The latest update not only fixes a couple bugs and adds quality of life improvements, but it also provides a significant overhaul for the Phoenix mod we introduced last year. Phoenix is a great example of what modders can do with the game tools.
EFSe Changes
- Added UI symbols for towing and for being tower (towING and towED)
- Fix a problem with missed payments preventing ending a turn
- Sect change timers should now be correct
- Phoenix mod updates will arrivein it’s own section in a bit
- Units with negative healing (only in mods) will disappear if 0 hp
Phoenix Mod Changes
- Fixed text spasming issues.
- Corrected infantry movement cost on mountains (now +1 instead of +2).
- Set voting units to the correct owner faction (55 instead of 1000).
- Passed over tech.dat to correct and clean up technology descriptions.
- Added several missing artwork assets.
Technology
- STRBuild tech updated to match vanilla behavior.
- Gunship now requires Hovertech instead of Energy Physics.
- Energy Physics now unlocks Attack Helicopters instead; tech description updated accordingly.
- Hover Infantry now correctly requires Hovertech.
- Dervishes are now built in Institutes and still require Academician.
- Renamed Old Scientist to Mad Scientist; now requires Scientist (still not buildable).
- Sensor Ships now require Scientist.
- Void Citadels now require Scientist.
Naval & Space Unit Balance
- Naval Cruiser movement increased to 9 (from 2).
- Naval Cruiser build time increased to 4 turns (from 2).
- Naval Attack Transport movement increased 7 → 8.
- Barge movement increased 1 → 3.
- Re-added Star Supply Ship (mobile healer)
- Reduced Star Fighter weapon strength.
- Reduced Star Torpedo Fighter armor.
- Freighters and bulk haulers are now more resistant to strikecraft.
- Freighter cargo reduced 9 → 8 (better synergy with bulk haulers).
- Fast Freighter cargo reduced 5 → 4 (logistical rounding, rule-of-half consistency).
- Most armored vehicles now use 9 movement as a baseline.
Terrain, Movement & Logistics
- Removed camouflage penalty for vehicles and amphibious units over oceans.
- Significantly increased starlane connectivity.
- Massively expanded starlane connections further.
- Star terrain rebalanced to improve cutoff mechanics.
- Added river near B2 Hawkwood Starport and District to allow transfers.
- Added substantial additional carrying capacity across the game.
Galaxy
- New Galaxy Map Layout
- Transferred ownership of Imperial Guard assets on Stigmata to the Garrison.
- Removed Void Citadel on B2, replaced with a Stardock assigned to the fleet.
- Removed Sceptor on Leminkainen.
- Added missing Church to Li Halan homeworld.
- All homeworlds now start with additional troops.
- Stealth War Marshals can now attack on B2.
- Strengthened Absolution Rebels to survive longer against the Symbiot.
AI & Balance
- Barred AI from producing certain upgrades to prevent excessive spam.