Stellaris: 5 Best Tips for Beginners

Starting your adventure in the vast universe of Stellaris is an exciting challenge, packed with exploration, strategy, and deep space action. This game takes you on an epic journey, where you'll engage in bold diplomacy, manage intricate economies, and participate in strategic battles. But for those new to the game, all these details can be a bit overwhelming at first. It's like being a tiny ship in an immense galaxy without a map. However, don't worry! Understanding the basics can turn that uncertainty into a confident and fun gaming experience. And to help you, we've put together the five best tips for beginners in Stellaris to get you started.

5. Don't Neglect Your Science Ships

Science Ships in Stellaris are super important, especially for new players learning the game. They help you find out what's around you in space, from friendly neighbors to useful resources and even cool space mysteries. If you only focus on fighting ships or gathering resources and forget about Science Ships, you might miss out on many good things.

When you send Science Ships out, they look around and give you information about nearby star systems. Sometimes, they'll find special events called “anomalies.” These are like space puzzles with prizes. You might find advanced technology or even meet new alien friends. Also, as your space kingdom grows, one Science Ship won't be enough. It's like trying to explore a huge forest with just one person. You'll need more ships exploring different parts of space. The more ships you have, and the better they are, the faster you can find all the exciting stuff out there in the galaxy. So, always remember to take good care of your Science Ships!

4. Understand the Resource System

Stellaris is a game where you build and grow a space empire. One of the most important parts of the game is managing your resources well. Think of it like ensuring you have enough money in real life to buy what you need. To start, there are three main resources: Energy Credits (like money), Minerals (used for building), and Food (to feed your people). You'll need to make sure you always have enough of these. If you run out, it can cause problems like not being able to build or your people becoming unhappy.

As you play more, you'll find special resources called Strategic Resources. They're rare but very useful for special tasks and building advanced things. If you find a place in space with these resources, try to claim it quickly before someone else does. Another way to get resources is by trading with other space empires. If you can't find or reach a resource yourself, maybe someone else has it and is willing to trade. Building good relationships with other empires can be super helpful here.

3. Adapt Your Fleet Composition

Stellaris offers a wide array of ship classes, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Proper fleet composition can make or break your space battles. It's also smart to know what your enemy has. If you see they have a lot of big, strong ships, make sure you have ships that can handle them. Think of it like a game of rock-paper-scissors. You want to be ready with the right counter.

Your ships need to defend as well as attack. Fast ships are good for quickly getting in and out, distracting the enemy. Big ships can take and deal a lot of damage. Remember to use them together so they can help each other out. Also, be ready to change your fleet as the game goes on. What works in the beginning might not work later. Keep updating your ships and try different combinations. This way, you'll always be ready for any challenge.

2. Master the Ship Designer

Playing Stellaris is a lot more fun when you get to create your own ships using the Ship Designer. One of the best beginner tips for Stellaris is learning how to use this tool well. First, when making a ship, you have many parts to choose from. These parts decide how your ship will fight in battle. Some parts work better against certain enemies. So, it's good to know which parts work best for the foes you're facing. This way, your ship will be strong and ready for any challenge.

Next, think about how to protect your ship. There are different ways to defend it, like shields or armor. If you put all your trust in just one type, some enemies might easily hurt your ship. It's like wearing only a raincoat in a snowstorm. So, mix and match to protect your ship from different dangers. And keep an eye on what your enemies use, so you can always be one step ahead. As you play, you'll discover new parts and ways to make your ship better. Always update your ship designs with these new finds. Remember, a good ship can help your empire grow strong in the vast world of Stellaris.

1. Prioritise Science and Research

Arguably one of the most crucial tips for beginners in Stellaris: science and research are paramount. It is a game where science and research matter a lot. If you're new to the game, one of the top tips is to focus on these areas. There are three main research areas in Stellaris: Physics, Society, and Engineering. Each has its benefits. Physics helps with energy and weapons. Society is about culture and leadership. Engineering is about building ships and defense. It's a good idea to spread your resources across all three. This way, your empire grows strong in many ways.

Scientists play a big role in how fast you research. Every scientist has a special skill. If you match their skills with the right research, you'll get results faster. It's also smart to team up with other empires for research. By sharing knowledge, both sides learn faster. It's like studying with a friend for a big test. This can help newer players keep up with the older ones.

So, what's your take on our tips for beginners in Stellaris? And do you have any game-changing tips that weren't mentioned? Let us know your thoughts on our socials here.