update · April 1, 2025
Stellaris Update 3.99.6 Phoenix Open Beta Overhauls Planet Management
Stellaris update 3.99.6 for the Phoenix Open Beta introduces major planet view changes, adding default building slots and two customizable zones to urban districts. The patch also brings basic functionality for gestalt empires, updates the planet UI, and includes various UI and bug fixes.
The Stellaris Phoenix Open Beta continues with update 3.99.6, bringing fundamental changes to how planets handle building slots, urban districts, and management tabs. Most standard empires start with different building setups under this patch, while gestalt empires receive their first round of basic functionality.
Planet View and Urban Districts
Planets now start with six building slots by default inside their Urban District. Two zones are available to customize output. Homeworlds begin with an Industrial Zone producing alloys and consumer goods, plus an Archives Zone producing unity and research. Clicking a built zone opens the District Details panel. Industrial zones use the correct icon, and the planet UI now displays last month growth for each pop group. Rural job numbers are adjusted, and Subterranean empires receive urban zones for mining districts.
Gestalt and Special Empires
Hive and Machine empires receive initial functional passes for setups and worlds. However, these changes are not fully replicated to all special planets or starts yet. Hive empires currently do not receive Mining Drones from mining districts, so players may want to test Void Hive setups instead.
UI and Quality of Life
The build queue side panel now automatically opens when viewing planets. Strata correctly display population numbers when collapsed, and timeline origin images are masked. The Planetary Ascension area in the management tab is functional, complete with an icon, style label, and a modifier breakdown text block. AI empires are prevented from cheating on zone building.
Beta Access
Players must turn off all mods before launching to avoid crashes. To join, open the Steam library, right click Stellaris, select Properties, go to Betas, and choose the stellaris_test - 3.99.6 Open Beta branch.
Why this patch matters
Update 3.99.6 alters early game economy and planet specialization frameworks, though gestalt empires remain a work in progress during this beta phase.