Totally “study the portal”. What can possibly go wrong…
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Totally “study the portal”. What can possibly go wrong…
ASpec's Stellaris Expansion / DLC Buyers Guide provides a helpful and effective overview:jztemple2 wrote: ↑Wed Feb 23, 2022 3:40 pm So I haven't played Stellaris in four years and never got any of the DLC, but I'm looking to dive into something relatively new and this I think would qualify. Are there any DLC I should grab to enhance my initial playthrough?
UPDATE: I'm just looking at a basic sandbox playthrough, not a story campaign or whatever they would called them in Stellaris.
If, like me, you've always wanted to see a more strategic, zoomed-out take on the Mass Effect setting, you're in luck: the Binary Helix mod group (cheekily named for a genetic engineering corporation in Mass Effect) is creating the Beyond the Relays (opens in new tab) project for Stellaris—a total conversion of the space strategy sim to the Mass Effect setting.
Stellaris has a history of great total conversion mods, with previous efforts bringing Star Trek (opens in new tab) and Warhammer 40K (opens in new tab) to life in the setting. Additionally, talented modders have, in the past, made individual addons based on Mass Effect to Stellaris, but Beyond the Relays looks to recreate the entire setting down to its political climate and rules of space travel.
In its current 0.7.0 release, Beyond the Relays offers a selection of 24 civilizations to choose from, including sub-variants of major races like the Asari and the Turians, as well as second-string favorites like the Volus or Vorcha. The project also includes unique ship and location models like the Citadel and Omega deep space stations.
In an especially exciting move, Binary Helix has recreated the star systems and Mass Relay networks from Mass Effect, with the mod's galaxy map containing 400 solar systems based off those in the games and official lore. The star systems are organized into clusters connected by Mass Relays, and the map can be played in a basic sandbox mode, or in a scenario that replicates the factions' relative positions and prestige at the time of the Mass Effect series.
I have the base edition and put in 33 hours on it, but most of that that was back soon after initial release and I don't remember much. Looking at the screenshots I took, the last time I put in any time was in 2018 just after 2.0 was released, they are now at 3.6 so any impressions would be way out of date. Also I never picked up any of the DLC.
I suspect you'd enjoy Stellaris immensely. Much like any worthwhile 4X game, it has a learning curve but certainly nothing insurmountable. Considering your prior experience and enjoyment of GalCiv3, I doubt you'd have much difficulty learning your way around the game at all.
The Galaxy Edition will not add any additional complexity that would hinder learning over the base game, since this is all it adds:
In terms of Stellaris Expansions and DLC, I would stand by what I posted earlier. If you really have a burning compulsion for additional content, start with the Utopia Expansion. But I would still advise relearning and familiarising yourself with how the base game plays prior to purchasing Expansions and DLC. Because that will help you develop a firmer sense for which particular features and mechanics you find most appealing.jztemple2 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 02, 2023 2:25 amI have the base edition and put in 33 hours on it, but most of that that was back soon after initial release and I don't remember much. Looking at the screenshots I took, the last time I put in any time was in 2018 just after 2.0 was released, they are now at 3.6 so any impressions would be way out of date. Also I never picked up any of the DLC.
Still, with Galactic Civilizations IV pretty much a bust for me and burned out on GC3, I too would like to know what folks say about the current state of the game, and which DLC are worth having.
Congrats on your Stellaris boughtening.
Kraken wrote: ↑Thu Jan 05, 2023 12:58 am Thanks again for all the resources. I'll revisit this thread and read/watch them when I'm ready to start a game. Right now I'm 20 hours into a GC3 game that's likely to last another 10 hours. After that, I might relax for a spell in Tropico. But I am looking forward to trying Stellaris.
Curious to know your (or anyone else’s) feedback on Stellaris vs GC3.Kraken wrote: ↑Thu Jan 05, 2023 12:58 am Thanks again for all the resources. I'll revisit this thread and read/watch them when I'm ready to start a game. Right now I'm 20 hours into a GC3 game that's likely to last another 10 hours. After that, I might relax for a spell in Tropico. But I am looking forward to trying Stellaris.
Broadly speaking, I think this 'Stellaris vs. Galactic Civilizations 3 (Which is better?)' write-up aptly sums up their differences, and what Stellaris does better. It mentions the Stellaris Nemesis DLC at the beginning, which came out in 2021, so it's also more up-to-date than what you found on Reddit:Carpet_pissr wrote: ↑Sat Jan 07, 2023 6:46 pmCurious to know your (or anyone else’s) feedback on Stellaris vs GC3.Kraken wrote: ↑Thu Jan 05, 2023 12:58 am Thanks again for all the resources. I'll revisit this thread and read/watch them when I'm ready to start a game. Right now I'm 20 hours into a GC3 game that's likely to last another 10 hours. After that, I might relax for a spell in Tropico. But I am looking forward to trying Stellaris.
It's also worth remembering what LordMortis correctly observed above: Stellaris is one of those games that has changed and developed significantly with numerous iterations and improvements over the years. As he said, it can feel like a whole new game if/when you to return to it after not having played for a while.LonerStrategyGames.com wrote:Comparing Gal Civ 3 to Stellaris
Stellaris and Gal Civ 3 have very much in common. Obviously, both are space-based games with planetary management and empire expansion. They both have espionage, especially with the new Stellaris Nemesis DLC. Both allow you to explore the galaxy in all its breathtaking wonder, both have combat and wars, and both have random events that pop-up from time-to-time with bonuses and sometimes with negative effects.
Both games have good interfaces in my opinion. Stellaris is a real-time, pausable game while Galactic Civilizations 3 is turn-based. The pausability of Stellaris blurs the line somewhat between turn-based and real time but I consider that an actual benefit to the game.
Both games have a really fun early exploration experience, which is one of the things I find most enjoyable about games with a space setting.
You meet aliens and make friends or enemies, with wars ensuing (there’s always someone who doesn’t like you or is standing in the way of your objective), so you need to prepare for that in both games. One difference is that war is vastly different between the two games.
In Stellaris there is a warscore system. You also set goals for your war, the more goals you have the harder it is to achieve them. If you win the war, you can only get whatever systems you set as your goals. Occupying other systems does not mean you get them at war’s end, although they do increase your warscore.
In Gal Civ 3 there is no warscore system and you get to keep whatever you conquer and lose whatever you lose.
Both games have a lot of mystery and intrigue. You never know what the next planet will look like or where it will be, or if the next alien race you run into will be friend or foe.
Both games have pop-up events that keep the game interesting although Stellaris has many more that are more diversified, like archaeological digs and espionage notifications.
Gal Civ 3 has ideologies which are similar to the Stellaris ethics and civics, which are a little more detailed and take things down to a finer degree.
Both games have pops (Gal Civ 3 calls them Citizens) that can be specialized to increase functionality on fleets or planets.
Both games have victory conditions. In Gal Civ 3 once you achieve those the game is over, in Stellaris the game can go on indefinitely. I like both methods so I can’t say either game handles that option better.
Both games feature anomalies that usually help you out. Overall, they both help with both technological research or increase your treasury.
…
What Stellaris Does Better
Stellaris does a better job at allowing you to create complex strategies. Stellaris has many interacting resource systems allowing for a lot of detailed approaches. It has strategic resources placed in very few systems, which makes controlling that system vitally important if that strategic resource is something you really need. It has a lot of depth when it comes to various strategies.
Stellaris handles wars better. With the warscore system you will probably only lose a few systems no matter how badly you lose a war. Unlike a lot of games, a resounding defeat does not spell inevitable doom for your empire, you can live to fight another day.
Another thing that Stellaris has going for it is mod support. There are many, many more mods available for this game when compared to Gal Civ 3. This adds even more replayability and diversity to Stellaris.
Something else Stellaris has done, with pretty good success, is turning the end game into something interesting instead of letting it become a grind, and that is the end game crisis. The end game crisis can be tailored to your tastes so you have some degree of control over how difficult this event will be. Think you’ve got the game won? Not until the end game crisis happens, which can totally change everything.
Although I hate to admit it, I like the starlanes better than the freewheeling approach in Gal Civ 3. With starlanes (hyperlanes) you can create chokepoints to slow down or even halt an enemy advance. This allows for both a good defensive and offensive strategy. Without starlanes you never know exactly where your enemy is going to strike next.
Which One To Get?
What’s the best game? I own both and thoroughly enjoy them both. I would give a slight nod to Stellaris but only because I like the complexity of the resource systems, the use of hyperlanes and the warscore system. When I want something a little less challenging strategically and want to play a campaign with a storyline, then Gal Civ 3 is my obvious choice. Both games rank highly in my list of favorites.
Actually this point is why I like GC3 and dislike what GC4 has done with their sectors. I like the idea that an enemy can strike at different locations, meaning my fleet builds and my technology have to adapt to counter this. I find that chokepoints just mean I toss everything including the kitchen sink into one location and whoever has the biggest fleet wins.LonerStrategyGames.com wrote:Comparing Gal Civ 3 to Stellaris
Although I hate to admit it, I like the starlanes better than the freewheeling approach in Gal Civ 3. With starlanes (hyperlanes) you can create chokepoints to slow down or even halt an enemy advance. This allows for both a good defensive and offensive strategy. Without starlanes you never know exactly where your enemy is going to strike next.
Your point here is very good and may be what gets me back to Stellaris. While I do like GC3, the gameplay hasn't really changed in three years. Stellaris is now sounding more interesting to me, so thanks for your post!Anonymous Bosch wrote: ↑Sat Jan 07, 2023 7:43 pm It's also worth remembering what LordMortis correctly observed above: Stellaris is one of those games that has changed and developed significantly with numerous iterations and improvements over the years. As he said, it can feel like a whole new game if/when you to return to it after not having played for a while.
I don't think GC3 and Civ are really comparable. The tech trees are different in the sense that GC3 is for unlocking bigger and better ships and things for ships, as well as buildings for colonies. Also the GC3 is very large and you can really focus on quite a variety of different paths. In Civ, IMHO, you pretty much just unlock almost everything as you go along.Carpet_pissr wrote: ↑Sun Jan 08, 2023 12:17 am Could either of these possibly be compared to Civ? I guess if you could make the comparison, GC3 seems to be the closer analogue due to the turn based approach?
Personally, I wouldn't describe either as having much in common with Civ 5. Stellaris is an excellent game, but I wouldn't think of it as Civ 5 in space. Because I've always found Stellaris to be more akin to a role-playing sandbox. The storytelling / world-building is very strong in Stellaris. Stellaris excels in allowing you to create and customize your own empire. You make your own race, establish their ethics and civics, and quite quickly you have new motivations for how to play the game. Optimal play can be tempered by thinking and acting as your leader would, which takes the game into some really interesting, unexpected, and compelling directions. Whereas playing Civ tends to be mostly about winning. You can play Stellaris that way too, but I find it more rewarding and engaging to build an empire, "roleplay" it, and embrace the emergent storytelling it then provides.Carpet_pissr wrote: ↑Sun Jan 08, 2023 12:17 am Last q and I’ll shut up and play one already!
Could either of these possibly be compared to Civ? I guess if you could make the comparison, GC3 seems to be the closer analogue due to the turn based approach?
Good to hear you've dipped your toes into the cosmos Stellaris provides.
Just a comment to reinforce this. LM and AB are right, the current iteration of Stellaris is significantly different than it was on release. Most people feel the changes have been for the better.Anonymous Bosch wrote: ↑Sat Jan 07, 2023 7:43 pm It's also worth remembering what LordMortis correctly observed above: Stellaris is one of those games that has changed and developed significantly with numerous iterations and improvements over the years. As he said, it can feel like a whole new game if/when you to return to it after not having played for a while.
Sounds like you have the right attitude. In the early game I generally aim to have 2, 3, or 4 science vessels for the exploration/expansion aspect you're enjoying (this depends upon how and where I'm situated; the more directions you have to spread out for exploration, the more science vessels you'll likely want to do so). In terms of early game priorities, I'd suggest prioritizing growing Pops and expanding to maximize your Pops, as this will maximize your resources gathered and gained.Kraken wrote: ↑Sat Feb 18, 2023 12:51 am I'm plodding through a first game that might last forever. Every time anything happens, I hit pause, check up on and fiddle with various things, and then unpause for another 10-15 seconds.I still don't know what I should be prioritizing, but I'm enjoying the exploration/expansion aspect. I found a second habitable planet right next door but had to look long and far for more.
FWIW, I think the key for discovering the most engaging aspects of Stellaris is to embrace the idea that it's predominantly a superb role-playing and emergent storytelling sandbox.GreenGoo wrote: ↑Sat Feb 18, 2023 11:40 am Stellaris might be my favourite 4x/grand strategy in space that I've never really played. I want to like it, but have never gotten past the initial learning curve (not because it's overly complex, there are many games much more so) but because it just never grabs me enough before I find something else to do.
I love the idea of Stellaris more than the game itself.
I read the sections on the early-to-mid game and found that I made one blunder -- I colonized a "tomb world" that's only 10% habitable because I had explored so many stars without finding anything. I ultimately found and am colonizing a couple of better worlds, but it's not clear that they'll be able to cover my tomb world's drain. Apart from that I'm more-or-less in line with the wiki's recommendations.Anonymous Bosch wrote: ↑Sat Feb 18, 2023 3:01 am
If you need further guidance, the official Stellaris Wiki Beginner's guide is mighty helpful while first learning the basic mechanics of the game, and provides plenty of guidance to point you in the right direction.
With appropriate tech and investment of resources you can increase adaptability to tomb worlds, or eventually terraform them into something habitable. Robots don't care about habitability, so if you produce them you could actually work the natural resources of your tomb world. Also, for role-playing purposes, even if colonizing is sub-optimal, I find that tomb worlds can be very thematically fitting for a penal colony.Kraken wrote: ↑Sun Feb 19, 2023 1:27 amI read the sections on the early-to-mid game and found that I made one blunder -- I colonized a "tomb world" that's only 10% habitable because I had explored so many stars without finding anything. I ultimately found and am colonizing a couple of better worlds, but it's not clear that they'll be able to cover my tomb world's drain. Apart from that I'm more-or-less in line with the wiki's recommendations.Anonymous Bosch wrote: ↑Sat Feb 18, 2023 3:01 am
If you need further guidance, the official Stellaris Wiki Beginner's guide is mighty helpful while first learning the basic mechanics of the game, and provides plenty of guidance to point you in the right direction.
Rest assured, you'll have plenty to enjoy learning your way around the base game. Since you're playing the console edition, have a butcher's at the Stellaris Console Wiki and Beginner's Guide there to help ease the learning curve.Dramatist wrote: ↑Mon Mar 20, 2023 6:48 pm So after hearing some talk about this game in the Civ 6 thread and it being on sale now; I now have Stellaris console edition.
I probably won’t really get to play much for about a week but I’m looking forward to jumping in.
I just bought the base game. There are 20! DLCs for the PlayStation and none on sale so I didn’t bother with any of the DLC.