The encounter with the Stellaris Bunker Bot is a fascinating anomaly that spacefarers might stumble upon while exploring the vast galaxy with their science ships. This event presents several intriguing options, each leading to different outcomes.
The event text looks like this:
We have traced the unusual electromagnetic radiation emanating from “Anomaly Planet” to a secret subterranean bunker hiding a mega-computer the size of a battle ship.
Our researchers suspect that it may have been there for several thousand years, hard at work solving a single very complex problem, the nature of which still eludes us.
When the crew attempted to interact with the computer they discovered that the facility, which had appeared both abandoned and unguarded, was in fact operated by a security AI, the highest purpose of which seems to be frying its visitors alive. As the crew defeated the AI, it broadcasted a message to an unknown recipient.
Player has the choice from three variants:
- Scrap the mega-computer for parts!
- Use it to boost our own research…
- Let it continue its mysterious calculations…
If you decide on the first option: Scrap the mega-computer for parts! you get 100 allous, 50 rare crystals and 50 minerals
If you decide on the second option:Use it to boost our own research… then
This requires that we keep the AI maintaining the facility offline and will cause the computer to break down within a foreseeable future.
The Bunker-Bot modifier appears. It provides a 10% engineering research bonus for 10 years.
If you decide on the third choice – Let it continue its mysterious calculations…
We had better not disturb it. Whatever problem the computer is trying to solve, it seems important…
You’re getting 200 influence points.
Among the choices presented, the third option stands out due to its potential significance. It raises the question of whether the calculations made by the bot ever yield meaningful results. The allure of a 200 influence bonus, a reward not initially available, makes this choice appealing. Even if it doesn’t trigger additional events, this bonus holds considerable weight and should be seriously considered.
After a certain period, players may receive an L-Gate insight related to the L-Cluster, a feature introduced in the Distant Stars DLC. The L-Gate is a unique gateway isolated from others, leading to a cluster of stars inaccessible by conventional means. To activate this gate and explore the cluster, players must complete a special project requiring a total of 7 insights, including the one obtained from the Bunker Bot event.
The dilemma of choosing the best option arises between the second and third choices. The second option offers a substantial research boost, invaluable in certain situations, especially for gaining a technological edge before an impending war. Alternatively, the third choice provides a significant influence boost, crucial for expansive empires dealing with influence shortages.
The decision hinges on your empire’s specific needs. If influence is a bottleneck due to rapid expansion, opting for the influence bonus might be preferable. This extra influence facilitates further expansion and growth, regardless of the hidden event triggering. However, if your empire is relatively stable in terms of influence, prioritizing the engineering research boost is wise. A 10% increase in research can profoundly impact your technological advancements, providing an edge in various aspects of the game, including military conflicts.
Regarding the L-Gate insight, its importance varies. In the early game, before discovering any L-Gate, it isn’t a significant factor. The uncertainty of finding an L-Gate makes it more practical to focus on the immediate event rewards without banking on a potential L-Gate discovery in the future. These insights can be obtained through various means, making it unnecessary to rely solely on the Bunker Bot event.
However, if you are on the verge of completing the L-Gate special project, choosing the third option becomes highly valuable. Regardless of the immediate rewards, unlocking access to the L-Gate cluster holds immense strategic significance and should be a priority.
In conclusion, the Bunker Bot event adds an element of mystery and excitement to the game. While the choice may not always be straightforward, it’s crucial to note that there are no inherently “bad” choices, except for the first option. Additionally, there are no negative outcomes associated with this event, allowing players to make decisions based on their empire’s unique circumstances and goals.