Once you've completed a full Tradition tree or unlocked Theory of Ascension technology in Stellaris, you can begin using perks from four different levels. Naturally, some perks are better than others.
At the start of the game, players have access to level 0 perks, then level 1 which requires one previously held perk, level 2 which requires two previously held perks, and so on.
The tier list below will put you on your way to the best parks in Stellaris based on your strategic builds.
Best Tier 0 Perks
Interstellar Dominion
- −20% claim influence cost
- −20% starbase influence cost
This could easily be your best early advantage if you plan to expand. Since you need a lot of influence at the start, this is exactly the type of perk that saves your influence costs.
From there, you can expand as much as you want into your conquest game plan. Interstellar Dominion will really help you build a real empire in space.
Of course, if wide expansion isn't your plan, skip this one and go for other perks that better fit your game plan.
technological ancestry
- +10% research speed
- Rare technologies are now 50% more common
The research speed provided by this perk may not be great, but at the start of the game it will give you a huge boost. You will find better ways to increase your search speed, but that will come much later.
For now, you can use this in your tech build to great effect. If you can pair it with an Enigmatic Engineering (Tier 1) perk, you can begin true technological domination in space.
Imperial prerogative
If you don't have a blueprint yet, this would be the best general strategy level 0 perk. The admin cap automatically increases your research speed, but not as much as tech ancestry.
But this perk has other benefits, unless you're headed for tech dominance. This not only reduces your Tradition costs, but also Leader and upkeep costs, which is very useful in the early stages of the game.
Each of these perks will do a great job early on, so pick one up and see where it takes you.
Best Tier 1 Perks
mastery of nature
- −33% Clear Blocker Cost
- Nature mastery decision
Previously this was a Tier 0 perk, but was moved to Tier 1 due to its slow effect in the early game. However, the further you progress in the game, the greater its impact.
One of its advantages is that it saves your energy, but its main purpose is to increase the number of max districts on your planets. Since these can become very expensive very quickly, Mastery of Nature will reduce the cost of administering them.
Seize the void
Starbases begin to play a particularly important role in the middle of the game, when their numbers will increase more and more.
The increased capacity gives you better overall trade value, which is especially important for upgraded starbases. Then, with the help of it, you also get trading posts, anchorages, strongholds and a shipyard.
Best Tier 2 Perks
Arcology Project
Once you've built a decent enough number of planets, you want them to work for you at this point in the game.
The Arcology Project activates Ecumenopolies on your planets which save your alloy, which you can use on your star fleet instead.
It also creates jobs and accomodable districts, which is of the utmost importance when trying to really make your planets useful.
master builders
- +50% construction speed of megastructures
- +1 Megfrastructure boosts abilities
If you're doing well without Arcology, you already have the ability to build megastructures.
This is useful with the Galactic Wonders perk which allows you to build mega structures, while master builders will build them much faster and can also repair them.
Best Tier 3 Perks
Project Colossus
This late game perk lets you build a Colossus-type ship that can destroy entire planets.
Of course, this requires researching Apocalypse DLC and Titan tech. If you really want one, then it's definitely worth the price and time.
galactic wonders
- Search Ring World
- Search Dyson Sphere
- Matter decompressor research
This perk focuses on three mega structures, the best of which is the Dyson Sphere. This sphere can generate enough power to support half your empire.
If you're late game and want to start building mega structures, you should just have Galactic Wonders and Master Builders perks.
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These are the best benefits of Stellaris. For more Stellaris guides, check out the list below:
