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This article has been verified for the current PC version (3.10) of the game.

This page lists traits specific to the Scientist class and its sub-classes only. For common traits please see leader traits.

Traits represent the background, education or personality of a leader. Most traits can be upgraded. The way in which leaders gain or upgrade traits depends on whether the Galactic Paragons DLC is enabled:

  • If the DLC is enabled:
    • Leaders are able to select a trait to gain or upgrade every time they level up.
    • At level 4, they can choose a Veteran Class and, at level 8, they can choose a Destiny Trait.
    • Veteran traits are in the pool of possible traits, but only for the chosen Veteran Class.
  • If the DLC is not enabled:
    • Leaders gain or upgrade a random trait every 2 levels.
    • Veteran trait pools are turned off, as the leaders do not use Veteran Classes.
    • A number traits are available only if the DLC is not enabled.

Common traits[]

The following traits can be obtained by all scientists.

Trait Level 1 effects Level 2 effects Scope Councilor trait Opposite Requirements Notes
Spark of Genius
  • +3% Research Speed
  • Feature Increased chance for rare research options
  • +6% Research Speed
  • Feature Increased chance for rare research options
Empire Paranoia
Archaeologist +10% Archaeology Excavation Speed +20% Archaeology Excavation Speed Science ship Ruler More common if Scholar
Intuition +10% Anomaly Research Speed +25% Anomaly Research Speed Science ship
  • Neurosis
  • Perfectionist
Ruler More common if Explorer
Roamer +10% Survey Speed +20% Survey Speed Science ship Neurosis Ruler More common if Explorer
Perfectionist +10% Anomaly Discovery Chance +15% Anomaly Discovery Chance Science ship Intuition Ruler More common if Explorer
Custom AI Assistant
  • +10% Survey Speed
  • +10% Anomaly Research Speed
  • +15% Survey Speed
  • +15% Anomaly Research Speed
Science ship Self-Evolving Logic technology
  • Requires the Positronic AI technology for level 2
  • Requires the Citizen Rights or Servitude AI policy for level 2
Planer Theorist
  • Time +10% Astral Rift Exploration Speed
  • Research speed (Physics) +10% Particles Research Speed
  • Time +20% Astral Rift Exploration Speed
  • Research speed (Physics) +20% Particles Research Speed
Council Rift Sphere technology

Negative traits[]

Trait Level 1 effects Level 2 effects Scope Councilor trait Opposite Notes Description
Narrow-Minded −5% Research Speed
  • −5% Research Speed
  • −1 Research Alternatives
Empire Inquisitor This leader has a very narrow focus on potential research, disregarding some options as unnecessary.
Paranoia −5% Research Speed −10% Research Speed Empire
  • Hyper Focus
  • Spark of Genius
This leader is unwilling to collaborate with others.
Stubbornness
  • −2.5% Research from Jobs (sector)
  • −5% Research from Jobs (planet)
  • −3.75% Research from Jobs (sector)
  • −7.5% Research from Jobs (planet)
Sector/world Collaborator More common if Quarrelsome This leader keeps strong opinions on certain topics, making collaboration with other researchers difficult.
Traumatized
  • −10% Anomaly Research Speed
  • −30% Archaeology Excavation Speed
  • −30% Astral Rift Exploration Speed
  • −20% Anomaly Research Speed
  • −100% Archaeology Excavation Speed
  • −100% Astral Rift Exploration Speed
Science ship Can be gained from archaeology sites Recently sustained psychological trauma is interfering with this leader's performance.
Neurosis
  • −5% Survey Speed
  • −5% Anomaly Research Speed
  • −20% Survey Speed
  • −20% Anomaly Research Speed
Science ship
  • Intuition
  • Roamer
This leader takes too many precautions, with a complete disregard for efficiency.

Expertise traits[]

Each scientist can only have one expertise trait, although additional expertise can be obtained via events. They are only applied if the scientist is part of the Council unless the empire has the Technocracy civic. Expertise traits can be gained the following way:

  • If the Galactic Paragons DLC is installed the traits can be selected at level-up by scientists with the Statistician veteran class and a focus trait matching the same area of research. The traits can be upgraded up to level 3.
  • If the Galactic Paragons DLC is not installed the traits can be gained randomly at level-up. The traits can be upgraded up to level 2.
Expertise Level 1 effects Level 2 effects Level 3 effects Requirements
Industry
  • Research speed (Engineering) +15% Industry Research Speed
  • +25% Chance for Industry Research Options
  • Research speed (Engineering) +20% Industry Research Speed
  • +35% Chance for Industry Research Options
  • Research speed (Engineering) +35% Industry Research Speed
  • +75% Chance for Industry Research Options
Materials
  • Research speed (Engineering) +15% Materials Research Speed
  • +25% Chance for Material Research Options
  • Research speed (Engineering) +20% Materials Research Speed
  • +35% Chance for Material Research Options
  • Research speed (Engineering) +35% Materials Research Speed
  • +75% Chance for Material Research Options
Propulsion
  • Research speed (Engineering) +15% Propulsion Research Speed
  • +25% Chance for Propulsion Research Options
  • Research speed (Engineering) +20% Propulsion Research Speed
  • +35% Chance for Propulsion Research Options
  • Research speed (Engineering) +35% Propulsion Research Speed
  • +75% Chance for Propulsion Research Options
Voidcraft
  • Research speed (Engineering) +15% Voidcraft Research Speed
  • +25% Chance for Voidcraft Research Options
  • Research speed (Engineering) +20% Voidcraft Research Speed
  • +35% Chance for Voidcraft Research Options
  • Research speed (Engineering) +35% Voidcraft Research Speed
  • +75% Chance for Voidcraft Research Options
Computing
  • Research speed (Physics) +15% Computing Research Speed
  • +25% Chance for Computing Research Options
  • Research speed (Physics) +20% Computing Research Speed
  • +35% Chance for Computing Research Options
  • Research speed (Physics) +35% Computing Research Speed
  • +75% Chance for Computing Research Options
Field Manipulation
  • Research speed (Physics) +15% Field Manipulation Research Speed
  • +25% Chance for Field Manipulation Research Options
  • Research speed (Physics) +20% Field Manipulation Research Speed
  • +35% Chance for Field Manipulation Research Options
  • Research speed (Physics) +35% Field Manipulation Research Speed
  • +75% Chance for Field Manipulation Research Options
Particles
  • Research speed (Physics) +15% Particles Research Speed
  • +25% Chance for Particles Research Options
  • Research speed (Physics) +20% Particles Research Speed
  • +35% Chance for Particles Research Options
  • Research speed (Physics) +35% Particles Research Speed
  • +75% Chance for Particles Research Options
Biology
  • Research speed (society) +15% Biology Research Speed
  • +25% Chance for Biology Research Options
  • Research speed (society) +20% Biology Research Speed
  • +35% Chance for Biology Research Options
  • Research speed (society) +35% Biology Research Speed
  • +75% Chance for Biology Research Options
Military Theory
  • Research speed (society) +15% Military Theory Research Speed
  • +25% Chance for Military Theory Research Options
  • Research speed (society) +20% Military Theory Research Speed
  • +35% Chance for Military Theory Research Options
  • Research speed (society) +35% Military Theory Research Speed
  • +75% Chance for Military Theory Research Options
New Worlds
  • Research speed (society) +15% New Worlds Research Speed
  • +25% Chance for New Worlds Research Options
  • Research speed (society) +20% New Worlds Research Speed
  • +35% Chance for New Worlds Research Options
  • Research speed (society) +35% New Worlds Research Speed
  • +75% Chance for New Worlds Research Options
Statecraft
  • Research speed (society) +15% Statecraft Research Speed
  • +25% Chance for Statecraft Research Options
  • Research speed (society) +20% Statecraft Research Speed
  • +35% Chance for Statecraft Research Options
  • Research speed (society) +35% Statecraft Research Speed
  • +75% Chance for Statecraft Research Options
Archaeostudies
  • Research speed (society) +15% Archaeostudies Research Speed
  • +15% Chance for Archaeostudies Research Options
  • −5% Minor Artifact Ship Cost
  • Research speed (society) +20% Archaeostudies Research Speed
  • +20% Chance for Archaeostudies Research Options
  • −7.5% Minor Artifact Ship Cost
  • Research speed (society) +35% Archaeostudies Research Speed
  • +35% Chance for Archaeostudies Research Options
  • −10% Minor Artifact Ship Cost
Psionics
  • Research speed (society) +15% Psionics Research Speed
  • +50% Chance for Psionics Research Options
  • Research speed (society) +20% Psionics Research Speed
  • +100% Chance for Psionics Research Options
  • Research speed (society) +35% Psionics Research Speed
  • +200% Chance for Psionics Research Options
Psionic Theory technology

Analyst traits[]

The following traits are only available to the Analyst veteran class. As with the veteran class itself, all traits are only applied to the scientist's assigned sector or planet and effects are doubled if assigned to a planet.

Trait Level 1 effects Level 2 effects Level 3 effects Opposite Description
Experimenter +0.5 Monthly Research per level +1 Monthly Research per level +2 Monthly Research per level This leader seeks out the hypothetical, running many theoretical research projects simultaneously.
Collaborator +2.5% Research from Jobs +3.7% Research from Jobs +5% Research from Jobs Stubbornness This leader is happy to collaborate with other scientists and researchers in the pursuit of knowledge.
Engineering Focus +5% Engineering Research from Jobs +10% Engineering Research from Jobs +15% Engineering Research from Jobs
  • Physics Focus
  • Society Focus
This leader is passionate about advancing research in deep space engineering, design, and voidcraft. Their knowledge in these fields is unparalleled.
Physics Focus +5% Physics Research from Jobs +10% Physics Research from Jobs +15% Physics Research from Jobs
  • Engineering Focus
  • Society Focus
This leader's keen mind is focused on advancing the field of physics. Our research related to particles and new computing mechanisms will bloom under their guidance.
Society Focus +5% Society Research from Jobs +10% Society Research from Jobs +15% Society Research from Jobs
  • Engineering Focus
  • Physics Focus
Having a deep knowledge of the intricacies of civilization, this leader will guide us into a new era with their focus on societal matters.

Explorer traits[]

The following traits are only available to the Explorer veteran class. As with the veteran class itself, all traits are only applied to the scientist's assigned science ship and focus on exploration. Confidential Research requires cloaking technology.

Trait Level 1 effects Level 2 effects Level 3 effects Description
Evasiveness
  • +1 Disengagement Opportunities
  • +25% Combat Disengagement Chance
  • +25% Ship Hull Points
  • +1 Disengagement Opportunities
  • +50% Combat Disengagement Chance
  • +50% Ship Hull Points
  • +2 Disengagement Opportunities
  • +100% Combat Disengagement Chance
  • +100% Ship Hull Points
Exploring the unknown is a dangerous task. This leader upgraded their ship with additional fail-safe systems and automatic FTL-disengagement protocols.
Prospector +5% Basic Resource Discovery Chance on Survey +10% Basic Resource Discovery Chance on Survey
  • +10% Basic Resource Discovery Chance on Survey
  • +25% Anomaly Research Speed
This leader has a set of self-built, powerful scanners, which can find even the deepest deposits when surveying galactic objects.
Tuner +25% Sublight Speed +35% Sublight Speed +50% Sublight Speed By investing in top-of-the-line upgrades for civilian vessel engines, this leader managed to improve their vessel's cruising speed.
Confidential Research +1 Cloaking Strength +2 Cloaking Strength
  • +2 Cloaking Strength
  • −50% Shield Nullification from Cloaking
Some discoveries are best kept hidden.

Scholar traits[]

The following traits are only available to the Scholar veteran class.

Trait Level 1 effects Level 2 effects Level 3 effects Additional required DLC
Excavator +1 Archaeology Skill +2 Archaeology Skill +3 Archaeology Skill
Salvager
  • +5% Sublight Speed
  • 10% Chance to Salvage Ships when finishing debris
  • +15% Sublight Speed
  • 20% Chance to Salvage Ships when finishing debris
  • +25% Sublight Speed
  • 30% Chance to Salvage Ships when finishing debris
Antiquarian 5% Chance to discover Minor Artifacts from Archaeological Sites 10% Chance to discover Minor Artifacts from Archaeological Sites 15% Chance to discover Minor Artifacts from Archaeological Sites Ancient Relics
Riftwalker +1 Astral Rift Skill +2 Astral Rift Skill +3 Astral Rift Skill Astral Planes

Statistician traits[]

The following traits are only available to the Statistician veteran class. As with the veteran class itself, all traits are only applied if the leader is part of the Council.

Trait Level 1 effects Level 2 effects Level 3 effects Opposite Notes
Archivist
  • +5% Scientist Experience Gain
  • +1 Archaeology Skill
  • +15% Scientist Experience Gain
  • +1 Archaeology Skill
  • +25% Scientist Experience Gain
  • +2 Archaeology Skill
Expansionist −5% Outpost Cost −7.5% Outpost Cost −10% Outpost Cost
Hyper Focus
  • +6% Research Speed
  • Feature Increased chance for rare research options
  • +9% Research Speed
  • Feature Increased chance for rare research options
  • +15% Research Speed
  • Feature Increased chance for rare research options
Paranoia
Inquisitor
  • +2% Research Speed
  • +1 Research Alternatives
  • +4% Research Speed
  • +1 Research Alternatives
  • +8% Research Speed
  • +1 Research Alternatives
Narrow-Minded

Destiny traits[]

As with the veteran classes themselves, all traits that require the Statistician veteran class are only applied if the leader is part of the Council and those that require other the veteran classes only apply to the assigned science ship.

Requires the Analyst veteran class, applies its effects to the scientist's assigned sector or planet and effects are doubled if assigned to a planet:
Trait Effects Ethic Description
Truth Seeker
  • +10% Amenities from Jobs
  • +12.5% Resources from Psionic Pops
  • +25% Spiritualist Ethics Attraction
Any To pursue the truth is to open one's mind to possibilities beyond the horizon; perhaps beyond the veil of reality itself. This leader has a deep desire to uncover every secret of the universe, no matter the risks.
Bot Lord
  • Pop assembly speed +10% Mechanical Pop Assembly Speed
  • +10% Robot Output
  • −10% Robotic Pop Amenities Usage
Materialist This leader is a champion of robot design and manufacturing processes, always pushing the boundaries of what is possible. If there are advancements in robotics at hand, this individual likely had something to do with it.
Requires the Explorer veteran class and applies its effects to the scientist's assigned science ship:
Trait Effects Ethic Description
Xeno Cataloger
  • +50% Sublight Speed
  • +50% Survey Speed
  • +15% Anomaly Discovery Chance
Any This leader is tasked with discovering, identifying, and cataloging all xeno lifeforms. The data is then assessed to determine any possible threats and future contamination protocols.
Frontier Adventurer
  • +1 Monthly Minor Artifacts
  • +25% Sublight Speed
  • +25% Survey Speed
  • Chance to evade +15 Chance to Evade
Any Exploring new systems, finding new worlds, and discovering long-forgotten civilizations are the main concerns of any true adventurer. This leader is the very embodiment of this ideal, always on the lookout for lost knowledge or forgotten ruins.
Requires the Scholar veteran class and applies its effects to the scientist's assigned science ship:
Trait Effects Ethic Description
Detail-Oriented
  • Society research +15 Monthly Society Research while excavating archaeological sites
  • +5 Monthly Minor Artifacts while excavating archaeological sites
  • −15% Archaeology Excavation Speed
Any A meticulous academic who works slowly, but produces incredible amounts of research.
Vibrant Storyteller
  • +25% Anomaly Research Speed
  • +300 Experience for all Scientists when completing an Anomaly
Any Often away on off-world work, this leader has borne witness to truly amazing, far-flung places. Their exploits inspire the populace, providing valuable insights into rare resources and anomalous occurrences in the galaxy.
Requires the Statistician veteran class and applies its effects if the scientist is part of the empire council:
Trait Effects Ethic Description
Great Researcher +10% Research Speed Any In rare cases, a single person can outperform an entire team of researchers. When it comes to experimental designs, new solutions, and new technologies, this leader is a true genius.
Brilliant Shipwright
  • +100% Chance for Voidcraft Research Options
  • Research speed (Engineering) +33% Voidcraft Research Speed
  • +33% Ship Build Speed
Any With extensive knowledge and an innate understanding of shipbuilding, this leader is responsible not only for new technology but also for overseeing our shipyards.
Driven Educator +25% Leader Experience Gain Any Nothing is more important than a proper education. This leader spares no effort to cultivate young minds, aided by a devoted following of graduates.

Special traits[]

The following traits can only be obtained by events or special leaders.

Trait Effects Scope Councilor trait Source Description
Chronofuge Immortal Leader The Orb anomaly outcome This leader is unaffected by time and will not die from old age.
Maimed −40 Years Leader Lifespan Leader Archaeology site bad outcome This leader has sustained irreversible physical injury that has lowered their life expectancy significantly.
Towel-bearer +42% Survey Speed Science ship Dunes anomaly outcome A towel has immense psychological value.
Scholarium Explorer +20% Survey Speed Science ship Tier 2 Scholarium The curiosity of Scholarium specialists will drive them to the ends of the universe, and probably beyond.
Scholarium Observer
  • +25% Anomaly Research Speed
  • +5% Anomaly Discovery Chance
Science ship Tier 2 Scholarium No mystery shall be left unsolved in a Scholarium scholar's wake.
Scholarium Investigator
  • +12.5% Research from Jobs (sector)
  • +25% Research from Jobs (planet)
Sector/world Tier 2 Scholarium Scholarium specialists view the universe as one large puzzle, waiting to be solved.
Percussive Maintainer
  • Research speed (Physics) +20% Computing Research Speed
  • +10% Archaeology Excavation Speed
  • −10% Leader Experience Gain
Empire Ruined Station archaeological site outcome There is no such thing as a hardware problem that liberal use of the boot will not fix.

Paragon traits[]

The following traits are only present on certain paragons.

Trait Effects Scope Councilor trait Paragon Description
Curator
  • +15% Research Speed
  • +25% Survey Speed
  • Feature Increased chance for rare research options
Empire Curator Order scientist This leader hails from the Curator enclave. Their understanding of technology and exploration is unmatched.
Master Salvager
  • +2% Monthly Hull Points Repaired for Friendly Ships in System
  • 15% Chance to Salvage Ships when finishing debris
Science ship Overlord Salvagers scientist A veteran of Salvage operations from the Salvagers Enclave, sharing their expertise for a small fee.
AI Assistant 'Gorky'
  • +10% Leader Experience Gain
  • +5% Research from Jobs (sector)
  • +10% Research from Jobs (planet)
Sector/world Zosira K'Tun This little assistant helps out with sorting data and analyzing it. Its AI is a unique mix of research and companion bots.
Nebulous Past
  • +25% Sublight Speed
  • +25% Archaeology Excavation Speed
  • Time −50% Time Spent Missing In Action
Science ship Keides, Scion of Vagros Where does he come from? Who placed him in cryostasis, and why was he released? The unanswered questions of his past fuel this leader's thirst for knowledge.
Terraformation Nuclei +30 Monthly Food Astrocreator Azaryn Astrocreator Azaryn The buds on Astrocreator Azaryn's back. She is secretive about them.
Terraformation Nucleus
  • +30 Monthly Food
  • Using Astrocreator Azaryn's terraforming method again will kill her
Astrocreator Azaryn Astrocreator Azaryn (used her terraforming) The buds on Astrocreator Azaryn's back, and the source of her powers. Azaryn needs them to survive. A single bud remains.

Astral rift traits[]

The following traits can only be obtained from the outcomes of certain astral rifts.

Trait Effects Scope Councilor trait Astral rift Description
Black Light Blinded
  • −50% Survey Speed
  • Time −50% Archaeology Excavation Speed
  • Time −50% Astral Rift Exploration Speed
  • −2 Archaeology Skill
  • −2 Astral Rift Skill
Science ship Bleached Planet Blinded by a dark sun in the astral planes, this leader has gained an insatiable hunger for knowledge..
Foreign Consciousness
  • Time +25% Astral Rift Exploration Speed
  • +2 Astral Rift Skill
Science ship Entangled Dark Matter This leader provides a vessel for a psionic, rift-born entity, allowing for greater understanding of the strange physics within the astral planes.
Obelisk's Curse
  • +10% Monthly Energy Credits
  • −1 Pop every year
Empire Volcanic Plane A servant of the black obelisk, this leader claims to seek to restore the balance we have disrupted.
Partially Digested
  • Research speed (society) +20% Biology Research Speed
  • −20 Years Leader Lifespan
Empire Rockworms This leader has had an unfortunate encounter with a giant worm from another dimension. While no longer whole of body, they have gained some unique insight into molecular Biology.
Sanitary Drone Assistant
  • Research speed (society) +15% Biology Research Speed
  • Time +20% Astral Rift Exploration Speed
  • +5% Anomaly Research Speed
  • +1 Astral Rift Skill
Empire Chemical Wasteland This leader learned how to clean well.

References[]

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Others The ShroudL-ClusterUnique systemsPreset empiresAI playersEaster eggs
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