Choosing the Best Ascension Path in Stellaris

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Synthetic Ascension Path
   • Technology Requirements
   • Bonuses and Benefits
   • Pros and Cons
3. Cybernetic Ascension Path
   • Technology Requirements
   • Bonuses and Benefits
   • Pros and Cons
4. Genetic Ascension Path
   • Technology Requirements
   • Bonuses and Benefits
   • Pros and Cons
5. Psionic Ascension Path
   • Technology Requirements
   • Bonuses and Benefits
   • Pros and Cons
6. Comparison of Ascension Paths
   • Resource Output
   • Pop Growth and Assembly
   • Leader Bonuses
7. Conclusion

Article

Which Ascension Path is the Most Powerful in Stellaris 3.6 Orion?

In the latest patch of Stellaris, 3.6 Orion, the Ascension paths have been completely reworked. With the introduction of synthetic and cybernetic Ascension paths, alongside the traditional genetic and psionic Ascension paths, players now have more choices than ever before. But which Ascension path is the most powerful? In this article, we will examine each of the new Ascension paths, break down their bonuses and benefits, and determine which one is the best for your situation.

Synthetic Ascension Path

To unlock the synthetic Ascension path, players must complete the synthetic technology research and have full AI rights. This path allows players to Create synthetic workers, or robots, that can live at any strata except ruler jobs. Synthetic Ascension offers various bonuses and benefits, including a 10% robot output Empire-wide and additional resource output from jobs. However, the main drawback of this path is that it is the last and latest Ascension path that any species can take, as it requires specific technology.

Cybernetic Ascension Path

The cybernetic Ascension path requires players to take the Flesh is Weak Ascension perk and complete the integrated cybernetics technology research. Unlike synthetic Ascension, this path can be taken earlier in the game, making it more accessible. Players who choose the cybernetic Ascension path gain the cybernetic trait for their entire Empire, which provides increased habitability, Army damage, and leader lifespan. The path also offers special leader traits and bonuses to pop assembly and resource output from jobs.

Genetic Ascension Path

To go down the genetic Ascension path, players need to take the Engineered Evolution Ascension perk and have the gene tailoring technology. This path allows players to modify their species and create beneficial traits for their pops. It also offers bonuses to pop growth speed, resources from jobs, and additional research output. The genetic Ascension path is available to all Empires except machine intelligences, and it can be combined with the overtuned origin to fast-track the Ascension process.

Psionic Ascension Path

The psionic Ascension path is unique, as it has its own origin called "Teachers of the Shroud." This origin grants players the latent psionic trait at the start of the game and unlocks the psionic tradition tree. Psionic Ascension offers bonuses to research, unity, happiness, and leader abilities. By breaching the Shroud, players can form covenants with the dark powers that rule the Shroud, gaining additional bonuses and abilities. The psionic Ascension path can be obtained by rolling the psionic theory technology or by choosing the Teachers of the Shroud origin.

Comparison of Ascension Paths

When comparing the Ascension paths, several factors come into play. In terms of resource output, both the synthetic and cybernetic Ascension paths offer bonuses to job resource output. Synthetic Ascension provides a base plus 25% resource output from jobs for synthetic pops, while cybernetic Ascension offers a total of plus 15% resource output from jobs for cybernetic pops. Genetic Ascension and psionic Ascension, on the other HAND, have different focuses and provide different bonuses.

When it comes to pop growth and assembly, synthetic Ascension falls behind due to its limited pop assembly speed. Genetic Ascension, especially when combined with the overtuned origin, offers high pop growth speed and assembly, making it a strong contender. Psionic Ascension, despite having the worst pop growth in the game, compensates with bonuses to research, unity, and leader abilities. Cybernetic Ascension, with its bonuses to pop assembly and resource output from jobs, offers a balanced approach.

In terms of leader bonuses, synthetic and psionic Ascension provide additional bonuses to research, while cybernetic Ascension offers bonuses to ship fire rate and Army damage. Genetic Ascension provides bonuses to pop growth speed and additional trait picks for species modification.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the most powerful Ascension path in Stellaris 3.6 Orion depends on various factors and player preferences. For an overall game-wide perspective, genetic Ascension with the overtuned origin is considered the best path, providing high pop growth speed and assembly. Psionic Ascension is the earliest path to unlock if players choose the Teachers of the Shroud origin and offers strong bonuses to research, unity, and leader abilities. Cybernetic Ascension is accessible early in the game and provides balanced bonuses to pop assembly and resource output from jobs. Synthetic Ascension, while offering strong bonuses, is the latest path to unlock, making it somewhat less favorable in terms of gameplay progression.

Ultimately, the choice of Ascension path comes down to the player's strategy, Empire Type, and personal preferences. Each path has its pros and cons, and players should consider their own goals and playstyles when deciding which path to take.

Note: The information provided in this article is Based on the Stellaris 3.6 Orion open Beta and is subject to change in the final live release.