Scientist traits

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This article is for the PC version of Stellaris only.

Leaders

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 and characteristics of a leader. Most traits have multiple tiers and can be upgraded. The way in which leaders gain or upgrade traits depends on whether the Galactic Paragons DLC is enabled:

Skill level	With Galactic Paragons	Without Galactic Paragons
	Basic trait
	Basic trait	Basic or veteran trait
	Veteran class If gestalt ruler or node, veteran councilor trait instead
	Veteran trait	Basic or veteran trait
	Veteran trait
	Veteran trait	Basic or veteran trait
	Destiny trait If gestalt or paragon with destiny trait, veteran trait instead
	Veteran trait	Basic or veteran trait
	Veteran trait
Mechanics	Traits can be selected manually Veteran traits cap at tier 3 Can set traits to be selected automatically	Traits are selected automatically Veteran traits cap at tier 2 Most veteran traits are not available A few additional basic traits are available

Common traits[edit | edit source]

The following traits can be obtained by all scientists.

Trait	Level I effects	Level II effects	Requirements	Notes
The following traits apply their effects to the assigned science ship:
Roamer Cataloger	+10% Survey Speed	+20% Survey Speed	Neurosis	More common if Explorer
Perfectionist Meticulous Analyst Meticulous Calculator	+10% Anomaly Discovery Chance	+15% Anomaly Discovery Chance	Intuition	More common if Explorer
Intuition Efficiency Quick Calculations	+10% Anomaly Research Speed	+25% Anomaly Research Speed	Neurosis Perfectionist	More common if Scholar
Archaeologist Archaeologist Drone Archaeologist Unit	+10% Archaeology Excavation Speed	+20% Archaeology Excavation Speed		More common if Scholar
Custom AI Assistant	+10% Survey Speed +10% Anomaly Research Speed		Self-Evolving Logic technology
Sapient AI Assistant	+15% Survey Speed +15% Anomaly Research Speed		Positronic AI technology AI policy not set to Outlawed
Void Tracker	−10% Gravity Snare Cost +10% Fauna Capture Chance +1 Fauna Capture Amount −10% Gravity Snare Cooldown	−25% Gravity Snare Cost +25% Fauna Capture Chance +2 Fauna Capture Amount −25% Gravity Snare Cooldown	Gravity Snares technology
The following traits apply their effects when assigned to the empire council:
Spark of Genius	Assigned to council: +3% Research Speed Increased chance for rare research options	Assigned to council: +6% Research Speed Increased chance for rare research options	Paranoia	Selectable at empire creation
Planar Theorist	Assigned science ship: +10% Astral Rift Exploration Speed Assigned to council: (if ) +10% Particles Research Speed	Assigned science ship: +20% Astral Rift Exploration Speed Assigned to council: (if ) +20% Particles Research Speed	Rift Sphere technology Ruler Imperial Heir	More common if either: Riftworld origin Dimensional Worship Dimensional Worship Dimensional Enterprise civic Hyperspace Specialty Hyperspace Specialty Hyperspace Trade Hyperspace Synchronicity Hyperspace Synchronicity civic

Negative traits[edit | edit source]

Trait	Level I effects	Level II effects	Conflicts	Notes	Description
Narrow-Minded	Assigned to council: −5% Research Speed	Assigned to council: −5% Research Speed −1 Research Alternatives	Inquisitive		This leader has a very narrow focus on potential research, disregarding some options as unnecessary.
Paranoia	Assigned to council: −5% Research Speed	Assigned to council: −10% Research Speed	Hyper Focus Spark of Genius		This leader is unwilling to collaborate with others.
Stubbornness	Assigned sector: −2.5% Research from Jobs Assigned planet: −5% Research from Jobs	Assigned sector: −3.75% Research from Jobs Assigned planet: −7.5% Research from Jobs	Collaborator	More common if Quarrelsome	This leader keeps strong opinions on certain topics, making collaboration with other researchers difficult.
Traumatized	Assigned science ship: −10% Anomaly Research Speed −30% Archaeology Excavation Speed −30% Astral Rift Exploration Speed	Assigned science ship: −20% Anomaly Research Speed −100% Archaeology Excavation Speed −100% Astral Rift Exploration Speed		Can be gained from archaeology sites	Recently sustained psychological trauma is interfering with this leader's performance.
Neurosis	Assigned science ship: −5% Survey Speed −5% Anomaly Research Speed	Assigned science ship: −20% Survey Speed −20% Anomaly Research Speed	Intuition Roamer		This leader takes too many precautions, with a complete disregard for efficiency.

Veteran traits[edit | edit source]

With the Galactic Paragons DLC, leaders that reach skill level 4 can select a veteran class, which will unlock a pool of veteran traits selectable on the next level-ups. Without the Galactic Paragons DLC, leaders do not use veteran classes, but can randomly gain some of these traits at level-up if their requirements are met.

Analyst traits[edit | edit source]

The following traits are unlocked by the Analyst veteran class. They apply their effects when governing a planet or sector. Effects are halved on other planets in the assigned sector.

They are not available without the Galactic Paragons DLC.

Trait	Level I effects	Level II effects	Level III effects	Conflicts	Description
Collaborator Synapse Linking Computer Linking	+5% Research from Jobs (+2.5%)	+7.5% Research from Jobs (+3.75%)	+10% Research from Jobs (+5%)	Stubbornness	This leader is happy to collaborate with other scientists and researchers in the pursuit of knowledge.
Engineering Focus	+10% Engineering from Jobs (+5%)	+20% Engineering from Jobs (+10%)	+30% Engineering from Jobs (+15%)	Other focus traits	This leader is passionate about advancing research in deep space engineering, design, and voidcraft. Their knowledge in these fields is unparalleled.
Physics Focus	+10% Physics from Jobs (+5%)	+20% Physics from Jobs (+10%)	+30% Physics from Jobs (+15%)	Other focus traits	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	+10% Society from Jobs (+5%)	+20% Society from Jobs (+10%)	+30% Society from Jobs (+15%)	Other focus traits	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[edit | edit source]

The following traits are unlocked by the Explorer veteran class. They apply their effects to the assigned science ship, and focus on exploration.

They are not available without the Galactic Paragons DLC.

Trait	Level I effects	Level II effects	Level III effects	Requirements	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	+20% Chance to increase Resource Deposit Size on Survey	+35% Chance to increase Resource Deposit Size on Survey	+50% Chance to increase Resource Deposit Size on Survey		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	Basic Cloaking Fields tech	Some discoveries are best kept hidden.

Scholar traits[edit | edit source]

The following traits are unlocked by the Scholar veteran class. They apply their effects to the assigned science ship, and focus on discoveries.

Without the Galactic Paragons DLC, they can be gained randomly upon level-up if their requirements are met.

Trait	Level I effects	Level II effects	Level III effects	Requirements	Description
Excavator	+1 Archaeology Skill	+2 Archaeology Skill	+3 Archaeology Skill		This leader is no stranger to physical labor and finds field work particularly enjoyable.
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		This academic is a salvaging savant who can disassemble even the most damaged ships and repurpose them as something useful.
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	Archaeostudies technology	Where other academics see trash, this scholar sees treasures. This meticulous leader never leaves an archaeological site before examining every scrap.
Riftwalker	+1 Astral Rift Skill	+2 Astral Rift Skill	+3 Astral Rift Skill	Rift Sphere technology	The Rift beckons. The scholar answers the call.

Statistician traits[edit | edit source]

The following traits are unlocked by the Statistician veteran class. They apply their effects empire-wide if the leader is part of the empire council.

Without the Galactic Paragons DLC, some of them can be gained randomly upon level-up if their requirements are met.

Trait	Level I effects	Level II effects	Level III effects	Requirements	Description
Expansionist	−5% Outpost Build Cost −5% Starbase Influence Cost	−7.5% Outpost Build Cost −7.5% Starbase Influence Cost	−10% Outpost Build Cost −10% Starbase Influence Cost		This leader aims to expand their borders.
Hyper Focus	+3% Research Speed Increased chance for rare research options	+6% Research Speed Increased chance for rare research options	+9% Research Speed Increased chance for rare research options	Paranoia	This leader pursues their research with unparalleled commitment.
Archivist	+5% Scientist Experience Gain +1 Archaeology Skill	+15% Scientist Experience Gain +1 Archaeology Skill	+25% Scientist Experience Gain +2 Archaeology Skill		Storing and cataloging data is a continuous and never-ending task. This leader makes sure that others can easily derive knowledge from the archives.
Inquisitive Expanded Intellect	+1% Research Speed +1 Research Alternatives	+2% Research Speed +1 Research Alternatives	+4% Research Speed +1 Research Alternatives	Narrow-Minded	This leader possesses a highly inquisitive mind, always trying to find another field of research to explore and study.

Expertise traits[edit | edit source]

Expertise traits increase the research speed of a certain research field when assigned to the council. Each scientist can only gain one expertise trait from each research area when leveling up, but more expertise traits from the same area can be added by events. They can be selected if the leader has the Statistician veteran class. If the empire has the Technocracy civic, each scientist starts with a random tier I expertise trait, and the traits gain additional effects when governing a planet or sector.

Without the Galactic Paragons DLC, they can be gained randomly upon level-up if their requirements are met.

Trait	Level I effects	Level II effects	Level III effects	Requirements
Expertise: Industry	Assigned to council: +15% Research Speed for [field] techs +25% Chance for [field] tech options Assigned planet / sector: +10% Engineering from Jobs (+5%)	Assigned to council: +30% Research Speed for [field] techs +35% Chance for [field] tech options Assigned planet / sector: +20% Engineering from Jobs (+10%)	Assigned to council: +50% Research Speed for [field] techs +75% Chance for [field] tech options Assigned planet / sector: +30% Engineering from Jobs (+15%)
Expertise: Materials
Expertise: Propulsion
Expertise: Voidcraft
Expertise: Computing	Assigned to council: +15% Research Speed for [field] techs +25% Chance for [field] tech options Assigned planet / sector: +10% Physics from Jobs (+5%)	Assigned to council: +30% Research Speed for [field] techs +35% Chance for [field] tech options Assigned planet / sector: +20% Physics from Jobs (+10%)	Assigned to council: +50% Research Speed for [field] techs +75% Chance for [field] tech options Assigned planet / sector: +30% Physics from Jobs (+15%)
Expertise: Field Manipulation
Expertise: Particles
Expertise: Biology	Assigned to council: +15% Research Speed for [field] techs +25% Chance for [field] tech options Assigned planet / sector: +10% Society from Jobs (+5%)	Assigned to council: +30% Research Speed for [field] techs +35% Chance for [field] tech options Assigned planet / sector: +20% Society from Jobs (+10%)	Assigned to council: +50% Research Speed for [field] techs +75% Chance for [field] tech options Assigned planet / sector: +30% Society from Jobs (+15%)
Expertise: Military Theory
Expertise: New Worlds
Expertise: Statecraft
Expertise: Psionics	Assigned to council: +15% Research Speed for Psionics techs +50% Chance for Psionics tech options Assigned planet / sector: +10% Society from Jobs (+5%)	Assigned to council: +30% Research Speed for Psionics techs +100% Chance for Psionics tech options Assigned planet / sector: +20% Society from Jobs (+10%)	Assigned to council: +50% Research Speed for Psionics techs +200% Chance for Psionics tech options Assigned planet / sector: +30% Society from Jobs (+15%)	Either: Teachers of the Shroud origin Psionic Theory technology Psionic leader trait Psychic Chosen One Chosen of the Composer Chosen of the Eater Chosen of the Instrument Chosen of the Whisperers Psionic species leader Latent Psionic species leader
Expertise: Archaeostudies	Assigned to council: +15% Research Speed for Archaeostudies techs +15% Chance for Archaeostudies tech options −5% Minor Artifact ship cost Assigned planet / sector: +10% Minor Artifacts from Jobs (+5%)	Assigned to council: +30% Research Speed for Archaeostudies techs +20% Chance for Archaeostudies tech options −7.5% Minor Artifact ship cost Assigned planet / sector: +20% Minor Artifacts from Jobs (+10%)	Assigned to council: +50% Research Speed for Archaeostudies techs +35% Chance for Archaeostudies tech options −10% Minor Artifact ship cost Assigned planet / sector: +30% Minor Artifacts from Jobs (+15%)	Ancient Relics DLC Either: Remnants origin Excavated an archaeological site

Destiny traits[edit | edit source]

With Galactic Paragons DLC, leaders that reach skill level 8 can selected a destiny trait. Gestalt Consciousness leaders, and paragons that started with a destiny trait cannot gain a destiny trait, and have to gain or upgrade a veteran trait instead.

Trait	Effects	Requirements	Description
Requires the Analyst veteran class, applies its effects to the scientist's assigned planet or sector: (effects halved on other planets in the assigned sector)
Planetary Analyst Planetary Monitoring	+0.5 Physics from Technicians (+0.25) +0.5 Society from Farmers (+0.25) +0.5 Engineering from Miners (+0.25)		Advanced surveying techniques and machinery demand wide-ranging field experience. This leader's expertise has turned planetary surveying into an art form.
Truth Seeker	+20% Amenities from Jobs (+10%) +25% Resources from Psionic Pops (+12.5%) +50% Spiritualist Ethics Attraction (+25%)	Pursued non Psionic ascension. Machine main species Natural Design civic	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.
Requires the Explorer veteran class and applies its effects to the scientist's assigned science ship:
Xeno Cataloger	+50% Sublight Speed +50% Survey Speed +15% Anomaly Discovery Chance		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		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.
Gifted Trapper	+25% Fauna Capture Chance +10% Sublight Speed −25% Gravity Snare Cooldown +10 Experience for all Scientists on Space Fauna capture		A skilled researcher who takes the utmost care in the safe capture and transportation of live specimens. This leader's commitment to creature welfare inspires others to improve research standards across all disciplines.
Requires the Scholar veteran class and applies its effects to the scientist's assigned science ship:
Detail-Oriented	−15% Archaeology Excavation Speed While excavating archaeological sites: +15 Monthly Society Research +5 Monthly Minor Artifacts		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		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:
Great Researcher	+10% Research Speed		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 +15% Voidcraft Research Speed +33% Ship Build Speed		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		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[edit | edit source]

The following traits can only be obtained by events or special leaders.

Trait	Effects	Source	Description
Chronofuge	This leader: Immortal	The Orb anomaly outcome	This leader is unaffected by time and will not die from old age.
Towel-bearer	Assigned science ship: +42% Survey Speed	Dunes anomaly outcome	A towel has immense psychological value.
Maimed	This leader: −40 Years Leader Lifespan	Archaeological site bad outcome	This leader has sustained irreversible physical injury that has lowered their life expectancy significantly.
Cutholoid Victim	This leader: −20% Leader Lifespan Assigned to council: +20% Biology Research Speed	Captured by Cutholoids	This leader was trapped for some time in the digestive system of a spaceborne Cutholoid. While no longer whole of body, they have gained some unique insight into molecular Biology.
Percussive Maintainer	This leader: −10% Leader Experience Gain Assigned to council: +20% Computing Research Speed Assigned science ship: +10% Archaeology Excavation Speed	Ruined Station archaeological site outcome	There is no such thing as a hardware problem that liberal use of the boot will not fix.

Scholarium traits[edit | edit source]

One of the following traits is present on every scientist recruited from the leader pool of a tier 2 Scholarium.

Trait	Effects	Description
Scholarium Explorer	Assigned science ship: +20% Survey Speed	The curiosity of Scholarium specialists will drive them to the ends of the universe, and probably beyond.
Scholarium Observer	Assigned science ship: +25% Anomaly Research Speed +5% Anomaly Discovery Chance	No mystery shall be left unsolved in a Scholarium scholar's wake.
Scholarium Investigator	Assigned to planet / sector: +25% Research from Jobs (+12.5%)	Scholarium specialists view the universe as one large puzzle, waiting to be solved.

Astral rift traits[edit | edit source]

The following traits can only be obtained from the outcomes of certain astral rifts.

Trait	Effects	Astral rift	Description
Rift Warped	This leader: +50 Years Leader Lifespan +10% Leader Experience Gain Does not use leader capacity	Various astral rifts	This leader has crossed the astral planes; the effects of such a journey are both lasting and profound.
Black Light Blinded	Assigned science ship: −50% Survey Speed −50% Archaeology Excavation Speed −50% Astral Rift Exploration Speed −2 Archaeology Skill −2 Astral Rift Skill	Bleached Planet	Blinded by a dark sun in the astral planes, this leader has gained an insatiable hunger for knowledge.
Obelisk's Curse	Assigned to council: +10% Monthly Energy Credits −1 Pop every year	Volcanic Plane	A servant of the black obelisk, this leader claims to seek to restore the balance we have disrupted.
Partially Digested	This leader: −20% Leader Lifespan Assigned to council: +20% Biology Research Speed	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	Assigned to council: +7.5% Biology Research Speed +20% Astral Rift Exploration Speed Assigned science ship: +5% Anomaly Research Speed +1 Astral Rift Skill	Chemical Wasteland	This leader learned how to clean well.
Foreign Consciousness	Assigned science ship: +25% Astral Rift Exploration Speed +2 Astral Rift Skill	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.

Paragon traits[edit | edit source]

The following traits are only present on certain paragons.

Trait	Effects	Paragon	Description
Curator	Assigned to council: +10% Research Speed +25% Survey Speed +10% Researcher Upkeep Increased chance for rare research options	Curator scientist	This leader hails from the Curator enclave. Their understanding of technology and exploration is unmatched.
Master Salvager	Assigned science ship: +2% Monthly Hull Points Repaired for Friendly Ships in System 15% Chance to Salvage Ships when finishing debris	Salvager leader Borin	A veteran of Salvage operations from the Salvagers Enclave, sharing their expertise for a small fee.
AI Assistant 'Gorky'	This leader: +10% Leader Experience Gain Assigned planet / sector: +10% Research from Jobs (+5%)	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	This leader: +10 Years Leader Lifespan Assigned science ship: +25% Sublight Speed +25% Archaeology Excavation Speed −50% Time Spent Missing In Action	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 Downgrades to tier II if nuclei terraforming is used for the first time.	Astrocreator Azaryn	The buds on Astrocreator Azaryn's back. She is secretive about them. Three buds remain.
Terraformation Nuclei	+20 Monthly Food Downgrades to tier I if nuclei terraforming is used for the second time.		The buds on Astrocreator Azaryn's back. Her health seems reliant on them. Two buds remain.
Terraformation Nucleus	+30 Monthly Food Astrocreator Azaryn dies if nuclei terraforming is used for the third time.		The buds on Astrocreator Azaryn's back, and the source of her powers. Azaryn needs them to survive. A single bud remains.

Node traits[edit | edit source]

These traits are added to the Cognitive Node of a Gestalt Consciousness empire by certain events. Their effects apply empire-wide.

Trait	Effects	Source	Description	DLC
Curator Principles	+10% Research Speed +25% Survey Speed +10% Researchers Upkeep Increased chance for rare research options	Curator enclave deal	This node has assimilated the fundamental teachings of the Curator Enclave.