Stellaris 4.0 Patch Brings Major Overhaul to Paradox’s Space Strategy Game

The Stellaris 4.0 patch is out. The Phoenix update changes how pops trade megacorps and districts work in the space strategy game.

Stellaris is a bit different from the usual games made by developer Paradox. Instead of focusing on real history. it's a space game where alien species fight across the galaxy. It's more like a 4X game than their usual grand strategy style. Even so it's been very popular and is still one of the top games on Steam as it turns nine years old this month. To celebrate the studio is releasing Stellaris 4.0. a big update that makes the game easier to play and more fun.

We have seen a few hints about what Stellaris 4.0 will change but now the game director Stephen Eladrin Muray has clearly explained the big new features. Even if you don’t plan to get the new Biogenesis expansion it’s still a good time to come back to the game. The update will make big changes to many key systems. One major change is how populations (called pops) work which should also help the game run better in the later stages.

Also Read: Prelude Dark Pain New Strategy RPG Hits Kickstarter Goal in 12 Hours

Pop groups now create a workforce that can do different jobs on many planets. Population growth is more realistic and workforce can include different species at the same time. You can now pick two focus areas for each district with a new specializations feature. Jobs are also easier to change giving you more freedom in how you mix civics.

Trade routes are gone. Instead there is now a trade resource that shows how much your empire is doing in logistics. This also lets gestalt empires use trade for the first time. Also choosing an empire focus now gives you tasks. Completing these tasks helps you unlock important tech upgrades more easily which is good for new players and those who don’t like random tech choices.

Megacorps have been updated. Most corporate civics now give bonuses to specific branch office buildings. While you can only build one per planet these offices now provide better jobs for their location. Criminal syndicates also get improvements including new commercial pacts that let their buildings exist legally.

If you are tired of any of the precursor civilizations you can turn them off one by one. The game suggests keeping at least four. but you can remove as many as you want. There's an Empire timeline feature that tracks major events in your game letting you see your biggest achievements and when they happened. There's also a large databank with explanations of many of the games systems and concepts. Plus there are new mammalian portraits to give your people a fresh look.

Stellaris 4.0 will be released on Monday May 5 as a free update for all players along with the new Biogenesis DLC. You can check the preliminary patch notes on the Paradox forums to see all the changes. There will be plenty to explore.