Stellaris Synthetic Dawn is the fourth DLC expansion pack released for Stellaris, a grand strategy game developed and published by Paradox Interactive. The expansion introduces a new race of Machines, members of the Machine Empire.  SD lets the player experience the new factions story campaign, conquering the galaxy in the name of AI. Synthetic Dawn received positive reviews from the critics, who note the welcome addition of the robots to the roster of Stellarisraces. Rise of the machines The key gameplay feature of Stellaris Synthetic Dawn is the new race of the Machines . The Machines form the Machine Empire, which is initially comprised of drones. The player can develop the population of their empire, building new, more advanced machines. As the Machine Empire, the player can explore the galaxy, discovering traces of sentient mechanical life forms on different planets.  The Machines wont die from old age and dont need food, instead of relying on energy for sustenance.   Mechani