The Best Robot Traits in Stellaris
Robots have been an integral part of Stellaris since its inception. Initially, players could only utilize robot pops by constructing them. However, with the release of the Synthetic Dawn DLC, a whole new world of possibilities opened up. Players could now create their own machine empires and embark on a quest to conquer the galaxy. Robot pops, whether constructed or part of a machine empire, share similarities with regular pops. They do not require food, have no climate preferences, and are immune to the happiness mechanic. However, they still need upkeep, housing, and possess traits, just like their biological counterparts.
Efficient Processors
Starting off our list is Efficient Processors. While it costs three trait points to install on your robot pops, the benefits far outweigh the cost. This trait increases job production by five percent, applying to all jobs performed by the pop. Most production bonuses in the game only benefit one specific job, making Efficient Processors a valuable trait that reduces the need for micromanagement. Although it requires three points, pairing it with negative traits can make it even more effective. However, in the late game, you can unlock enough trait points to use this trait without any negative modifiers.
Repurposed Hardware
Our first negative trait on the list is Repurposed Hardware. While it may seem counterintuitive to include a trait that weakens your pops in a “best traits” guide, negative traits can actually be beneficial. Machine empires only have one trait point to spend during empire creation, and negative traits provide extra points to spend. Repurposed Hardware gives you an additional trait point at the cost of a 25 percent penalty to leader experience gain. However, since robot leaders are immortal, they will outlive this penalty, essentially giving you a free extra trait point to spend.
Logic Engines
For two trait points, you can install the Logic Engines trait on your robot pops, which significantly improves research capabilities. Research is crucial in Stellaris, as it unlocks various upgrades and enhancements. By enhancing research productivity, you can gain a significant advantage in the game. However, keep in mind that if a robot performs a job unrelated to research, this trait won’t provide any benefit. Nevertheless, Logic Engines remains a powerful trait that contributes to a successful empire.
Mass-produced
Mass-produced is a trait that improves pop assembly speed by 15 percent and costs only one trait point. This trait makes your empire’s production capacity grow with the number of pops you have. By increasing assembly speed, you can efficiently expand your empire’s workforce. The best part is that you can easily swap this trait for another, as it’s cheap to both install and replace. This trait exemplifies the customizable nature of robot pops.
Power Drills
Power Drills is the first of three resource production buffs on our list. With two trait points, you can equip your robot pops with specialist drills that enhance mineral production from jobs by 15 percent. Minerals are essential for producing alloys, which are vital for fleets in Stellaris. By optimizing mineral production, you can bolster your empire’s alloy production. Creating a specialized planet dedicated to mining and outfitting the pops with Power Drills can lead to a substantial increase in mineral production.
Superconductive
The Superconductive trait costs two trait points and enhances energy credit production from jobs by 15 percent. Unlike biological pops, robot pops do not require food for upkeep; instead, they use energy credits. By increasing energy credit production, the Superconductive trait allows robot pops to pay for themselves and more. With this trait, the upkeep of robot pops becomes a non-issue, giving machine empires an advantage over their biological rivals. Furthermore, energy credits have various applications in the game, making this trait highly beneficial.
High Bandwidth
High Bandwidth is another negative trait that provides significant advantages. This trait increases your empire’s production capacity by 15 percent, granting two extra trait points to spend. By accepting this negative modifier, you can further customize your robot pops, strengthening your empire in the process.