In Stellaris, Precursors are ancient and mysterious civilizations that once existed in the galaxy long before the player’s empire. They left behind artifacts, technologies, and secrets that can be discovered and utilized by the player. Precursors are essentially a part of the game’s lore and exploration elements, adding depth and intrigue to the Stellaris universe. Here’s how they work:
- Discovery:
- Players can encounter Precursor civilizations by exploring anomalies and investigating special projects. When exploring the galaxy, players might come across clues or anomalies related to Precursor activity. These anomalies can trigger special research projects, leading to the discovery of Precursor artifacts and relics.
- Artifact Collection:
- By completing the research projects associated with Precursor anomalies, players can collect Precursor artifacts. These artifacts can provide various bonuses, technologies, or even unique starships. Different Precursor civilizations have different sets of artifacts associated with them.
- Precursor Chains:
- There are several distinct Precursor chains in Stellaris, each representing a different ancient civilization. Each chain consists of multiple stages, and as players progress through these stages, they uncover more about the history and technologies of the respective Precursor civilization. Players can complete the entire chain to receive powerful rewards and unique benefits.
- Rewards:
- Completing Precursor chains can grant significant rewards, including powerful technologies, unique buildings, or even the opportunity to recruit special leaders with exceptional traits. These rewards can provide a substantial advantage to the player’s empire.
- Galactic Events:
- The discovery and completion of Precursor chains can trigger special galactic events that may have diplomatic, technological, or strategic consequences for the player’s empire and the galaxy as a whole.
There are several precursor civilizations, each with its own unique backstory and rewards.
These precursor civilizations are not playable but provide opportunities for storytelling and gaining advantages for your empire:
- Cybrex:
- The Cybrex are a precursor civilization that was known for their advanced AI technology. Players can explore the ruins of the Cybrex ring world and uncover powerful technologies and knowledge related to AI.
- First League:
- The First League was a once-great organization of various races. By investigating the First League’s capital, players can find artifacts and gain diplomatic bonuses and unity.
- Irassian Concordat:
- The Irassians were a peaceful and isolationist precursor civilization. Exploring their colonies and artifacts can lead to advantages in energy and terraforming technologies.
- Yuht Empire:
- The Yuht Empire was a powerful precursor civilization known for its military might. Players can explore their ancient battlefield and gain powerful military technologies.
- Dessanu Consonance:
- The Dessanu Consonance was a precursor civilization with a strong cultural and scientific tradition. Investigating their remains can lead to unique societal research and cultural advantages.
- Vultaum Star Assembly:
- The Vultaum Star Assembly is a mysterious precursor civilization known for its technology. Players can discover their ancient starbase and gain technological insights.
- Baol:
- The Baol were a precursor civilization with a deep connection to the Shroud (a mysterious dimension in the game). Investigating the Baol relic can provide unique interactions with the Shroud.
Precursors in Stellaris offer a sense of discovery and history to the game. By following the clues and investigating their ancient relics and archaeological sites, players can gain valuable rewards, such as advanced technologies, unique buildings, or diplomatic bonuses. These rewards can give your empire an advantage in various aspects of the game, including research, diplomacy, and military capabilities. The choice of which precursor to investigate can be influenced by your empire’s specific needs and goals.