One of the first things that Stellaris players discover as they set out to explore the galaxy is that their civilization is late to the party. By the time the game has started, many empires have risen and fallen across Stellaris' galaxy, some reduced to powerful but stagnant remnants, others only known by the strange ruins they've left behind.
Players can explore these ruins to learn the stories of their precursors and discover thematic bonuses, a system which has been greatly expanded in the Stellaris 3.7 patch with the addition of Archaeotechnologies. Archaeotechnologies allow players to recreate ancient technologies and buildings for powerful and unique effects, turning the secrets of the past into the weapons of the future.
What Are Archaeotechnologies in Stellaris
Archaeotechnology is a new field of study within the Biology tech tree, which focuses on reconstructing the ancient technologies of precursor empires into new and useful techs for ship components as well as starbase and planetary buildings. To get started researching Archaeotechnologies, players will need to first research the Archaeostudies rare tech, which unlocks the Faculty of Archaeostudies building and allows more rare archaeotechs to appear in the future.
Players can use the Technological Ascendancy Ascension Perk or the Technocracy Civic to increase their chances of Archaeostudies appearing in Stellaris' semi-random tech choices. Alternatively, they can make sure they have an Archaeotechnology-focused, Genius, or Maniacal Scientist in the Biology slot. The Faculty of Archaeostudies is a unique building which grants Research Points and massively boosts Archaeostudies research speed. If built on a Relic World it will also produce a small amount of Minor Artifacts, essential for building Archaeotech buildings.
How to Unlock Archaeotechnologies in Stellaris
Once players have completed the Archaeostudies tech there are a few different ways to unlock more archaeotechs for research in Stellaris. Most of the archaeotechs that grant new ship weapons are new rare techs that have been added into the Biology tree, meaning players will have a small chance of discovering them each time they finish another tech in that field. These components can then be further boosted if players decide to pick up the Archaeo-Engineers Ascension Perk.
For the rarer starbase and planetary buildings techs, players can either discover them by completing Archaeological Sites, or by following the precursor storyline that each empire gets at the start of their campaign. Spending Minor Artifacts to perform the "Secrets of the [Precursor]" action will unlock a new archaeotechnology related to that precursor's story. Minor Artifacts are also required to construct all archaeotech ship components and buildings, making them a much more valuable resource than before. Fortunately, Archaeological Sites now have a high chance of leaving behind a deposit of Minor Artifacts upon completion, providing players with a steady income. Additionally, players can now trade Minor Artifacts with other empires, allowing them to use diplomacy to fund the ancient technologies that they've mastered.
Stellaris is currently available on PC, macOS, PS4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.