Leader

Version

This article has been verified for the current PC version (2.8) of the game.

Employed leaders

A leader is a named character that leads a significant part of the Empire, as Governor, Scientist, Admiral or General. The ruler is a specific subtype of Leader and in many cases elected from the existing leaders.

The name of a leader can be changed at any time by clicking on it.

Gaining and losing leaders

All values in this section can be modified by leader traits, edicts, technology, policies, traditions, civics and ruler traits.

Leaders other than Rulers may be dismissed at any time. Dismissal is irreversible.

Leader pool

While some events and diplomatic options may give leaders, the most common way to get leaders is to recruit them from the leader pool. There is one pool for each type of leader, other than Rulers who cannot be recruited directly. Each leader pool will contain 3 leaders, or 4 if the empire has the Delegated Functions civic. If a leader is recruited another one will be added to the pool.

A leader can be recruited from the pool for a base cost of 200 energy credits, modified by the following:

Source	Cost
Eager leader trait	-50%
Newboot leader trait	-50%
Adaptive Bureaucracy technology	-20%
Selected Lineages Leader Enhancement policy	+50%
Capacity Boosters Leader Enhancement policy	+100%

When a leader is recruited, a replacement in the leader pool is generated immediately. Thus, it is possible (though potentially expensive) to "re-roll" leaders in the pool by recruiting and immediately dismissing leaders. Alternatively, leaders in the pool are replaced automatically after 10 years.

Once recruited, leaders can be freely assigned to different posts (for example, moving a governor from one planet to another sector), be left without an assignment, or be dismissed.

Each Leader save for the Ruler has a monthly upkeep of 2 Energy Credits.

Age

Each leader has an age in years and has a base guaranteed lifespan of 80 years, which can be improved by certain species traits, leader traits, and technologies.

After passing their guaranteed lifespan, leaders have a chance of dying every month. The probability is 0.2% per year that has passed since their guaranteed lifespan. After 20 years past their guaranteed lifespan this increases to 2% per month. The mean lifespan with no modifiers is 88 years, 6 months.

Hovering over a leader's age will show the leader's guaranteed lifespan and current chance to die each month.

Leaders with the Mechanical, Machine Unit or Chosen One traits are immortal and will never die from old age. Rulers of Hive Mind empires are likewise immortal.

Initial age

The initial age of a new leader can vary.

Condition	Age
Default	28-50
Imperial Heir	18-26
Robotic species	2-10
Hive-Minded species	10-20
Lithoid species	50-80

Death by accident

While Mechanical and Machine leaders are immortal they can still die by accident, regardless of their age. Every 10 years there is the following chance of a leader suffering an accident and dying:

• 88%: nothing happens
• 2%: Survey Ship scientist dies
• 2%: Engineering Research Leader dies
• 2%: Society Research Leader dies
• 2%: Physics Research Leader dies
• 2%: Admiral commanding a fleet dies
• 2%: Governor governing a sector dies

Note that this is rolled per empire, not per leader. For a role with exactly one leader, this represents a mean active lifespan of 500 years. The chance for accidental death can be negated entirely by removing each leader before the decade begins, then returning the leaders after a month passes.

Machine Intelligence empires can adopt the Self-Preservation Protocols Tradition to reduce the weight of accidents by half, reducing the chance for an accident to occur for each role to 1.06% (6.38% total), for a mean active lifespan of 940 years.

Skill level

The skill level of a leader determines their basic bonuses, which depend on leader type (ruler, governor, etc.). By default, skill ranges from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 5. The skill cap can be increased to a max level of 10 through certain traits, civics, and the leader enhancement policy.

A leader's skill increases after accumulating a certain number of experience points, shown in the table below. Upon gaining a level, a leader's experience total resets to 0 and they have a chance to gain a leader trait. A leader who has previously gained a trait from leveling cannot get another trait from leveling. Leaders who already have three or more traits and scientists researching technologies cannot gain a leader trait by leveling. The restriction on scientists can be circumvented by assigning them to another task, such as surveying or assisting research, right before they hit the required experience points for the next level.

Level	II	III	IV	V	VI	VII	VIII	IX	X
XP	200	475	825	1250	1750	2325	2975	3700	4500
Trait gain chance (admirals and scientists)	10%	14.3%	21.7%	35.7%
Trait gain chance (generals, governors, and rulers)	20%	27.3%	38.5%	55.6%

Leader classes

Leaders are divided into 5 classes that determines their possible assignments, bonuses, experience sources and available traits.

Class	Bonus per level	Experience gain	Assignment	Notes
Ruler	+5% Edict Duration +3% Monthly Unity	5 per month if ruler 1 per month if heir	Empire	Rulers are assigned from leaders based on an empire's Government type An empire's first ruler can be customized at empire creation but its traits are randomized Leaders that become rulers receive a new set of ruler traits Rulers that return to their pre-ruler class return to their previous traits and can be reassigned Rulers can be assassinated by the Contingency during the Crisis
Governor	+2% Resources from Jobs -2% Empire Sprawl from Pops -3 Crime	5 per month when governing	Sectors	Governors can be killed by events if a planet in their sector has the Mob Rule modifier
Scientist	+2% Research Speed +10% Survey Speed +1 Archaeology skill +2% Research Assist Output	3.5 per month when leading research 3 per month when assisting research 10 per survey 50 per researched anomaly 100 per completed special project 75 per archaeology site chapter	Research departments Science ships	Research in a department is reduced by -25% if no scientist is assigned to it Science ships cannot perform any function without a scientist (except exploring wormholes) Scientists can gain new traits from anomalies A scientist's level is matched against the level of an anomaly when investigating to determine the time it takes to research it Scientists can die during archaeology site events if their level is too low
Admiral	+3% Fire Rate	5 per month when suppressing piracy 5 per space battle 0.5 per destroyed ship on either side 0.25 per disengaged ship on either side	Military fleets	New admirals can arise after space battles Admirals can gain new traits based on what the fleet they're assigned to is doing Admirals have a 10% chance to die each time a ship of the largest size in the fleet is destroyed
General	+5% Army Damage	100 per ground battle 0.25 per destroyed army on either side	Planets Transport fleets	Generals have a 5% chance to die each time they lose an army

Leader traits

Non-ruler Leaders are generated with one pre-existing trait suitable for their class.

Every time a leader gains a level, they have a chance to receive an additional trait, unless they:

• are a scientist leading research.
• already have 3 traits
• have already gained a trait via level-up

Class	Trait	Effect	Species	Requirements	Description
Any	Adaptable	+25% Leader experience gain	Organic		This leader is quick to adapt new methods and ideas if they prove superior.
Any	Resilient	+25 Leader lifespan	Organic		This leader is resilient and in excellent physical condition, dramatically increasing life expectancy.
Any	Eager	−50% Leader cost −50% Leader upkeep	Organic		This leader is particularly eager for an assignment.
Any	Flexible Programming	+25% Leader experience gain	Robotic		This leader has unusually flexible programming, and is capable of quickly adapting new methods and procedures if they prove superior.
Any	Newboot	−50% Leader cost −50% Leader upkeep	Robotic		This leader was only recently upgraded to a sufficiently autonomous state to allow for command positions.
Any	Increased Lifespan	+40 Leader lifespan	Organic	Shroud event	The powerful psionic energies of the Shroud have slowed the natural aging process of this leader.
Any	Arrested Development	−1000% Leader experience gain	Any		The personal development and skills of this leader seem to have plateaued at their present level.
Any	Stubborn	−25% Leader experience gain	Organic		This leader is stubborn and slow to accept new methods and ideas, even if they have proven superior.
Any	Rigid Programming	−25% Leader experience gain	Robotic		This leader has particularly rigid programming that only rarely permits behavioral modifications, even when such changes would improve efficiency.
Any	Substance Abuser	−20 Leader lifespan	Organic		This leader has fallen to substance abuse to cope with the stress, which has had a detrimental effect on physical health.
	Architectural Sense	−10% Building cost −10% District cost +10% Planet building speed	Organic		This leader is an architect at heart, investing in more efficient construction practices.
	Champion of the People	+5% Happiness	Organic		This leader seems really to be concerned about the welfare of his people.
	Charismatic	−10% Edict cost +20% Edict Duration	Organic		This leader is exceptionally charismatic, enforcing their will with ease.
	Deep Connections	+1 Monthly Influence	Organic	Planetary Unification technology	This leader is firmly entrenched in the labyrinthine web that makes up the political machine.
	Expansionist	−15% Outpost Build cost −15% Starbase Influence cost	Organic		This leader aims to expand their borders, reducing the Outpost build cost and Colony Influence cost.
	Explorer	−25% Science Ship Build cost +33% Anomaly Research Speed	Organic		This leader is known for their insatiable curiosity, valuing space exploration above all else.
	Eye for Talent	+1 Leader Skill Levels +20% Leader experience gain	Organic	Galactic Administration technology	This leader is considered to be unusually perceptive, spotting talent where others see only eccentricity or incompetence.
	Fertility Preacher	+10% Food from Jobs +5% Pop Growth Speed	Organic		This leader feels strongly about securing and protecting agrarian food sources.
	Fleet Organizer	+15% Naval Capacity	Organic	Doctrine: Reactive Formations technology	This leader is an expert at organization possessing the necessary micromanagement skills to command very large starship formations.
	Fortifier	−10% Starbase Upgrade cost −33% Defense Platform Build cost	Organic	Deep Space Outposts technology	This ruler understands the value in using military station to secure territory.
	From the Ranks	+20% Army morale +33% Army Experience Gain	Organic	Combat Training technology	This leader rose through the ranks of military command.
	Frontier Spirit	−35% Colony Ship Build cost +25% Colony Development Speed	Organic	New Worlds Protocol technology	This leader is eager to reign over distant stars.
	Home in the Sky	−20% Starbase Module Build cost −10% Starbase Upgrade cost	Organic		This leader reaches for the stars.
	Industrialist	+10% Empire Mineral Production	Organic		This leader has a firm grip on the means of production.
	Investor	+10% Trade Value	Organic		This leader is a shrewd economist, capable of maximizing financial potential.
	Logistic Understanding	−5% Ship Upkeep −10% Army upkeep	Organic	Doctrine: Fleet Support technology	This leader is well aware of the importance of properly-structured supply chains.
	Military Pioneer	−10% Ship Upgrade cost −10% Shipyard Build cost	Organic	Doctrine: Refit Standards technology	This leader is enthusiastic about advancements in military technology and ship construction.
	Recruiter	+50% Army Build Speed −20% Army cost	Organic	Centralized Command technology	This leader is particularly charismatic, and fresh recruits are practically lining up to serve their nation.
	Reformer	+10% Monthly Unity	Organic		This leader is a reformer, dedicated towards building the society of tomorrow.
	Space Miner	+10% Mining Station Output −25% Mining Station Build cost	Organic		This leader recognizes just how vital the exploitation of offworld resources is for a star nation.
	Warlike	+5% Ship Damage +10% Army damage	Organic		This leader does not shy away from conflict reducing the Cede Planet and Cede Frontier Outpost War Demand costs.
	World Shaper	+25% Terraforming Speed −15% Clear blocker cost	Organic	Terrestrial Sculpting technology	This leader seeks to remake worlds in their image.
	Corvette Focus	−20% Corvette Build cost	Organic	Destroyers technology	This leader is intent on promoting the construction of Corvettes.
	Destroyer Focus	−20% Destroyer Build cost	Organic	Destroyers technology	This leader is intent on promoting the construction of Destroyers.
	Cruiser Focus	−20% Cruiser Build cost	Organic	Cruisers technology	This leader is intent on promoting the construction of Cruisers.
	Battleship Focus	−20% Battleship Build cost	Organic	Battleships technology	This leader is intent on promoting the construction of Battleships.
	Hive Mind	Immortal	Organic	Hive Mind	This leader is the immortal nexus of the vast cognitive apparatus that constitutes a Hive Mind.
	Machine Intelligence	Immortal	Robotic	Machine Intelligence	This leader is the core intelligence that oversees and directs all actions in a Machine Empire.
	Agrarian Upbringing	+10% Food from Jobs	Organic		This leader was raised around hydroponic farms, and has several ideas on how agrarian yields may be improved.
	Architectural Interest	−10% Building cost −10% District cost +10% Planet Build Speed	Any		This leader is an architect at heart, investing in more efficient construction practices.
	Army Veteran	+20% Army Build Speed −20% Army cost +20% Defense Army damage	Organic	Centralized Command technology	This leader is a veteran of the armed forces, with intimate experience of its structural inefficiencies.
	Bureaucrat	+10% Administrative Capacity from Bureaucrats	Organic	Gestalt Consciousness	This leader is peculiarly familiar with state bureaucracy and administration.
	Environmental Engineer	−25% Clear blocker cost −25% Clear Blocker Time	Organic		This leader has a background in landscaping, eventually turning their attention towards larger projects.
	Iron Fist	+10% Slave Output	Organic	Allowed Slavery policy	This leader is infamous for their ruthless pursuit of efficiency, and is capable of getting the most out of slave labor.
	Intellectual	+10% Research from Jobs	Organic		This leader is naturally inclined towards the sciences, and seeks to foster a curiosity about the natural world in their subjects.
	Mindfulness	+10% Administrative Capacity from Synapse Drones	Organic	Hive Mind	This drone entity has the ability to improve synaptic connections in its vicinity.
	Retired Fleet Officer	+20% Shipyard Build Speed −10% Shipyard Build cost	Organic	Interstellar Fleet Traditions technology	This leader is a former fleet officer, and is personally invested in promoting a strong inter-planetary presence.
	Righteous	−25 Crime	Organic		This leader is incorruptable and harbors strong convictions regarding what is right and wrong.
	Ai-Aided Design	+20% Shipyard Build Speed −10% Shipyard Build cost	Robotic	Interstellar Fleet Traditions technology	This leader constantly runs theoretical models on a secondary memory core for the purpose of improving starship construction efficiency.
	Amplifier	+10% Administrative Capacity from Coordinators	Robotic	Machine Intelligence	This unit has the ability to boost administrative data flows in its vicinity.
	Analytical	+10% Research Output	Robotic		This leader devotes an unusually large percentage of its processing power towards analyzing the natural sciences and promoting their study to others.
	Bulldozer	−25% Clear blocker cost −25% Clear Blocker Time	Robotic		This leader has mastered the art of quickly and efficiently transforming alien terrain into a parking lot.
	Warbot Tinkerer	+20% Army Build Speed −20% Army cost +20% Defense Army damage	Robotic	Centralized Command technology	This leader has an unusual interest in warbot design, and is constantly improving and tinkering with our existing models.
	Corrupt	+25 Crime	Organic		This corrupt leader is willing to sell out anyone and anything if it increases their personal wealth.
	Waste Management Specialist	−10% Building Upkeep	Racket	Racket Industrial Enterprise leaders	This leader has an almost uncanny ability to reduce and repurpose industrial waste. How do they do it? It's best not to ask.
	Merchant of Numa	+10% Trade Value −10% Pop Consumer Goods Upkeep	Numistic	Numistic Order leaders	A level nine Shakvah with enhanced mind focus and inner gaze...
	Enclave Trader	+10% Trade Value	Organic	Hired from a Trader Enclave	Recruited from one of the independent merchant Enclaves, this leader is particularly adept at maximizing Trade value.
	Nanite Entity	−40% Building cost +40% Planet Build Speed +15% Energy from Jobs +15% Minerals from Jobs −40% Clear blocker cost −40% Clear Blocker Time Immortal	Gray	L-Cluster outcome	Gray is in reality a dense swarm of billions upon billions of advanced nanites.
	Oracle	+10 Stability −45% Crime +20% Unity from Jobs −10% Research from Jobs Immortal	Oracle	Archaeology Site outcome	The Oracle sees all.
	Archaeologist	+25% Archaeology Excavation Speed (with Ancient Relics) +50% Precursor Anomaly Research Speed (without Ancient Relics)	Any		This leader excels at the study of alien artifacts and structural remnants in the field.
	Carefree	+35% Anomaly Research Speed	Any		This leader is perhaps less meticulous than others.
	Maniacal	+5% Research Speed Improved draw chance for dangerous technologies	Any		This leader pursues their research with unusual fervor.
	Meticulous	+10% Anomaly Discovery Chance	Any		This leader is thorough in their examinations of unknown phenomena.
	Spark of Genius	+10% Research Speed Improved draw chance for rare technologies	Any		This leader is prone to sudden bursts of inspiration.
	Cataloguer	+25% Survey Speed	Robotic		This leader can conceive no greater calling that to catalog the entirety of the universe.
	Roamer	+25% Survey Speed	Organic		This leader was born to roam the stars.
	Expertise: Computing	+15% Research speed (Computing)	Any	Each Scientist can only have one expertise trait	This leader is, following years of study, considered an expert within the field of Computing.
	Expertise: Field Manipulation	+15% Research speed (Field Manipulation)	Any	Each Scientist can only have one expertise trait	This leader is, following years of study, considered an expert within the field of Field Manipulation.
	Expertise: Particles	+15% Research speed (Particles)	Any	Each Scientist can only have one expertise trait	This leader is, following years of study, considered an expert within the field of Particles.
	Expertise: Industry	+15% Research speed (Industry)	Any	Each Scientist can only have one expertise trait	This leader is, following years of study, considered an expert within the field of Industry.
	Expertise: Materials	+15% Research speed (Materials)	Any	Each Scientist can only have one expertise trait	This leader is, following years of study, considered an expert within the field of Materials.
	Expertise: Propulsion	+15% Research speed (Propulsion)	Any	Each Scientist can only have one expertise trait	This leader is, following years of study, considered an expert within the field of Propulsion.
	Expertise: Voidcraft	+15% Research speed (Voidcraft)	Any	Each Scientist can only have one expertise trait	This leader is, following years of study, considered an expert within the field of Voidcraft.
	Expertise: Biology	+15% Research speed (Biology)	Any	Each Scientist can only have one expertise trait	This leader is, following years of study, considered an expert within the field of Biology.
	Expertise: Military Theory	+15% Research speed (Military Theory)	Any	Each Scientist can only have one expertise trait	A sound understanding in the craft of war gives this leader innovating insight into the process of military reform.
	Expertise: New Worlds	+15% Research speed (New Worlds)	Any	Each Scientist can only have one expertise trait	This leader is, following years of study, considered an expert on settling on New Worlds.
	Expertise: Statecraft	+15% Research speed (Statecraft)	Any	Each Scientist can only have one expertise trait	This leader is, following years of study, considered an expert within the field of Statecraft.
	Expertise: Psionics	+15% Research speed (Psionics)	Organic	Each Scientist can only have one expertise trait	This leader is, following years of study, considered an expert within the field of Psionics.
	Custom AI Assistant	+5% Research Speed +10% Survey Speed +15% Anomaly Research Speed	Organic	Self-Evolving Logic technology	This leader has created a simple neural network to help with data processing tasks.
	Sapient AI Assistant	+10% Research Speed +20% Survey Speed +30% Anomaly Research Speed	Organic	Positronic AI technology Artificial Intelligence Policy is not Outlawed	This leader has created a complex neural network capable of independent decision-making and even introspection.
	Paranoid	−5% Research Speed −10% Anomaly Research Speed	Organic		This leader is unwilling to collaborate with others.
	Towel-bearer	+42% Survey Speed	Organic	Stay Calm anomaly event	A towel has immense psychological value.
	Curator	+15% Research Speed +25% Survey Speed Improved draw chance for rare technologies	Organic	Hired from a Curator Enclave	This leader hails from the Curator enclave. His understanding of technology and exploration is unmatched.
	Maimed	−40 Leader lifespan	Organic	Archaeology Site bad outcome	This leader has sustained irreversible physical injury that has lowered their life expectancy significantly.
	Aggressive	+5% Fire Rate +10% Sublight Speed	Any	Can be gained from victories	This leader is an agressive admiral, always looking to pour as much fire on the enemy as possible within the least amount of time.
	Cautious	+20% Weapons Range	Any	Can be gained from defeats	This leader is a cautious admiral, avoiding unnecessary risks and taking care to always maintain in which fleet units can mutually support each other against the enemy.
	Engineer	+0.5% Daily Hull Regeneration +0.5% Daily Armor Regeneration	Any	Doctrine: Interstellar Warfare technology Can be gained from repairs	This leader is a natural engineer, having the knowledge and skills to organize and oversee starship repairs without the benefit of a spacedock.
	Fleet Logistician	−10% Ship Upkeep	Any	Can be gained from leading a fleet	This leader has mastered the field of logistics, and knows how to manage supplies to keep upkeep costs down.
	Gale Speed	+5% Evasion +20% Sublight Speed	Any	Can be gained from space battles	This leader believes that speed and rapid maneuvers are the keys to success in any space engagement.
	Scout	+1 Sensor Range +1 Hyperlane Detection Range +10% Sublight Speed	Any	Can be gained from leading a fleet	This leader is an expert in reconnaissance, having the technical skill to always get the most out of long-range starship sensors.
	Trickster	−15% Emergency FTL Damage Risk +25% Combat Disengagement Chance	Any	Can be gained from victories	This leader fights deviously, relying on misdirection and surprise to get the better of the enemy.
	Unyielding	+10% Ship Hull Points +5% Weapon Damage −33% Combat Disengagement Chance	Any	Can be gained from space battles	This leader refuses to even consider the possibility of retreat when battle has been joined, preferring instead to fight to the death if necessary.
	Lethargic	−5% Evasion −10% Sublight Speed	Any	Can be gained from defeats	This leader is slow and indolent, performing duties with little energy or initiative.
	Nervous	−10% Fire Rate	Organic	Can be gained from defeats	This leader is nervous and apprehensive and can be easily overwhelmed in the minutia involved in handling large formations of starships.
	Unstable Code Base	−10% Fire Rate	Robotic	Can be gained from defeats	This leader suffers from an unstable code base, resulting in jittery and sometimes illogical behavior.
	Dragonslayer	+10% Sublight Speed +10% Fire Rate	Any	Defeating the Ether Drake	This Admiral has proven themselves in fierce combat.
	Caravan Counter	−10% Emergency FTL Damage Risk	Any	Destroying a Caravan	This leader has ample experience stopping the flighty Caravaneer fleets dead in their tracks.
	Foredoomed to a Rendezvous	+25% Sublight Speed	Organic	A Rendezvous Horizon Signal Event	Experienced a troubling future.
	Mercenary Warrior	+10% Evasion +10% Fire Rate	Marauder	Rescued or hired for 2000 Energy	This Leader hails from a space-based warrior culture, and has been taught unorthodox hit-and-run tactics from an early age.
	Hell's Heart	+10% Fire Rate +10% Sublight Speed +10% Weapon Damage −10% Leader experience gain −5% Evasion −33% Combat Disengagement Chance	Reth Unddol	Defeating the Tiyanki Matriarch	When it comes to warfare, this leader is mercilessly obsessive, and singular in purpose.
	Cybrex Databases	+10% Evasion +10% Fire Rate +20% Damage to the Contingency	Cybrex		This Cybrex leader is equipped with ancient tactical databases from their civilization's violent past.
	Dimensional Stutter	+20% Sublight Speed	Extradimensional		For unknown reasons, the vessels under the command of this extradimensional fleet lord seem to rapidly stutter in and out of existence as they move, which has the effect of increasing their sublight speeds.
	Ethereal	+20% Evasion	Extradimensional		Some extradimensional fleet lords have learned to use the ethereal nature of their vessels to greatly enhance their evasive capabilities in combat.
	Hive Affinity	+20% Fire Rate	Prethoryn		The Prethoryn creatures operating under this fleet consciousness have managed to attain an unusual level of affinity to one another. Their firing discipline has greatly improved, leading to a higher rate of fire.
	Sentinel Training	+20% Damage to Prethoryn Creatures	Sentinel		Sentinel fleet commanders possess detailed knowledge of Prethoryn anatomy and tactics.
	Void Hunter	+20% Sublight Speed	Prethoryn		The hunting instincts of this fleet consciousness has driven the Prethoryn creatures under its dominion into a frenzy. Their eagerness for battle drives them ever forward.
	The Great Khan	+20% Fire Rate +20% Sublight Speed +10% Weapon Damage +10% Weapon Range +20% Ship Hull Points +30% Evasion +0.5% daily hull regeneration +0.5% daily armor regeneration	Great Khan		The Great Khan is a charismatic leader, a brilliant tactician, and, if the rumors are true, a powerful psychic.
	Butcher	+10% Army damage +33% Collateral Damage	Any		This leader is particularly skilled at inflicting casualties on the enemy, offering no quarter and expecting none in return.
	Army Logistician	−20% Army upkeep	Organic		This leader can seemingly conjure up supplies from nowhere, decreasing the maintenance costs of ground forces.
	Charismatic	+25% Army morale	Organic		This inspiring leader has an undeniable charisma, being worshiped as a hero by the troops.
	Glory Seeker	+10% Army morale +5% Army damage	Organic		This leader is always in the thick of it, bucking the spirits of the troops by leading from the front despite the risks involved.
	Restrained	+20% Army Disengagement Chance -33% Collateral Damage	Organic		This leader is unusually concerned with the lives of others, taking care to avoid unnecessary deaths among their own soldiers as well as any civilians caught in the fighting.
	Demoralizer	+30% Army morale damage	Robotic		This leader is fascinated by the fragile minds of organics, and how they can most efficiently be broken through the creative use of terror tactics on the battlefield.
	Parts Cannibalizer	−20% Army upkeep	Robotic		This leader is very adept at cannibalizing parts from fallen or malfunctioning warbots to keep others running longer
	Armchair Commander	−10% Army morale −10% Army damage	Organic		This leader commands from the rear, preferably as far away from the frontlines as possible to avoid exposure to 'unnecessary dangers'.
	Erratic Morality Core	−10% Army damage	Robotic		This leader frequently suffers intense bouts of shame and regret over enemy casualties due to an erratic morality core.
	Mercenary Warrior	+10% Army damage	Marauder	Hired for 2000 Energy	This Leader hails from a space-based warrior culture, and has been taught unorthodox hit-and-run tactics from an early age.

Class dependant traits

Certain species traits grant leaders a unique trait that offers different benefits depending on the leader type. The Erudite trait will not give its leader class bonus if added to a species with the Cybernetic or Psionic trait.

Trait	Required species trait	Ruler effects	Governors effects	Scientists effects	Admirals effects	Generals effects
Cyborg	Cybernetic		+5% Minerals from Jobs	+5% Research speed	+5% Fire rate	+5% Army damage
Synthetic	Synthetic	+5% Robot resource production	+5% Energy from Jobs +5% Minerals from Jobs	+15% Anomaly research speed +5% Research speed	+5% Fire rate +10% Weapon range	+10% Army damage
Psychic	Latent Psionic (20% chance) Psionic (100% chance)	+10% Governing ethics attraction +0.5 Monthly Influence	+5 Stability +10% Unity	+10% Research speed +10% Research speed (Psionics) +25% Survey speed +1 Archaeology skill	+10% Damage +15% Evasion	+15% Army Morale +15% Army Morale Damage
Chosen one	Psionic	+20% Governing ethics attraction +1 Monthly Influence	+10 Stability +20% Unity	+20% Research speed +50% Survey speed +2 Archaeology skill	+20% Damage +30% Evasion	+20% Army Damage +30% Army Morale +30% Army Morale Damage
Erudite	Erudite	+5% Research speed	+5% Research from Jobs	+5% Research speed	+5% Fire rate +10% Disengagement chance	+5% Army damage +10% Disengagement chance
Brain Slug Host	Brain Slug Host	+10% Research from Jobs +10% Naval Capacity	+10% Planet Build Speed +15% Research from Jobs	+10% Research speed +15% Survey Speed +15% Anomaly Research Speed	+5% Fire Rate +5% Evasion −10% Ship Upkeep	−15% Army Upkeep

Unique leaders

A few leaders can be obtained through events and, unless the empire's main species has traits that give unique bonuses to leader classes, are usually superior to regular leaders.

Leader	Class	Level	Age	Immortal	Traits	Source	DLC
0101010111	Admiral	3	1		Aggressive Fleet Logistician	The Servants of Sand anomaly event
The Exile	Scientist	3	random		Random	The Exile anomaly event
Majula the Bearer	General	5	random		Charismatic Glory Seeker	Beneath the Battlefield anomaly event
Sobak	Scientist	6	random		Spark of Genius	Abduction Proposal observation event
Tuborek	Admiral	10	65		Fleet Logistician Gale Speed Resilient	Shielded Militant Isolationists world (25% chance)
S875.1 Warform	Admiral	3	random		Random	Mysterious Construct anomaly outcome
Caretaker AX7-b	Governor	4	709		Random	Unidentified Drop Pods anomaly outcome
Reth Unddol	Admiral	5	random		Hell's Heart Random	Defeating the Tiyanki Matriarch
Gray	Governor	10	random		Nanite Entity	L-Cluster outcome
Oracle	Governor	5	random		Oracle	Archaeology Site excavation

References

Game concepts