, eventually choosing whether to become a feared Pirate Empire or a legendary outlaw.
The expansion also introduces the Age of Shadows, an entirely new starting era before the rise of the major empires, alongside Shadowports, pirate strongholds, an expanded contract system, new smuggling mechanics, and a wide range of new strategic opportunities.
In addition to the expansion reveal, today's presentation also marked the release of the latest free Command Update, delivering numerous improvements, quality-of-life features, gameplay refinements, and additional content for all Distant Worlds 2 players. Here the full changelog.
Want early access to the expansion? Sign up for the public beta today and help us test the new pirate experience before launch:
https://www.matrixgames.com/beta/distant-worlds-2-shadows-rising
Distant Worlds 2: Shadows Rising launches on October 7, 2026. Wishlist it today and prepare to shape the future of the galaxy... from the Shadows.