What changed in Stellaris in 2026
354 updates · 48 main milestones · Feb 26, 2026 to Sep 10, 2026
- 48 eventsLimited Diplomacy Contract Offer Fixbug fix
An empire with a subject on Limited Diplomacy now offers contracts to Nomadic empires again.
SteamGreat Awakening Enslavement Fixbug fixReaching The Great Awakening as a Shroud-Forged empire no longer enslaves every pop lacking the Shroud-Forged trait.
SteamAssimilation Events Pop Movement Fixbug fixAssimilation events should no longer attempt to move 0 sized pop groups.
SteamForever Cruise Contract Abandonment Fixbug fixAbandoning a Forever Cruise contract now states how it affects Passenger Satisfaction.
SteamGenetic Memory Trait Error Log Spam Fixedbug fixFixed an error log spam issue from the Genetic Memory trait.
SteamNomadic Evolutionary Predators Genetic Material Fixbug fixNomadic Evolutionary Predators now gain genetic material from Pops held by their temporary purge vassals.
SteamAI Economic Plan Completion Criteria UpdatemoddingEconomic plan completion is now decided by income alone, with other factors no longer holding a plan open.
SteamEconomic Plans Documentation Updatemoddingcommon/economic_plans/00_example.txt has been rewritten to reflect new modding guidelines.
SteamEnvoy Trait Addition Fixedbug fixWe will no longer try to add psionic or other traits to envoys.
SteamWaystation Module Availability Fixedbug fixFixed waystation modules that were incorrectly available or unavailable in systems based on resource matching.
SteamGalactic Community Invitation Spam Fixbug fixThe invitation to join the Galactic Community no longer arrives repeatedly while its window is still open.
SteamS.I.D.N.I. Greeting UpdateaudioS.I.D.N.I. now greets you with a catchphrase when hired, and leaders who previously arrived in silence now have a greeting too.
SteamSacrifice Boon Fixbug fixFixed the Sacrifice boon staying active after an empire abandoned the Death Cult civic.
SteamMechromancy Cyber-zombies Job Fixbug fixCyber-zombies created by Mechromancy now take jobs instead of being stuck as purged pops.
SteamNemma Slavery Planet Modifier Icon Fixedui uxEnforced Nemma Slavery Planet Modifier now shows correct icon.
SteamBiological Ships Energy Deficit Fixbug fixBiological ships are no longer affected by energy deficits.
SteamAI Naval Capacity Management ImprovementaiMilestoneAI empires no longer overbuild Strongholds and starve themselves of necessary alloys.
SteamAI Economic Plan Stability ImprovementaiMilestoneAI empires can no longer end up with no economic plan at all, ensuring they always have something to aim for.
SteamFactions View Icon Overlap Fixedui uxFixed the supporters icon overlapping the size value in the Factions view.
SteamPierce the Shroud Decision Effect Text Fixedbug fixThe Pierce the Shroud decision's effect text now fits its window and states the chance of the world being consumed.
SteamContract Offer and Completion Window Updateui uxThe contract offer and contract completion windows now use the same reward heading.
SteamNomadic Empire Contract Fixbug fixA Nomadic empire with a subject on Limited Diplomacy now receives contracts again.
SteamDathnak Gas Exhibit Description Fixbug fixThe Dathnak Gas exhibit description no longer has a gap where an empire name belongs.
SteamMultiple Buildings Error Fixbug fixFixed multiple buildings generating errors on colonies with no owners.
SteamNomad Inheritance Savefile Fixbug fixFixed savefiles where nomads inherited a subject with an invalid type.
SteamShroud-Forged Origin Star Fixbug fixThe Shroud-Forged origin no longer always starts with a red dwarf star.
SteamCycle of Growth Resource Fixbug fixThe Cycle of Growth no longer grants monthly food and pop growth speed to empires that cannot use them.
SteamPierce the Shroud World Fixbug fixPierce the Shroud now leaves a properly formed Shrouded World when the Shroud consumes a planet.
SteamStorm Buildings Error Fixbug fixStorm Buildings will no longer throw errors when built on AI Arkships.
SteamEvolutionary Predators DLC Trait Fixbug fixEmpires with the Evolutionary Predators origin can no longer gain species traits from disabled DLCs.
SteamAI Resource Management ImprovementaiMilestoneAI empires no longer pour everything into one resource while another resource holds their economic plan back.
SteamProsperous Unification Origin Tooltip Fixedbug fixFixed the tooltip for the Prosperous Unification Origin for non-Nomadic Thermophile and Machine species.
SteamModding Economic Plan Completion UpdatemoddingAt player request, the 'optional' flag on an economic plan subplan blocks plan completion again.
SteamPop Group Statistics Tiebreak FixperformanceFix a tiebreak issue in pop group statistics, potentially causing desyncs.
SteamAquatic Species Trait Fixbug fixAquatic species can now take the Wet Climate Mods trait from the Cybernetic ascension path.
SteamUnder the Ice Archaeological Site Fixbug fixThe Under the Ice archaeological site no longer offers Nomad empires research they cannot use.
SteamNew AI Defines AddedmoddingNew defines AI_INCOME_TARGET_BUFFER_FACTOR, AI_DEATH_SPIRAL_MONTHS_OF_COVER and AI_MARKET_BUY_MONTHS_OF_COVER added.
SteamNomad Research from Archaeological Sites Fixbug fixNomad empires now receive research from several archaeological sites and Ruler Insight events that previously gave them nothing.
SteamResource Deposit Size Chance Fixedbug fixChance to increase Resource Deposit Size on Survey now correctly applies regardless of the source.
SteamBiomorphosis Completion Time Reducedbalance changeBiomorphosis now takes about half as long to complete, aligning it with other ascension paths.
SteamBioship Empire Food Target AdjustmentaiMilestoneBioship empires now have a food target at every stage of their economic plan.
SteamGreat Khan Event Target Duplication Fixedbug fixFixed duplication of Great Khan event targets that could confuse the game when playing heirs of the khan.
SteamAI Surplus Management ImprovementaiMilestoneAI empires now settle on a small surplus above each income target, improving resource management.
SteamAI Colony Designation Re-evaluation ImprovementaiMilestoneAI empires now regularly revisit a colony's designation as it develops.
SteamNomad Contract Button Disabledbug fixNomad Contract button in arkship view is disabled when there are no contracts to view.
Steam - 59 eventsMegastructure Build Speed Modifiers Fixbug fix
Megastructure build speed modifiers no longer apply twice to construction ships.
SteamRemoved Unused ai_update_type ParametermoddingRemoved the unused `ai_update_type` technology parameter.
SteamEvent Popups Suppression Fixbug fixEvent popups are no longer suppressed while the research window is open.
SteamShip Aura Effects Recalculation Fixbug fixShip aura effects are now recalculated when an aura-carrying ship is destroyed and replaced.
SteamEmpire Ethics Header Reworkui uxReworked the empire ethics header and tooltips to match the faction ones.
SteamMap Ping Visibility Fixbug fixFixed map ping staying visible after right-clicking an event notification.
SteamAdded pop_attraction_tag ParametermoddingAdded the `pop_attraction_tag` parameter to pop faction types.
SteamSituation Log Entries Stale Fixbug fixSituation Log entries for contracts, archaeological sites, etc., no longer go stale when replaced.
SteamSlower Pops Faction Fillbalance changePops faction fill is much slower by default, with increased ethic attraction factor for faster change.
SteamForm Federation and Change Federation Type Layout Fixui uxFixed layout issues in the Form Federation and Change Federation Type windows.
SteamRed Giant Origin and Eager Explorers Fixbug fixOrbital stations can now be built on the star while playing with Red Giant origin and Eager Explorers civic.
SteamCoop Event Window Dismiss Fixbug fixIn coop, dismissing an event window now also removes the corresponding notification.
SteamContingency Worlds Failsafe Fixbug fixContingency worlds now detonate their failsafes if they come under control of another empire.
SteamDriven Assimilator Purge Vassals Fixbug fixDriven Assimilator purge vassals no longer get stuck on conquered worlds with robotic pops.
SteamLeaders Missing in Action Election Fixbug fixLeaders missing in action can no longer stand for election.
SteamAI Building Preferences FixaiAI empires no longer construct certain buildings on colonies without matching districts.
SteamImmediate Pops Faction Leavebalance changePops now leave a faction immediately when it becomes invalid or exceeds eligible Pops.
SteamClaimant Event Fixbug fixThe Claimant event in the Heirs of the Khan origin now correctly names the rival candidate's species.
SteamRenamed Holding Max Building ModifiersmoddingThe holding max building modifiers have been renamed for clarity.
SteamForced Empires Display Fixbug fixForced empires are once again displayed correctly in the New Game galaxy setup.
SteamSpecial Projects Icon Display Fixbug fixSpecial projects with triggered requirements now show their icon on the galaxy map again.
SteamShip Designer Interaction Fixbug fixDesigner window no longer blocks player from interacting with edit section buttons on biological ships.
SteamChange Federation Type Window Update Fixbug fixFixed Change Federation Type window not updating the federation level text automatically.
SteamAI Economic Plans ImprovementaiAI economic plans no longer consider themselves complete based on uncounted resource targets.
SteamMax Number of Holding Buildings Minimum Valuebug fixMinimum value for max number of holding buildings is now always 0.
SteamGrand Archive Specimen Names Fixbug fixFixed missing species names in several Grand Archive specimen descriptions.
SteamArc Furnace Smelting Tab Fixbug fixArc Furnace Smelting tab now acts on the furnace on screen instead of the first one opened.
SteamMardak Species Names Fixbug fixMardak Vol and Vol species names no longer always appear in English.
SteamProtostars Yield Fixbug fixProtostars can now yield physics and engineering deposits from Deep Scanning and The Surveyor relic.
SteamHoldings Buildings Tab Freeze Fixbug fixOpening the holdings buildings tab on a biologic species planet no longer causes the game to freeze.
SteamBranch Office Max Buildings Modifiersbug fixDifferent modifiers for max buildings in a branch office are now summed before truncation.
SteamGenomic Services Outreach Tooltip Fixbug fixTooltip of the Genomic Services Outreach now correctly displays the replicators effect.
SteamAI Urban Expansion Districts PreferenceaiAI empires are less likely to leave Urban Expansion districts on Urban World colonies.
SteamFactions Without Supporters Visibility Fixbug fixFactions without supporters are no longer hidden from the outliner and factions tab.
SteamSynthetically Ascended Founder Species Fixbug fixSynthetically ascended founder species can now be released as sector vassals.
SteamC.A.R.E's World Bombardment Fixbug fixC.A.R.E's world can now be bombarded from orbit once its defensive protocols turn hostile.
SteamGrotesque Rock Formation Project Fixbug fixThe 'Grotesque Rock Formation' special project is now anchored to the planet where the anomaly was found.
SteamAccelerated Pops Ethics Changebalance changePops ethics change is accelerated, increasing frequency and slightly diminishing the size of changes.
SteamCached Ethics Pop ChangesperformanceEthics Pop changes are now cached per empire and per colony.
SteamNew Icons for Faction and Ethics Modifiersui uxNew icons for faction approval, support, supporters, attraction, and ethics modifiers.
SteamContingency Colonized Planets Fixbug fixPlanets colonized by the Contingency or Prethoryn Scourge now show a complete set of districts.
SteamPOP_ETHOS_MIN_ATTRACTION Ignoredbug fix`POP_ETHOS_MIN_ATTRACTION` is ignored when no ethic reaches it, allowing ethics shift.
SteamMissing Localization for Bypass Typesbug fixAdded missing localization for several bypass types.
SteamFactions Average Attraction Displayui uxFactions now display their average attraction and breakdown in their size tooltip.
SteamInterface Lists Outdated Entries Fixbug fixSeveral interface lists no longer show outdated entries after replacements.
SteamNomad Empires Excavation Option Fixbug fixNomad empires are no longer missing the excavation option in the Infernals event chain.
SteamCached Faction Attraction and Pop ChangesperformanceFaction attraction, eligible Pops, and monthly Pop changes are now cached instead of recomputed for every tooltip.
SteamFaction Approval Icon Updatebug fixFaction approval icon now matches its modifier icon, and support no longer reuses the attraction icon.
SteamStarlit Citadel Origin Fixbug fixFixed Starlit Citadel origin failing to spawn its initial Deep Space Citadel.
SteamFaction and Ethic Monthly Supporter Change Displayui uxFaction and ethic entries now show their monthly supporter change with per colony breakdown.
SteamMissing Behemoth Ship Size Iconbug fixAdded the missing Behemoth ship size icon, including its damaged variant.
SteamBranch Office Max Building Modifiers Fixbug fixFixed some branch office max building modifiers being applied to both colonies and branch offices.
Steam - 16 eventsFixed auto-generated ships section issuebug fix
Fixed auto-generated ships occasionally receiving two sections in a single section slot.
SteamFixed Precursor dig sites not appearingbug fixPrecursor dig sites (Vultaum, Yuht, First League, Irassian, Cybrex) not appearing when surveying, and the Fear of the Dark origin's hostile empire failing to spawn.
SteamFixed numerous Total War issuesbug fixFixed numerous issues with Total Wars affecting Nomadic Empires and their ownership of arkships and planets.
SteamAnomaly views now show assigned scientistbug fixThe Anomaly, Archaeological Site, and Astral Rift views now show the assigned scientist while a science ship carries out that task on automation.
SteamCybernetic species trait efficiency increasebalance changeThe Cybernetic species trait now provides an additional +5% Job Efficiency.
SteamConsecrate World changesbalance changeConsecrate World can now be declared on a curated set of worlds tied to your empire's origin and traits.
SteamStrike craft and missile modifiers updatedbalance changeStrike craft and missile defensive modifiers now also affect strike craft and missiles launched from starbases and defense platforms.
SteamExisting saves with starbase queues repairedbug fixExisting saves with starbase build queues stuck after a controller flip are now repaired on load.
SteamAutomated science ships spread outbug fixAutomated science ships now spread out again, instead of all clustering in the same highest weight system.
SteamFixed Commercial Pact trade value issuesbug fixFixed Commercial Pact trade value growing out of control in federations, swinging between near-zero and enormous values each month.
SteamFixed silent failures for Nomad empiresbug fixNumerous events, decisions, and buildings silently failing or producing error log spam for Nomad empires.
SteamExpanded planet flag functionsmoddingset_planet_flag, remove_planet_flag, set_timed_planet_flag and has_planet_flag now also work in colony, carrier, and ship scope.
SteamFixed starbase building queues lockingbug fixFixed a bug where starbase building queues remained locked after a controller flip at the end of a war.
SteamAI ship designs fixedbug fixAI and auto-complete ship designs no longer leave weapon or strike craft slots empty after upgrades or power rebalancing.
SteamIncreased base knights upkeepbalance changeIncreased base knights upkeep by .15 alloys and .15 consumer goods.
Steam - 25 eventsNomadic War Goals Naming Fixbug fix
Wars declared with Nomadic Raid, Plunder, or Wipe Them Out goals now include the war type in their name.
SteamFixed Science Ships in Astral Riftsbug fixFixed science ships being lost permanently when set to automatically explore Astral Rifts.
SteamFixed Regression Affecting Anomalies and Eventsbug fixMilestoneFixed a regression that caused many anomalies, events, and origin features to stop working, including Precursor dig sites.
SteamGather Information Operation Fixbug fixFixed the 'Gather Information' operation sometimes failing to deliver its report when the target empire no longer existed.
SteamNomad Waystation Raid Issue Fixedbug fixFixed an issue where a Nomad waystation disabled by hostile space fauna could remain disabled after the fauna left.
SteamProsperous Unification Origin Fixbug fixThe Prosperous Unification origin now displays correct effects and flavor text for Nomadic empires.
SteamStellar Cannon Tech Tier Adjustmentbalance changeThe Stellar Cannon is now a Tier 3 tech, requiring Wormhole Stabilization and UV Lasers.
SteamGenetic Mutation Event Script Error Fixbug fixFixed a script error in the genetic mutation event for Spiritualist empires.
SteamScan Debris Contracts Cancellationbug fixScan Debris Contracts now automatically cancel when the target debris decays.
SteamAnomalous Cube Archaeology Site Fixbug fixThe Anomalous Cube archaeology site now refers to the correct empire.
SteamGateway Megastructures for Nomadsbug fixNomads can now reactivate and own gateway megastructures.
SteamWaystation Construction by Nomad AIbug fixNomad AI empires now build contract-required Waystations even when over Starbase Capacity.
SteamElder Voidspawn Removal Notification Fixbug fixThe game will no longer instruct players to kill their own Behemoth to remove the Elder Voidspawn.
SteamSynaptic Lathes Purging Fixbug fixSynaptic Lathes no longer stop purging pops and existing saves will repair over the course of a year.
SteamAutomated Ships Task Managementbug fixAutomated ships no longer switch off automation when avoiding hostile fleets.
SteamArtifact and Anomaly Research Fixbug fixFixed several minor artifact and anomaly research projects granting no reward when completed as a Nomad empire.
SteamWar Participation Restrictionsbug fixEmpires are no longer allowed to join ongoing wars against their subjects/overlords.
SteamDrums of War Event Insult Fixbug fixFixed the Drums of War event displaying an incorrect species insult.
SteamArkship Tooltip Clarificationbug fixArkship weapon and reactor specializations now indicate in their tooltip that they add Strategic Resource upkeep.
SteamLocalization Fix for Arkship Controlsbug fixThe 'Assault Armies' and 'Shipyard' buttons on the Arkship Ship Controls tab are now properly localized.
SteamAI Stellar Cannon Targeting ImprovementaiAI empires will no longer fire the Stellar Cannon into the territory of peaceful empires and prioritize static targets when at war.
SteamResource Regions ScriptingmoddingResource Regions can now be created and weighted using scripting.
Steam - 13 eventsAdded Tooltips for Nomadic Empiresquality of life
Tooltips added to clarify requirements for Nomadic Empires regarding waystations and L-Gates.
SteamArkship Voidlure Array Module Addednew contentNew module allows players to lure space fauna by right-clicking on a system.
SteamAutomated Ships No Longer Abandon Tasksbug fixAutomated ships will not switch off automation when avoiding hostile fleets.
SteamFixed Tombworld Earth Spawning Frequencybug fixAdjusted the spawning frequency of Tombworld Earth to prevent it from replacing the UNE.
SteamFixed Arkships Syncing to Same Designbug fixArkships will no longer unintentionally sync to the same auto-generated design.
SteamEmpire Creation Setup Font Size Decreasedquality of lifeFont size in the Empire Creation setup decreased to prevent overlap with numbers.
SteamOperational Reserves Changesbalance changeMilestoneOperational Reserves now track Energy and Minerals 1:1 and scale with Arkship tiers.
SteamFixed Harvest Resources Contracts Cancellationbug fixContracts will now be cancelled if a different empire harvests the resources first.
SteamWaystation Voidlure Modules Introducednew contentAdded new modules for Waystations to lure space fauna.
SteamFixed Assault Armies Splitting into Transport Fleetsbug fixAssault Armies will no longer split into separate Transport Fleets after leaving the planet surface.
SteamRebalanced Ranger Paladin Traitbalance changeSteamResource Abundance Slider Addednew contentMilestoneIntroduced a slider in galaxy settings to control resource abundance from Scarce to x5.
SteamFixed Science Ships Getting Lost in Astral Riftsbug fixResolved an issue where automated science ships would vanish when exploring Astral Rifts.
Steam - 31 eventsStarbase Weapon Preference Policiesnew content
Added policies for better control over starbase loadouts.
SteamFixed Nomads Building Megastructuresbug fixNomads can now build Megastructures in systems containing their Waystations.
SteamAssault Armies No Longer Splitbug fixAssault Armies will not split into separate Transport Fleets after leaving the planet surface.
SteamAI Ship Design Fixesbug fixAI and auto-complete ship designs no longer leave weapon or strike craft slots empty after upgrades.
SteamCyberization Policy Updatebalance changeMilestoneUpdated Cyberization policies to account for changes to pop groups and ethics, including removal of Limited Cybernetic species trait.
SteamResource Abundance Slider Addednew contentA slider in galaxy settings ranges from 'Scarce' to x5 for resource abundance.
SteamFixed Harvest Resources Contracts Cancellationbug fixContracts will now be cancelled if a different empire harvests the resources first.
SteamDeep Scan Anomaly Frequency Fixbug fixFixed Deep Scan uncovering anomalies and archaeology sites less often than intended.
SteamFixed Auto-Generated Ship Sectionsbug fixFixed auto-generated ships occasionally receiving two sections in a single section slot.
SteamDetails Map Mode Toggle Improvementquality of lifeDetails map mode now toggles between 3 states: Normal, Detailed, Hidden.
SteamArkship Voidlure Array Module Addednew contentAllows players to lure space fauna by right-clicking on a system.
SteamPop Groups RedesigngameplayMilestonePop groups are no longer divided by Ethics or Factions, with each group having a percentage for each faction or ethic.
SteamArkships Cooldown After Max Aura Effectbug fixArkships now have a 10 year cooldown after benefiting from a Max Aura effect.
SteamSpecies Rights Recalculation on Save Loadquality of lifeThe game will now recalculate species rights when loading a save game.
SteamOperational Reserves Changesbalance changeMilestoneOperational Reserves now track Energy and Minerals 1:1 and scale with Arkship tiers.
SteamFleet Doctrine Policy Addednew contentAdded a Fleet Doctrine policy with six doctrines affecting automated ship designs.
SteamStrike Craft and Missile Defense Modifiersbalance changeStrike craft and missile defensive modifiers now affect those launched from starbases.
SteamTrade League Federation Benefitsbalance changeMilestoneTrade League federations now provide free, automatic Commercial and Wayline Pacts.
SteamPop Group UI Updateui uxEthics and factions are now shown on the pop group entries in the planetary management UI with detailed tooltips.
SteamFixed Tombworld Earth Spawning Frequencybug fixTombworld Earth was spawning too often; this has been corrected.
SteamFederation Laws for Automatic PactsgameplayMilestoneFederations can now enact laws for automatic Commercial Pacts and Research Agreements.
SteamExplore Automation Order for ArkshipsgameplayArkships can now use the Explore automation order to navigate to Points of Interest.
SteamWanderlust Bonus Adjustmentbalance changeWanderlust now provides some bonuses immediately and the rest after completing 4 categories.
SteamFaster Pop Group Faction ConversiongameplayPop group faction conversion happens more frequently.
Steam - 11 eventsFleet Automation Menus Enhancedgameplay
Fleet automation menus now offer per-action options for various automation tasks.
SteamArkship Cooldown After Max Aura Effectbug fixArkships now have a 10 year cooldown after benefiting from a Max Aura effect.
SteamResource Abundance Slider Addednew contentAdded a Resource Abundance slider in galaxy settings ranging from 'Scarce' to x5.
SteamOperational Reserves Changesbalance changeMilestoneOperational Reserves now track Energy and Minerals 1:1 and scale with Arkship tiers.
SteamDetails Map Mode Toggle Improvementquality of lifeDetails map mode now toggles between 3 states: Normal -> Detailed -> Hidden.
SteamWaystation Voidlure Modules Introducednew contentAdded Waystation Voidlure modules and Arkship Voidlure Array module.
SteamWanderlust Bonus Adjustmentbalance changeWanderlust now gives some bonuses immediately and the second half after completing 4 categories.
SteamFixed Assault Armies Splitting Issuebug fixAssault Armies will no longer split into separate Transport Fleets after leaving the planet surface.
SteamFixed Harvest Resources Contracts Cancellationbug fixHarvest Resources Contracts will now be cancelled if a different empire harvests the resources first.
Steam - 17 eventsVoid Reavers Civic Requirement Adjustedbug fix
The Void Reavers civic no longer requires both First Contact and Nomads.
SteamFixed Various Crashesbug fixMilestoneFixed multiple crashes related to AI contract evaluation, combat, and UI interactions.
SteamImproved Arkship and Logistic Notificationsquality of lifeIdle Arkships and Logistic ships will notify the player about having completed the waystation/wayline stockpile collection.
SteamDefenders of the Galaxy Achievement Fixbug fixThe Defenders of the Galaxy achievement should now be completable.
SteamArkship Habitability Rebalancedbalance changeRebalanced Arkship habitability from species traits.
SteamReduced Forever Cruise Situation Speedbalance changeReduced the rate of the Forever Cruise situation speed on all difficulties.
SteamFixed Various Tooltips and Localization Issuesbug fixFixed various tooltips and localization issues related to nomadic empires and Arkships.
SteamAutomated Science Ships Behavior Improvedquality of lifeAutomated science ships that temporarily run out of reachable tasks now stay automated and resume when new work appears.
SteamFixed Overlapping Items in Game Setupbug fixFixed overlapping and missing items in single player game setup.
SteamNomads DLC Releasednew contentMilestoneThe Stellaris 4.4.1 ‘Pegasus’ update and Nomads DLC released.
SteamFixed Opinion Modifiers for Defender of the Galaxybug fixFixed opinion modifiers from Defender of the Galaxy applying when they shouldn't.
SteamReduced Difficulty Impact on Forever Cruisebalance changeSignificantly reduced the amount that the situation increases based on game difficulty.
SteamCorrected Trust and Opinion Thresholdsbug fixCorrected the Trust and Opinion thresholds required to propose a Waystation Pact.
SteamAI Contract Abandonment ConsiderationgameplayAI will now consider abandoning a contract after 20 years have passed since they have accepted it.
SteamDoubled Grace Period for Passenger Contractsbalance changeDoubled the grace period after completing a crew or passenger contract to 24 months.
Steam - 3 eventsVoid Reavers Civic Requirement Adjustedbalance change
The Void Reavers civic no longer requires both First Contact and Nomads.
SteamWaystation Pact Thresholds Correctedbalance changeCorrected the Trust and Opinion thresholds required to propose a Waystation Pact.
SteamDefender of the Galaxy Opinion Modifiers Fixedbug fixFixed opinion modifiers from Defender of the Galaxy applying when they shouldn't.
Steam - 15 eventsReduced Forever Cruise Situation Speedbalance change
Reduced the rate of the Forever Cruise situation speed on all difficulties.
SteamFixed Crash in Spawn Random AnomalyperformanceFix crash in spawn_random_anomaly when orbital fleet has no ships.
SteamFixed Crash When Escaping CombatperformanceFix crash when escaping combat as an enemy is destroyed.
SteamFixed Potential Crash When Opponents Deleted Mid-CombatperformanceFixed a potential crash when opponents were deleted in mid-combat.
SteamDefenders of the Galaxy Achievement Fixbug fixThe Defenders of the Galaxy achievement should now be completable.
SteamFixed Crash on 800p and Lower ResolutionsperformanceFix crashing on 800p and lower resolutions when clicking on Waystations.
SteamFixed Crash from Animated Main Menu Background ChangeperformanceFixed a crash that could occur when changing the animated main menu background from the in-game settings screen.
SteamFixed Overlapping and Missing Items in Single Player Setupbug fixFixed overlapping and missing items in single player game setup.
SteamDoubled Grace Period for Contractsbalance changeDoubled the grace period after completing a crew or passenger contract to pause progress in the passenger satisfaction situation for 24 months.
SteamPrevent Waystation UI CrashesperformancePreventing a waystation UI from crashing in some cases.
SteamFixed Crash in Empire Setup Screen Ethics TooltipsperformanceFixed a crash that could occur when hovering ethics tooltips in the empire setup screen.
SteamFixed AI Contract Evaluation CrashperformanceFixed a crash that could occur while the AI was evaluating which contract to take on.
SteamFixed Crash from Hovering Empire Ethics TooltipsperformanceFixed a crash that could occur when hovering an empire's ethics tooltips, including after that empire was destroyed.
SteamReduced Situation Increase Based on Difficultybalance changeSignificantly reduced the amount that the situation increases based on game difficulty.
SteamFixed Combat Crash from Ship Design StatesperformanceFix combat crash when calculating ship design states from required component arrays having null-object placeholders.
Steam - 19 eventsReduced Situation Increase Based on Difficultybalance change
Reduced the amount that the situation increases based on game difficulty.
SteamNew Megastructure: The Stellar Cannonnew contentMilestoneA megastructure that allows you to weaponize your energy stockpile into a devastating beam.
SteamNew Civicsnew contentIncludes Caravan Masters, Deep Sleep, Void Reavers, Flight Schools, and Star Seekers.
SteamNomadic Enclave: Champion’s Forge Live!new contentParticipate in gladiatorial fleet combat across the galaxy for glory and trophies.
SteamReduced Forever Cruise Situation Speedbalance changeReduced the rate of the Forever Cruise situation speed on all difficulties.
SteamThe Arkship Capitalnew contentMilestoneThe Arkship replaces traditional Worlds for your empire and can be upgraded with Military, Scientific, or Civilian classes.
SteamRelease of Stellaris: Nomadsdlc releaseMilestoneStellaris: Nomads - the first installment of Stellaris: Season 10 - is available now.
SteamFixed Crash Changing Animated Main Menu Backgroundbug fixFixed a crash that could occur when changing the animated main menu background from the in-game settings screen.
SteamThe Wayline Networknew contentMilestoneConstruct Waystations to create lasting interstellar trade routes that benefit both nomadic and settled empires.
SteamThe Contract Systemnew contentPerform task-driven interactions with other empires to earn favor, resources, and influence.
SteamVoid Reavers No Longer Require First Contactbug fixVoid Reavers no longer additionally requires First Contact.
SteamIntroduction of Nomadic Empiresnew contentMilestoneCreate empires that are not bound by claiming systems or colonizing worlds, navigating the stars with massive Arkships.
SteamNew Ambition: Defender of the Galaxynew contentA new ambition for players to rise as a defender against the Galactic Nemesis.
SteamMod Playlists DeactivatedmoddingMod playlists have been deactivated to reduce issues with un-updated mods.
SteamNew Origins for Nomadic Empiresnew contentMilestoneIncludes Voidfarers, Heirs of the Khan, The Sacred Path, and Forever Cruise.
SteamFixed Crash on 800p and Lower Resolutionsbug fixFix crashing on 800p and lower resolutions when clicking on Waystations.
Steam - 6 eventsConsecrated Community District Specializationnew contentMilestone
Unique district specialization for The Sacred Path origin, introducing new roles and jobs.
SteamWaystations and Waylines Introductionnew contentMilestoneWaystations allow Nomadic empires to exert influence without claiming systems, forming Waylines when built in neighboring systems.
SteamScientific Arkship Developmentnew contentMilestoneNew modifiers and technologies for Scientific Arkships that enhance economic and military development.
SteamIntroduction of Arkships for Nomadic Empiresnew contentMilestoneArkships act as Colonies, Shipyards, and hybrid Military/Science ships for Nomadic empires.
SteamThe Sacred Path Origin for Spiritualist Empiresnew contentMilestoneA new origin that focuses on the journey of finding sacred sites, influencing gameplay and empire identity.
SteamLogistic Ships as Nomadic Replacement for Construction Shipsnew contentMilestoneLogistic Ships are used to construct Waystations and collect resources, replacing traditional Construction Ships.
Steam - 14 eventsAddition of Behemothkin Portraitnew content
A Behemothkin portrait has been added to Reptilians for players logged into their Paradox Account.
SteamSimplification of Very Old Age Handling in CodemoddingThe handling of 'very old age' has been simplified in code, affecting mod compatibility.
SteamGalaxy Edition upgrade elements included in base gamechangesMilestoneMost elements of the Galaxy Edition upgrade will be rolled into the base game.
SteamCorrection of Greeting Audio for Vipra the Vaporbug fixCorrected Vipra the Vapor’s greeting audio.
SteamFix for CS_SPECIES_COUNT and CS_SPECIES_INDEX OOSbug fixFix to a CS_SPECIES_COUNT, CS_SPECIES_INDEX OOS when playing with nascent species.
SteamOverride Default 90 FPS Render Cycle CapperformancePlayers can now override the default 90 FPS render cycle cap by modifying settings.txt.
SteamBase game price increasebalance changeThe price of the base Stellaris game will increase by $10 when the DLCs are added to the base game.
SteamUtopia, Synthetic Dawn, and Humanoids DLCs added to base gamedlc releaseMilestoneAll players will receive the Utopia and Synthetic Dawn DLCs, and the Humanoids Species Pack for free.
SteamBackward Compatibility for DLC Ownership CheckmoddingDLC ownership check made backward compatible for mods not updated for Utopian Abundance changes.
SteamLoading of Portrait Substitutions in AccessibilitymoddingThe Portrait Substitutions spinner will now load all files in the specified directory at game start.
SteamIntroduction of Portrait Substitution Systemnew contentA Portrait Substitution option has been added in Accessibility settings, allowing for customization based on Arachnophobia/Arachnophilia modes.
SteamInclusion of Utopia, Synthetic Dawn, and Humanoids Species Pack into Base Gamenew contentMilestoneThe Utopia, Synthetic Dawn Story Pack, and Humanoids Species Pack have been rolled into the base game.
Steam - 4 eventsSynthetic Dawn DLC Featuresnew contentMilestone
Introduces Machine Intelligence empires, Machine Rebellions, Machine Fallen Empire, and 7 Machine Portraits.
SteamUtopia DLC Featuresnew contentMilestoneIncludes Megastructures, Habitats, Ascension Perks, Indoctrination, Advanced Slavery, Hive Mind empires, and Fanatic Purifiers.
SteamFree DLCs: Utopia, Synthetic Dawn, and Humanoids Species Packdlc releaseMilestoneUtopia, Synthetic Dawn, and Humanoids Species Pack will be rolled into the base-game for free.
SteamHumanoids Species Pack Featuresnew contentMilestoneAdds 10 humanoid portraits, Master Artificers, Pleasure Seekers, Pompous Purists civics, Clone Army origin, and Humanoid Shipset.
Steam - 20 eventsGalactic Archivism Technology Popup Removedbalance change
You no longer receive a popup for the Galactic Archivism technology upon first specimen acquisition; its weight is now based on the number of specimens acquired and active Curator deals.
SteamFixed CTD in Diplomatic Relation CalculationperformanceFixed a crash-to-desktop issue in diplomatic relation distance to border calculation.
SteamBioGenesis Achievements Fix for MS Storebug fixFixed the BioGenesis achievements not being obtainable on the MS Store.
SteamSpinner UI Element Null Object AddedmoddingSpinner UI element now has a null object to avoid crashing if not found.
SteamReduced Empire Size Penalty for Sovereign Guardianshipbalance changeThe Empire Size penalty from colonies for Sovereign Guardianship civics has been reduced by 25%.
SteamFixed Particle System Stride IssueperformanceFixed wrong stride used in the particle system that could lead to data overwrite and crashes.
SteamFood Budget Allocation for Bioships Fixedbug fixMachine, Lithoid, and Infernal empires using Bioships now allocate their food budgets for colonization correctly.
SteamAberrant Dimensional Portal Glow Fixedbug fixThe Aberrant Dimensional Portal now glows with an orange light.
SteamRitualistic Implants Bonus to Artisan Job Efficiencybalance changeRitualistic Implants now also provide a bonus to Artisan Job Efficiency.
SteamListBox UI Element Null Object AddedmoddingListBox UI element now has a null object to avoid crashing if not found.
SteamVehement Dimensional Portal Glow Fixedbug fixThe Vehement Dimensional Portal now glows with a green light.
SteamInfernal Species Renamed to Thermophilebug fixThe Infernal species has been renamed to Thermophile in-game.
SteamResearch Building Variant Images Realignedbug fixImages of research building variants have been realigned.
SteamOverlappingElementsBox UI Element Null Object AddedmoddingOverlappingElementsBox UI element now has a null object to avoid crashing if not found.
SteamAI Space Fauna Design Bug Fixedbug fixFixed a bug where AI generates space fauna designs without weapon components.
SteamHalved Empire Size Penalty for Wilderness Coloniesbalance changeThe Empire Size penalty from colonies for Wilderness has been halved.
SteamSmoothListBox UI Element Null Object FixmoddingFixed issue with SmoothListBox UI element not using null object properly, which may cause crashes.
SteamFleets Willing to Fight Further from System CentergameplayFleets are now willing to fight further from the center of the system, especially noticeable when fighting stationary targets at the edge.
SteamGrand Fleet Achievement Fleet Size Requirement Changedbalance changeThe Grand Fleet achievement now requires a fleet size of 500 instead of 120.
SteamOriginal Soundtrack Music Tracks Reorderedbug fixReordered the music tracks in the original soundtrack and corrected the Steam playlist.
Steam - 14 eventsFleets Fight Further from System Centergameplay
Fleets are now willing to fight further from the center of the system, especially against stationary targets at the edge.
SteamAI Space Fauna Design Bug Fixbug fixFixed bug when AI generates space fauna designs that don't have weapon components.
SteamOverlappingElementsBox UI Element Null Object FixmoddingOverlappingElementsBox UI element now has a null object to avoid crashing if not found.
SteamAberrant Dimensional Portal Glow Fixbug fixThe Aberrant Dimensional Portal now glows with an orange light.
SteamSpinner UI Element Null Object FixmoddingSpinner UI element now has a null object to avoid crashing if not found.
SteamSmoothListBox UI Element Null Object FixmoddingFixed issue with SmoothListBox UI element not using null object properly, which may cause crashes.
SteamListBox UI Element Null Object FixmoddingListBox UI element now has a null object to avoid crashing if not found.
SteamMusic Tracks Reordered and Steam Playlist Correctedbug fixSteamFixed Particle System Data Overwrite IssueperformanceFixed wrong stride used in particle system leading to overwrite of data that sometimes crashes the game.
SteamHalved Empire Size Penalty for Wilderness Coloniesbalance changeSteamReduced Empire Size Penalty for Sovereign Guardianshipbalance changeEmpire Size penalty from colonies for Sovereign Guardianship civics reduced by 25%.
SteamVehement Dimensional Portal Glow Fixbug fixThe Vehement Dimensional Portal now glows with a green light.
SteamFixed CTD in Diplomatic Relation CalculationperformanceFixed CTD in diplomatic relation distance to border calculation not accounting for invalid relations safely.
SteamRenamed Infernal Species to Thermophilebug fixSteam - 4 eventsUpdated Save Compatibility Iconquality of life
Updated save compatibility to show the incompatible save icon for all pre-4.3 save games.
SteamRestored Avian Portrait from Paradox Accountbug fixAvian portrait granted by Paradox Account log in has returned.
SteamImproved Resume Button Functionalityquality of lifeThe Resume button on the launcher will no longer load incompatible saves, potentially ruining them. It will instead send you to the Main Menu.
SteamFixed Modifier Name Generation CorruptionperformanceMilestoneFixed corruption in modifier name generation that sometimes caused CTD when generating OOS logs.
Steam - 5 eventsEconomic Changesbalance changeMilestone
Major reductions across the board to unity generation, planetary ascensions, per pop jobs, and more.
SteamNaval Capacity Changesbalance changeMilestoneSignificant changes to Navies to reduce overall ship counts, making individual ships feel more valuable.
SteamOpen Beta Feedback Implementationbug fixChanges made based on community feedback and bug reports during the Open Beta.
SteamPerformance ImprovementsperformanceMilestoneGame significantly faster and more stable from start to end-game.
SteamAscensions and Origins Rebalancebalance changeMilestoneReworked many Ascension Paths and Origins for better balance; Cybernetics strengthened, Psionic and Biological bonuses toned down.
Steam - 14 eventsFallen Empire Buildings Changesbalance change
Adjusted costs, upkeep, and build times of Fallen Empire buildings.
SteamNaval Capacity Adjustmentsbalance changeMilestoneIncreased base Naval Capacity and rebalanced naval capacity techs.
SteamRefugee Attraction Mechanics AddedgameplayRefactored how Refugees are calculated and added mechanics that affect their likelihood to flee to certain empires.
SteamCrisis Changesbalance changeMilestoneReduced the power of various fleets and adjusted difficulty scaling for crises.
SteamEconomic Rebalancingbalance changeMilestoneSignificant changes made to the economy to rebalance it at a generally lower power level, with fewer bonuses or modifiers that stack non-linearly.
SteamShip Defense Improvementsbalance changeMilestoneShip defenses improved, especially for larger hulls, leading to longer combats.
SteamUnemployment Mechanics Reviewquality of lifeAll unemployed pops now demote to Civilian at the end of the month, and the 'Rising Unemployment' event chain has been removed.
SteamLiving Standards Adjustmentsbalance changeLiving standards now include information for Slaves and happiness penalties apply to Civilians.
SteamJob Automation Changesquality of lifeJob automation is now moved from district to planet, applying to all technician jobs on a planet.
SteamCybernetics Changesbalance changeCybernetic traits no longer have energy upkeep, and new positive cyborg species traits added.
SteamReduced Job Efficiency Modifiersbalance changeMost job efficiency modifiers have been reduced to make stability more important.
SteamIncreased Costs for Higher Tier Shipsbalance changeMilestoneHigher tier ship and component costs and upkeep have generally been increased.
SteamShip and Fleet Rebalancingbalance changeMilestoneMajor changes to ship naval capacity usage and improvements to ship defenses.
SteamGrammar Improvements for Translationsbug fixImproved grammar for French, German, and Spanish translations of empire names for certain randomized empires.
Steam - 16 eventsMixed Ethics within a Pop GroupgameplayMilestone
Pop Groups can now have multiple ethics and factions simultaneously, simplifying ethic randomization logic.
SteamOptimized string allocationsperformanceImprovements made to string allocations for better performance.
SteamReduced memory allocationsperformanceOptimizations to reduce memory allocations throughout the game.
SteamMutagenic Spa balance adjustmentsbalance changeVarious balance changes to Mutagenic Spas, including changes to amenities and job production.
SteamAdjusted scaling of event spawned pirate fleetsbalance changeScaling adjustments for pirate fleets to be more reasonable for 4.3.
SteamComputation Core Focus policy adjustmentbalance changeJob efficiency now scales with roboticists or identity designers instead of civilians.
SteamExperimental Sentencing changesbalance changeRebalanced Experimentation Chambers and related job production.
SteamRenamed Mercantile and Unyielding traditionsbalance changeTraditions renamed to Commerce and Fortification to match naming structure.
SteamMicro optimized localization systemperformanceFurther optimizations to reduce allocations and recursions in the localization system.
SteamStarbase building adjustmentsbalance changeChanges to Offworld Trading Company and Hyperlane Registrar trade outputs.
SteamFixed Subterranean origin housing issuebug fixSubterranean origin now correctly provides extra housing on mining districts.
SteamFixed founder species happiness checkbug fixCorrected wrong amenities buffs on planetary populations.
SteamFixed nobles from cyber imperials stability issuebug fixNobles now correctly contribute to stability.
SteamFixed incorrect housing modifiers for technologiesbug fixCorrected housing modifiers for various technologies.
SteamBiomorphosis changesbalance changeAdjustments to various traits and their effects on empire size and leader levels.
SteamPlanet Automation functionality restoredbug fixPlanet Automation should work again after design pass improvements.
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