update · December 14, 2023
Stellaris Update 3.10.4 Pyxis Arrives Alongside Technology Open Beta Details
Stellaris update 3.10.4 "Pyxis" addresses leader traits, AI exploration behavior, and modifier bugs. Additionally, Paradox outlines an upcoming Technology Open Beta running from December through January.
Paradox Interactive has released Stellaris update 3.10.4 "Pyxis," focusing on leader balance, bug fixes, and AI improvements. Alongside this stable release, the studio announced a forthcoming Technology Open Beta to test sweeping research rebalances.
Leader and Trait Balance
The yearly chance for leaders to gain negative traits is significantly reduced. Several negative traits for Commanders have been adjusted based on player feedback: Micromanager now increases fleet upkeep instead of reducing command limit, Lethargic also reduces fleet upkeep, and Nervous increases disengagement chance. The Antagonistic diplomatic stance now satisfies factions demanding a strong diplomatic stance.
Bug Fixes and AI Improvements
Failsafes are added to generate council positions and gestalt nodes in edge cases where they disappeared. Ice miners no longer displace mercenary bases built over ice asteroids. AI empires are now more willing to hire leaders for science ships when they can afford the Unity upkeep. The All Crisis Strength tooltip is updated to accurately state that it doubles subsequent crisis strength.
Technology Open Beta Overview
An experimental Technology Open Beta runs from December 15th to January 15th. Basic research technologies are replaced by Breakthrough Technologies, which require researching enough lower-tier tech and become easier to acquire based on low Tech intel on competing empires. Enigmatic Engineering blocks the spread of Breakthrough Technologies.
Economy and Research Rebalance
The Technology curve is modified to make the gap between early and late-game tech more distinct. Researcher and gestalt equivalent job outputs are reduced from four to three research points, and Ministry of Science effectiveness is halved. Many sources of ship cost and upkeep reductions are removed or decreased across traditions, civics, and traits.
Why this patch matters
Update 3.10.4 provides immediate stability and bug fixes while laying the groundwork for potentially massive experimental changes to research progression in the new year.