[i]Space. The final frontier.[/i] Or it would be, but you [i]just[/i] need that one mod to make it absolutely [i]final.[/i] These are my picks, some from personal experience and some from sheer reputation, for the top 5 essential Stellaris mods.

[size=3][b]Increased Research Window Size [/b]by Jager Da [/size][img]https://www.filesnation.com/assets/dynamic/images/articles/top5stellaris_1.png[/img] [url=https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=681894160]DOWNLOAD LINK[/url]

This might seem like a very simple mod. And it is. It really, truly is. All this mod does is expand the size of the research window, so that you're able to view seven techs, instead of the usual four. It's a [i]huge[/i] quality of life improvement, though, and it's a permanent part of my mod list.

[size=3][b]Assortment of Namelists [/b]by Cybrxkhan [/size][img]https://www.filesnation.com/assets/dynamic/images/articles/top5stellaris_2.png[/img] [url=https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=682691478]DOWNLOAD LINK[/url]

If you were disappointed by the namelists included with Stellaris, then Cybrxkhan has got your back. The "Assortment of Namelists for Stellaris" mod does exactly what it says on the tin. It adds thousands of new names for just about every nameable object in the game, including everything from Tolkien's Elves, to various ancient human civilisations that appear completely alien today.

[size=3][b]Flags: Emblems & Backgrounds [/b]by swfpifh [/size][img]https://www.filesnation.com/assets/dynamic/images/articles/top5stellaris_3.png[/img] [url=https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=682165224]DOWNLOAD LINK[/url]

Another [i]big[/i] mod that hits a very small itch; more emblems, and backgrounds. It's very simple. This mod simply adds an astonishing amount of new emblems and backgrounds for you to use when designing your civilisation's flag. This includes everything from  the logo of Bungie's old Marathon franchise, to the historical SPQR Roman logo.

[size=3][b]Star Trek Races [/b]by cheapstare [/size][img]https://www.filesnation.com/assets/dynamic/images/articles/top5stellaris_4.png[/img] [url=https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=684633548]DOWNLOAD LINK[/url]

With this mod, you'll be able to take on the galaxy as Captain Kitty of the United Feline Federation of Planets, dressing up in Klingon or Starfleet, or even Andorian, attire. It makes available several classic races from the Star Trek franchise, allowing you to use them as portraits when designing your civilisations.

[size=3][b]Mass Effect Soundtrack [/b]by Minoris [/size][img]https://www.filesnation.com/assets/dynamic/images/articles/top5stellaris_5.png[/img] [url=https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=686666244]DOWNLOAD LINK[/url]

This is a personal favourite of mine. It adds a number of tracks from the Mass Effect franchise to the game, integrating them with the existing soundtrack. These tracks are handpicked for their suitability, and it shows. There's something quite sobering about bombarding your enemy's home planet as "Leaving Earth" plays.

Do you have any mods that are deserving of a spot on this list? Any personal ones that are always on your modlist when you're conquering the galaxy? Let us know in the comments below!