How to Form a Federation in Stellaris - Ultimate Guide

A Federation is a type of government in Stellaris that allows members to join together and share resources, technology, and fleets. Federations can be beneficial for players looking to gain an edge against the AI or other players, as they can receive bonuses from the other members. Additionally, they can also provide a sense of security in the galaxy, as they are able to pool resources and fleets to help defend against threats.

There are four ways to form a Federation in Stellaris: form one upon starting the game with the Common Ground or Hegemon Stellaris Origins, unlock the Federation in the Diplomacy Tradition tree, reach an agreement with an AI Empire, or acquire a rare event.

The easiest way to form a Federation is to start the game as one using either the Common Ground or Hegemon Stellaris Origins, which require the Federations DLC. Alternatively, any Empire without the Fanatic Purifier, Devouring Swarm, or Inward Perfection Civics can attempt to form a Federation after unlocking The Federation in the Diplomacy Tradition tree.

To get started, players must open the diplomacy screen with an AI or player-controlled Empire in Stellaris and select Invite to Federation. However, having the ability to form a Federation and actually founding one are two distinct tasks, with players needing to foster good relations before they can persuade their AI neighbors to join. Some Xenophilic Empires may be predisposed to joining a Federation, while others could require more effort.

The third method to form a Federation is to reach an agreement with an AI Empire. Players will need to interact with the AI Empire through the diplomacy screen, earning their trust and agreeing to their terms. The AI Empire may require certain resources, technologies, or a diplomatic gift in order to join the Federation.

The fourth and final method is to acquire a rare event. Rare events can be triggered by certain actions, such as exploring anomalies, participating in megastructures, or engaging in warfare. These events can provide players with the opportunity to form a Federation with a neighboring Empire or a specific species, such as the Vultaum.