update · March 28, 2025
Stellaris 3.99.5 Phoenix Open Beta Update Adds Mandarin Voice and Betharian Zone
The Stellaris 3.99.5 Phoenix Open Beta update introduces the Betharian Zone, a Mandarin voice advisor, and stargazer color variants alongside extensive economy and UI adjustments. Colony stability fixes, automated migration rate increases, and revamped district tooltips highlight the test build.
Paradox Interactive has launched the Stellaris 3.99.5 Phoenix Open Beta update. This test build brings new localization options, economic adjustments, and significant interface overhauls to colony management and district construction.
New Features and Additions
The update introduces the Betharian Zone and adds a Venerable Scientist Mandarin Language Voice Advisor. Stargazer portraits receive new color variants, and rural zones are now permitted on ringworlds. City Districts now automatically change their names and descriptions based on their active zone specializations.
Economy and Colony Adjustments
All colonies are repaired, and issues with Catalytic Processing civics are resolved. Planetary deficits now cost trade instead of producing it, and are displayed on the planetary view. Auto-migration base rates increase, with pops now migrating automatically to planets with 20% habitability or higher instead of the previous 40% threshold. Bonus production on tier 1 buildings is removed, along with the tier 1 building planet limit.
Interface and Quality of Life Improvements
Pop counts, housing, and amenities on the planet view now use short notation such as 13.4k. District upgrade buttons are replaced with cleaner icons, and new progress bars track zones currently under construction or replacement. The colonization UI now features adjusted district numbers displaying maximum possible amounts, along with added designation descriptions and the ability to deselect a chosen colony designation. Timeline UI elements, background masking, and empire progression reward displays have also been updated.
Why this patch matters
The Phoenix Open Beta refines core automation and economic feedback loops while adding quality-of-life adjustments to colony management interfaces.