Psionic Theory is a technology that allows empires to unlock the psionic potential of their species. It is part of the Ascension Perks system, enabling players to choose the Psionic Ascension Path and granting access to powerful psionic abilities and traits. Here’s how Psionic Theory works in the game:
Unlocking Psionic Theory: Psionic Theory is a rare and valuable technology that can be researched by any empire. However, it is not guaranteed to appear in the technology options. When it does become available, you’ll need to invest your research points into it to unlock the technology.
Psionic Ascension Path: Once you have researched Psionic Theory, you gain the option to pursue the Psionic Ascension Path. To do this, you’ll need to adopt the Ascension Perk called “Transcendence.” This Ascension Perk is available to any empire that has researched Psionic Theory and has an empty Ascension Perk slot.
Benefits of Psionic Ascension: Choosing the Psionic Ascension Path grants several benefits:
- Psionic Leaders: Psionic empires can recruit leaders (such as scientists, governors, and admirals) who have innate psionic abilities, providing various bonuses.
- Psionic Traits: Psionic pops (individual members of your species) have access to psionic traits, which can enhance their abilities in specific areas like intelligence, resilience, or adaptability.
- Psionic Technologies: Psionic empires gain access to unique technologies that can enhance their ships, economy, and overall power.
- Shroud Access: Psionic empires can interact with the Shroud, a mysterious dimension of psychic energy, providing various rewards and challenges.
- Shroud Events: Psionic empires have access to special events related to the Shroud, which can lead to significant bonuses or consequences based on the choices made.
Psionic Warfare: Psionic empires can also employ psionic powers in warfare, using abilities that can influence the outcomes of battles or manipulate enemy fleets and leaders.
It’s important to note that the availability of Psionic Theory and the Psionic Ascension Path can be influenced by the galaxy’s settings, including the presence of Fallen Empires and advanced AI starts.