Scientist traits

Version

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

Leaders

Scientist traits

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	Opposite	Requirements	Notes
Spark of Genius	+3% Research Speed Increased chance for rare research options	+6% Research Speed 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	+10% Astral Rift Exploration Speed +10% Particles Research Speed	+20% Astral Rift Exploration Speed +20% Particles Research Speed	Council		Rift Sphere technology	More common if Riftworld More common if Dimensional Worship

Negative traits[]

Trait	Level 1 effects	Level 2 effects	Scope	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	+15% Industry Research Speed +25% Chance for Industry Research Options	+20% Industry Research Speed +35% Chance for Industry Research Options	+35% Industry Research Speed +75% Chance for Industry Research Options
Materials	+15% Materials Research Speed +25% Chance for Material Research Options	+20% Materials Research Speed +35% Chance for Material Research Options	+35% Materials Research Speed +75% Chance for Material Research Options
Propulsion	+15% Propulsion Research Speed +25% Chance for Propulsion Research Options	+20% Propulsion Research Speed +35% Chance for Propulsion Research Options	+35% Propulsion Research Speed +75% Chance for Propulsion Research Options
Voidcraft	+15% Voidcraft Research Speed +25% Chance for Voidcraft Research Options	+20% Voidcraft Research Speed +35% Chance for Voidcraft Research Options	+35% Voidcraft Research Speed +75% Chance for Voidcraft Research Options
Computing	+15% Computing Research Speed +25% Chance for Computing Research Options	+20% Computing Research Speed +35% Chance for Computing Research Options	+35% Computing Research Speed +75% Chance for Computing Research Options
Field Manipulation	+15% Field Manipulation Research Speed +25% Chance for Field Manipulation Research Options	+20% Field Manipulation Research Speed +35% Chance for Field Manipulation Research Options	+35% Field Manipulation Research Speed +75% Chance for Field Manipulation Research Options
Particles	+15% Particles Research Speed +25% Chance for Particles Research Options	+20% Particles Research Speed +35% Chance for Particles Research Options	+35% Particles Research Speed +75% Chance for Particles Research Options
Biology	+15% Biology Research Speed +25% Chance for Biology Research Options	+20% Biology Research Speed +35% Chance for Biology Research Options	+35% Biology Research Speed +75% Chance for Biology Research Options
Military Theory	+15% Military Theory Research Speed +25% Chance for Military Theory Research Options	+20% Military Theory Research Speed +35% Chance for Military Theory Research Options	+35% Military Theory Research Speed +75% Chance for Military Theory Research Options
New Worlds	+15% New Worlds Research Speed +25% Chance for New Worlds Research Options	+20% New Worlds Research Speed +35% Chance for New Worlds Research Options	+35% New Worlds Research Speed +75% Chance for New Worlds Research Options
Statecraft	+15% Statecraft Research Speed +25% Chance for Statecraft Research Options	+20% Statecraft Research Speed +35% Chance for Statecraft Research Options	+35% Statecraft Research Speed +75% Chance for Statecraft Research Options
Archaeostudies	+15% Archaeostudies Research Speed +15% Chance for Archaeostudies Research Options −5% Minor Artifact Ship Cost	+20% Archaeostudies Research Speed +20% Chance for Archaeostudies Research Options −7.5% Minor Artifact Ship Cost	+35% Archaeostudies Research Speed +35% Chance for Archaeostudies Research Options −10% Minor Artifact Ship Cost	Ancient Relics DLC Remnants origin or excavated an archeological site
Psionics	+15% Psionics Research Speed +50% Chance for Psionics Research Options	+20% Psionics Research Speed +100% Chance for Psionics Research Options	+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
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 Increased chance for rare research options	+9% Research Speed Increased chance for rare research options	+15% Research Speed 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	+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 +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	+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 +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	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	+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	Paragon	Description
Curator	+15% Research Speed +25% Survey Speed 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	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 −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	Astral rift	Description
Black Light Blinded	−50% Survey Speed −50% Archaeology Excavation Speed −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	+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	+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	+15% Biology Research Speed +20% Astral Rift Exploration Speed +5% Anomaly Research Speed +1 Astral Rift Skill	Empire	Chemical Wasteland	This leader learned how to clean well.