The latest episode of the Critical Moves Podcast dives into the recently announced Stellaris 4.0 Phoenix update and highlights from the ongoing Steam RTS Fest. If you’re a fan of strategy games, this episode is packed with insights, recommendations, and a bit of our usual banter.
Stellaris 4.0 Phoenix Update: What’s New?
The Phoenix update for Stellaris 4.0 is shaping up to be a game-changer. The most notable change is the overhaul of the game’s performance, particularly in the late game. Paradox Interactive is tackling late-game lag by combining ‘pops’ into groups, significantly reducing the number of calculations required each day in the game’s simulation. This approach, previously used in Victoria 3, should help smooth out gameplay when your empire (or the galaxy) reaches a critical mass.
Other updates include a redesign of the anomaly system. Instead of intrusive pop-up windows, anomalies will now appear in the top-right corner of the screen, allowing you to handle them at your own pace. It’s a quality-of-life improvement that should keep players more immersed in their grand strategies without constant interruptions.
The Phoenix update will launch alongside the major 2025 DLC for Stellaris, though details on the DLC itself remain under wraps. We’ll keep an eye out for more information as it drops.
Highlights from the Steam RTS Fest
The Steam RTS Fest is in full swing, offering demos, sales, and a chance to revisit some classic strategy games. Here are a few of our top picks from the festival:
- Tempest Rising: A modern take on classic Command & Conquer-style gameplay. The demo is available during the RTS Fest, and with its nostalgic feel and polished mechanics, this one is a must-try.
- Zero Space: This game features a shared MMO Galaxy where your actions in single-player affect the broader multiplayer universe. It’s an innovative take that blends RTS gameplay with a persistent world.
- DORF: A hero-based RPG with city-building elements, drawing comparisons to games like Majesty. During the day, you build up your city, and at night, you fend off waves of undead. The demo is available now, and it looks like a great mix of strategy and survival.
- Beyond All Reason: A free-to-play RTS that channels the spirit of Total Annihilation. It offers large-scale battles, robust multiplayer, and a dedicated development team constantly improving the experience.
- Frostpunk: For those who love a challenge, this city-builder set in a frozen apocalypse is on sale for a fraction of its usual price. It’s a tough, morally challenging game where survival often means making harsh decisions.
Looking Ahead
Next week, we’ll discuss effective strategies in various games and how they compare across different genres. It promises to be a deep dive into the tactical approaches that work (and those that don’t). Stay tuned, and if you haven’t already, join our Discord community through the link on Critical Moves Podcast to share your thoughts on Stellaris 4.0, the RTS Fest, or strategy games in general.
Listeners can find this episode on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. For ways to get involved visit the Critical Moves Podcast website.
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