Sins of a Solar Empire II News

Welcome to our December 2024 Ship Series journal for Sins of a Solar Empire II. For this final installment of 2024 we’re taking a refreshed look at the TEC Dunov Battlecruiser.

[h2]Dunov Background[/h2]
The humble Dunov has been a mainstay of the old Trade Order for hundreds of years acting as a heavy cargo ship. Traversing the trade routes between civilized worlds, the Dunov would move cargo like ore, crystal, fuel, farm equipment across the Order.

With the Vasari invasion, the Trade Order (and later TEC) sustained heavy casualties; ships that weren’t outright destroyed often needed repair to stay in the fight. To fill this support role, the TEC converted the Dunov-class into a battlecruiser. The ships were outfitted with heavy armor and augmented with a number of weapons and support systems to aid in combat.

Today the Dunov is a vital piece of all major TEC fleet actions. No other command ship short of the Enclave’s Ankylon-class titan is capable of resupplying friendly forces, while at the same time neutralizing enemy units.



[h2]Armament[/h2]

• Missile Launcher Turret
  
• Medium Autocannon Turrets x 2 (Fore)
  
• Medium Autocannon Turrets x 2 (1 Port / 1 Starboard)
  
• Point Defense Turrets x 2 (Fore)
  
• Point Defense Turrets x 2 (Aft)
  
• Planetary Bombardment Cannon
  
• Strikecraft: 1-3 Squadrons (Fighters/Bombers)
  

[h2]Optional Abilities[/h2]

• Energy Transfer - Powered by special internal generators, the Dunov can restore a small portion of another unit’s shields. When Overcharged, this transfer is chained across nearby allies.
  
• EMP Charge - Utilizing its massive side-mounted launcher, the Dunov is capable of launching an EMP bomb into enemy forces. This EMP blast depletes enemy shields and antimatter reserves in a wide area. The power of this effect is greatly amplified when Overcharged.
  
• Magnetic Singularity - This special ability also utilizes the Dunov’s side-launcher and generates a field of magnetic flux. Within the field, enemy ships are slowed. While Overcharged, the slow effect is increased.
  
• Overcharge - Advancements in TEC energy generation have made their way into the latest generation Dunov-class. By running the ship’s power relays and capacitors far past their limits, it allows the Dunov to substantially enhance its abilities at reduced antimatter cost.
  

Greetings, Commanders!

Today, we’re lifting the curtain on the chaotic and deadly fleet of the pirate minor faction in Sins of a Solar Empire II. From the smallest frigates to the looming Pirate Base, every ship tells a story of rebellion, ruthlessness, and survival. In this dev diary, we’re excited to share insights into the design process for four key units: the Rogue Frigate, Corsair Cruiser, Pillager Siege Frigate, and the domineering Pirate Base. We’ll also hear from our Art Director, Craig Fraser, on the vision behind these intimidating and distinctive creations. Included with each entry is one of the initial thumbnails for the unit and the finished concept.

[h2]The Rogue Frigate[/h2]
The Rogue is the workhorse of the pirate fleet. Agile and versatile, it is the first to engage in raids, often overwhelming enemies with its speed and numbers. Its design reflects this role—a heavily modified TEC frigate with sharp angles, menacing spikes, and scorched hull plating that speaks to countless battles. The Rogue’s design exudes defiance and intimidation, perfectly embodying the pirates’ anarchic spirit.





[h2]The Corsair Cruiser[/h2]
When firepower alone isn’t enough, pirates turn to the Corsair. This cruiser is a heavier, more brutal cousin to the Rogue. While its TEC origins are still recognizable, the Corsair is a masterpiece of improvisation and overkill. Layers of jagged armor protect its hull, while its intimidating silhouette is accentuated by rust-colored plating and glowing green emissives that trace its jagged edges, making it as fearsome in appearance as in combat.





[h2]The Pillager Siege Frigate[/h2]
Specialized for planetary assault, the Pillager is a true terror to those who dare cross the pirates. This vessel combines heavy bombardment capability with the pirates’ signature flair for chaos. Its ramshackle design includes oversized weaponry strapped haphazardly to its hull and reinforced engines to navigate defensive fire. Its rusty exterior and sickly green glow suggest decades of scavenging and improvisation, while spikes and exposed mechanics make it clear that the Pillager is as dangerous to its crew as it is to its targets.





[h2]The Pirate Base[/h2]
The heart of any pirate operation, the Pirate Base is a floating fortress of anarchy. This massive station is an amalgamation of stolen TEC infrastructure, asteroids, and jury-rigged tech, cobbled together over generations. Rust, scorch marks, and scavenged hull plating cover its structure, reinforcing the image of a civilization that thrives on conflict and survival.





[h2]The Vision Behind the Chaos[/h2]
To better understand the art and inspiration behind the pirate fleet, here’s a word from Craig Fraser, Art Director for Sins II:

"For the pirate faction, we designed a bold, chaotic aesthetic that exudes rebellion and terror. I imagined the ships as having a scrappy, hobbled-together look with aggressive silhouettes meant to intimidate at first sight. Operating in trader space, the pirates repurpose stolen TEC vessels, transforming them into grotesque symbols of defiance.

I envisioned their modifications to evoke both fear and pride, arming the vessels with intimidating weaponry, glowing war paint, and their signature hologram 'flags.' Spikes, studs, and reinforced armor plating completed the design, showcasing the pirates’ ruthless ingenuity and anarchic individualism while maintaining cohesion through shared stylistic elements.

We retained about 40-50% of the original TEC ship counterparts' design, but overhauled the rest, drawing inspiration from scrap metals, aged signage, and post-apocalyptic vehicles. The original game’s ghastly green emissives, combined with rust-orange and purple metals, created a harmonious color palette. I really enjoyed this part of the process because we didn’t need to worry about accommodating player-chosen color conflicts."

The concept art for these stunning designs, crafted by the talented Mike Doscher, perfectly captures the raw energy and menace of the pirate fleet. His work brings Craig’s vision to life, showcasing the chaotic brilliance of the pirates.

[h2]The Soul of the Pirates[/h2]
The pirates are an anomaly in the Sins universe. Unlike the TEC, the Unity, or the Vasari, they lack structured societies, religious convictions, or imperial ambitions. They are mercenaries, scavengers, and raiders, bound only by the lure of credits and the thrill of combat. Every ship they pilot and every station they occupy is a testament to their resilience and ingenuity. Perpetually at war, their fleet is built for survival and domination, with no regard for the conventions or ethics that constrain others.

We hope this glimpse into the pirate fleet has you as excited as we are! Whether you’re negotiating with these rogues, hiring them to do your dirty work, or trying to fend off their relentless assaults, the pirates promise to bring chaos, destruction, and excitement to every game.

[h2]v1.31 "Unity Ascendant" brings Steam Achievements, Additional New Gravity Wells, and Advent Unity Ability Updates[/h2]
View the full changelog here

This update not only enhances the gameplay experience but also introduces a plethora of new features that will excite both veterans and newcomers alike. From Steam achievements to significant improvements for the Advent Unity abilities, this update is a game-changer.

[h3]Steam and Epic Achievements:[/h3]
One of the most exciting additions in the Unity Ascendant Update is the introduction of Steam and Epic achievements. Players can now showcase their prowess and dedication to the game with a variety of challenges. Here are just a few examples:

• Talk Like A Pirate: Max out your reputation level with Pirates.
  
• Who's Stopping Us?: Get a Titan to level 10.
  
• Dust and Echoes: Strip to the Core 30 planets in one game as Vasari Exodus.
  
• Go Big or Go Home: Win a match using only capital ships.
  

[h3]New Gravity Wells:[/h3]
The update also introduces two new gravity wells that promise to enrich the exploration aspect of the game. These new locations will not only enhance the lore of the game but also provide new strategic opportunities for players:

• Ship Graveyard: A colonizable gravity well filled with the debris from a long-forgotten battle, ripe for the taking.
  
• Space Junk: A non-colonizable gravity well, also filled with remnants of past conflicts, providing a unique backdrop for your interstellar adventures.
  

[h3]Advent Unity Ability Improvements:[/h3]
Faction Themes
This update emphasizes the contrasting approaches to warfare taken by the Wrath and Reborn factions. The Wrath Advent faction embodies a classic archetype centered on Control, Culture Spread, and Vengeance. They excel at debuffing enemies and spreading culture, leveraging aggressive mechanics to dominate their foes without concern for the cost.

In contrast, the Reborn Advent faction adopts a more radical stance, focusing on Restoration and Sacrifice. They draw power from the loss of their own units, intentionally sacrificing ships to fuel their abilities while effectively countering enemy aggression.

New Abilities Breakdown
The update introduces five new Unity abilities, with Wrath gaining three and Reborn acquiring two.

• Wrath Abilities:
  
  • Avatar: A potent fleet buff that significantly boosts damage output.
    
  • Chastise: A control ability that restricts enemy movement, preventing escapes.
    
  • Fury: A direct damage ability that unleashes raw power on foes.
    
  • Wrath also retains Clairvoyance for enhanced map awareness and Proselytize, which has regained its unrestricted culture projection capabilities.
    
• Reborn Abilities:
  
  • Cleanse: A sacrificial ability that heals nearby units by destroying one of your own.
    
  • Resurrection: A game-changing ability that allows players to restore entire fleets mid-battle.
    
  • The Reborn faction shares Clairvoyance and retains Recall and Sanctify, further enhancing their strategic options.
    

Focus Economy Overhaul
A significant overhaul of the Focus economy accompanies these updates. Focus capacity is now front-loaded and harder to increase, while regeneration is slower. This change encourages players to manage their resources strategically, allowing for bursts of Unity power at a cost. Adjustments to ability costs and cooldowns create a more dynamic system that rewards careful planning.

Improved Research Options
New faction-specific research options have been added, such as Rite of Reclamation for the Reborn, which accelerates wreck salvaging, and Clarity of Purpose for the Wrath, enhancing Psi Power within their culture. The research trees have been refined for better readability and accessibility, with notable buffs to existing technologies.

The Future of Conversion
While Conversion is a key aspect of the Wrath faction, its current implementation has been problematic for balanced gameplay. It has been temporarily removed and will return with a more nuanced design in a future update, ensuring a fairer competitive landscape.

[h3]Join us for a special livestream event celebrating the launch of our v1.31 Unity Ascendant Update, coming December 17th!
[/h3]

[h3]Update Features:[/h3]

• Steam Achievements
  
• Additional New Gravity Wells
  
• Advent Unity Ability Updates
  
• Quality of Life Improvements
  

[h3]📍Location: Right here on Steam!

📅 Date: Tuesday, December 12, 2024

🕐Time: 1pm - 3pm ET[/h3]

Don't miss out on exclusive gameplay and developer insights. Set your reminders and join us for an exciting afternoon!

In the vast expanse of the cosmos, where empires rise and fall by the hand of devious warlords, strategic planning is paramount. Welcome to Sins of a Solar Empire II, a game that challenges players to not only conquer their foes but to master the art of technological advancement. Today, we delve into the heart of this strategy game: the Research system, using the formidable Advent Reborn faction as our guide.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h2]The Importance of Research[/h2]
In the race for galactic supremacy, your civilization's economic power and military strength hinge on your ability to innovate. Research and development are the lifeblood of your war machine, and in Sins II, they are intricately woven into the fabric of gameplay.

This post will provide an overview of how Research functions within the game, focusing on the Advent Reborn faction's unique tech trees. We’ll also explore potential builds tailored for different game scenarios, aiming to inspire you to craft your own strategies that align with your playstyle.

[h2]Research Fundamentals[/h2]
Research in Sins II is categorized into two primary fields: Civilian and Military. Each field contains multiple trees dedicated to specific areas of development. To unlock these technologies, players must construct Orbital Labs—both Civilian and Military—that grant access to progressively higher tiers of research, culminating in the most powerful techs.

Technologies have a time cost to research, but players can accelerate this by investing in Research Rate upgrades on colonized worlds and through various techs, ships, and planetary items. With limited Civilian Orbital slots, expanding your research capabilities becomes crucial. This can be achieved through claiming neutral worlds, forming diplomatic alliances, or engaging in warfare against other players.

Each faction's tech tree is uniquely structured, featuring specialized technologies that cater to their strengths. Therefore, it’s essential to analyze each tree independently to carve out your path to technological supremacy.

[h2]The Advent Reborn’s Research Trees[/h2]
Let’s dive into the Advent Reborn’s research trees, where strategic planning can mean the difference between victory and defeat.

[h3]Harmony Research Field[/h3]
The Harmony research field is divided into three branches: Evangelism, Reclamation, and Material.

• Evangelism focuses on enhancing Influence and Culture. It includes techs that generate and improve these aspects, such as the Temple of Communion, which produces Culture. Additionally, the Crystalized Communion branch boosts Crystal production on affected worlds, while Unity-generating techs unleash the Advent's potent Psi-Tech powers.
  
• Reclamation unlocks terraforming technologies essential for colonizing and optimizing various worlds. It also features powerful Planetary Items like the Neuro-Augment Unlock, which accelerates Focus point regeneration, and the Tranquil Refuge, fortifying defenders against bombardment.
  
• Material is dedicated to resource acquisition and efficiency, housing vital techs like Orbital Extraction and Exotic Refinery Unlock. Planetary items such as the Laminate Forge Unlock further enhance resource production, allowing the Advent to specialize their planets effectively.
  

[h3]Hostility Research Field[/h3]
The Hostility research field is split into Ascension, Energy, and Substance.

• Ascension contains Military Command techs that increase Supply levels, enabling larger fleets and boosting ship experience. It also unlocks advanced warship designs, culminating in the devastating Eradica Titan. Psi-Power techs enhance ship performance in combat, making this branch particularly dangerous.
  
• Energy focuses on the Advent's advanced weaponry, including Laser, Plasma, and Antimatter technologies. This tree boosts shielding capabilities and weapon effectiveness, with items like the Energy Accelerator enhancing Capital Ship weaponry.
  
• Substance deals with physical weapon systems, offering techs for hull points, regeneration rates, and planetary defenses. Notably, it includes defensive Orbital Structures such as the Hanger Defence and the Phase Jump Inhibitor, which can trap enemy fleets in gravity wells.
  

[h2]Strategic Scenarios: 1 vs 1 Knife Fight and 6 Player Free-For-All[/h2]
[h3]1 vs 1 Knife Fight: Power Struggle[/h3]
In a fast-paced, close-quarters map like Power Struggle, early hostilities can stifle economic growth. While Hostility research is important, prioritizing economic advancements is crucial. Start by researching Thriving Desert Cities and its Tier 2 upgrade, Booming Desert Cities, to significantly boost your homeworld's income and Civilian Orbital slots.

If you have access to Indurium, research Divination to reduce survey costs and mine resources efficiently. Early Hostility research should focus on Unity techs, particularly the Conversion Unity Ability, which can turn the tide in assaults on enemy worlds.

[h3]6 Player Free-For-All Research Strategy[/h3]
In a larger, six-player free-for-all, a long-term strategy is essential. Aim to build your Eradica Titan while defending against aggressive neighbors. Early game, construct a mixed fleet of Tempests, Disciples, and Iconius Guardians to fend off threats.

Focus on Unity technologies to prepare for unexpected invasions, and bolster defenses with the Transcendia Starbase at strategic chokepoints. As the game progresses, prioritize building Sanctuary Spires and maximizing resource production to support your Titan and Capital Ships.




Once your Titan is deployed, the endgame begins. This powerful asset can intimidate smaller players into submission, allowing you to extract resources or colonies. With a solid technological development plan, you’ll be well-equipped to dominate the galaxy and secure your place as a formidable force in Sins of a Solar Empire II.

As you embark on your journey to galactic supremacy, remember: the key to victory lies in your ability to adapt, innovate, and outthink your opponents. Happy conquering!