Greetings Lords of Rigel! For the first update of this year we have some stability and community reported issues fixed and a number of requested balance and quality of life improvements.
The main one is the new simple map mode that also displays natural navigation hazards (Black Holes, Nebulae, and Neutron Stars). Some players had accessibility issues with contrast from the stars, so this mode colorizes stars by faction and provides a clear marker of navigation hazards.
Some UI quality of life improvements also include the diplomacy menu remaining open when finishing an audience during a turn. Additionally a new option in settings (on by default) dismisses viewed event ticker items automatically.
Image 1. New Simple Map Mode
Balance wise abstentions are more common in early to mid game galactic council votes. This reduces the chance of final war triggering in the mid game.
AI has also been adjusted for colony focus for no farming, lithovore, and mechanoid species. If a research focus is selected fewer will be assigned to industry.
Finally, trade and research treaties will automatically renegotiate once they reach the maximum value for their stage and should expand (and contract) better as economies change one a treaty has developed.
Again your save files are helpful for narrowing down any encountered issues please send them to [email protected] while some issues may seem obvious they could be tied to your specific play style or custom species. Having the save with an issue makes it quicker to narrow down and resolve.
What's next? Additional community reported issues will be looked at, but the focus will be on council decrees which will add significant bonuses or penalties if enacted to your economy depending on your rank but also offset the doomsday clock.