[2023] Paradox Launcher V.2 Stellaris versions only go up to 3.5.8, newer versions unavailable?

Moved to Tech Support  

SimonDarksideJ said: Is there some reason that Paradox's own launcher is so out of date with Stellaris.

Yes, there is: this game is no longer supported on that platform. The devs made that decision some time ago, I'm afraid.

You'll need to play it fromm Steam from now on.  

SimonDarksideJ said: Because on BOTH steam and Windows, they BOTH use the paradox launcher to launch the game, which makes it doubly odd that you cannot simply use the launcher standalone.

When run from Steam the launcher is run in a Steam-compatible mode as a true launcher, its purpose then is so you can select mods and DLCs.

When run standalone it is effectively a client, not a launcher, IOW a completely separate mode of operation. It's purpose then is to do game installs, apply patches, etc.

It is the choice of each development team whether they support the latter mode; as it stands no PDS game does any more except I think Imperator:Rome. Only older PI games such as Surviving Mars, Battletech etc.