5 Simple Steps to Acquire Sufficient Unity for Virtual Ascension in Stellaris

Stellaris, the grand strategy game set amidst the vastness of space, offers players the opportunity to lead their civilizations to greatness. One of the most sought-after achievements in the game is Virtual Ascension, which requires an immense amount of Unity, a valuable resource that fuels technological progress and social reforms. Acquiring sufficient Unity can be a daunting task, especially for those eager to ascend to higher levels of technological advancement. However, with a well-planned strategy and a keen understanding of the game’s mechanics, players can overcome this challenge and unlock the gateway to Virtual Ascension.

To embark on the path towards Virtual Ascension, players must first establish a solid foundation for their empire. This involves establishing a stable economy, ensuring a steady flow of resources, and maintaining a strong military presence. By constructing research labs and universities, players can enhance their scientific output, leading to breakthroughs that generate Unity as a by-product. Additionally, completing certain anomalies and events can reward players with substantial Unity bonuses. Embracing civics and traditions that prioritize Unity production can further augment the empire’s capacity to accumulate this precious resource.

As your empire expands and your influence grows, diplomatic strategies can become instrumental in amassing Unity. Forming federations with like-minded civilizations allows players to share Unity production, effectively pooling their resources to reach the coveted threshold for Virtual Ascension. Furthermore, establishing commercial pacts and research agreements with other empires can yield additional Unity dividends. By engaging in these cooperative endeavors, players can leverage the combined strengths of multiple civilizations to accelerate their progress towards the pinnacle of technological evolution.

Maximize Science Output

Science is the lifeblood of progress in Stellaris. It’s used to research new technologies, which can give you a significant advantage in both military and economic terms. There are a number of ways to increase your science output, but the most important is to build research labs.

Research labs are specialized buildings that produce science points. The number of science points produced by a research lab depends on a number of factors, including the level of the lab, the number of scientists working in it, and the number of research districts on the planet where the lab is located.

In addition to building research labs, there are a number of other things you can do to increase your science output. These include:

Building science ships: Science ships can be used to explore the galaxy and discover new anomalies and archaeological sites. These anomalies and sites can provide you with valuable science points.

Allying with other empires: Allying with other empires can give you access to their research agreements. These agreements can provide you with a bonus to your science output.

Conquering other empires: Conquering other empires can give you access to their research labs and other science-producing facilities.

Science Output	Effect
Research Labs	Produce science points
Science Ships	Explore the galaxy and discover anomalies and archaeological sites
Allying with Other Empires	Gain access to research agreements
Conquering Other Empires	Gain access to research labs and other science-producing facilities

Prioritize Unity Ambitions

Unity is essential for achieving Virtual Ascension in Stellaris, and one of the best ways to get it is to prioritize Unity Ambitions. These Ambitions are available to you through the Traditions system, and they offer significant bonuses to your Unity production.
For example, the “Shared Burdens” Ambition grants a 10% bonus to Unity production, while the “Galactic Contender” Ambition grants a 15% bonus to Unity production in systems containing your rivals.
By completing these Ambitions, you can significantly increase your Unity production and reach Virtual Ascension much sooner.
Additionally, you can also choose to focus on Unity-producing buildings and planetary decisions. Buildings like the Temple of Unity and the Unity Nexus can provide significant bonuses to Unity production, and decisions like the “Encourage Unity” decision can also provide a temporary boost.

Choosing the Right Traditions

When choosing Traditions, it is important to focus on those that provide bonuses to Unity production. Table 1 shows the Traditions that grant bonuses to Unity production:

Tradition	Bonus
Expansion	+10% to Unity production on new colonies
Domination	+10% to Unity production in systems containing your rivals
Harmony	+10% to Unity production
Prosperity	+10% to Unity production in systems with high stability
Supremacy	+10% to Unity production from military victories

By focusing on these Traditions, you can significantly boost your Unity production and reach Virtual Ascension sooner.

Exploit Unity Events

Unity events are recurring in-game events that can provide a significant boost to your unity generation. These events typically involve making a specific decision or completing a particular task, and the rewards can vary depending on the event.

Choosing the Right Events

When selecting unity events to participate in, prioritize those that offer the highest unity rewards. Some events may grant a flat amount of unity, while others provide unity bonuses for a limited time. Consider the duration of the event and the resources required to complete it to maximize your unity gains.

Optimizing Event Outcomes

To maximize the benefits from unity events, follow these strategies:

Complete the event objectives efficiently: Focus on completing the event tasks swiftly to reduce the time spent and increase the duration of any unity bonuses.
Use unity modifiers: Certain technologies, edicts, and policies can provide unity modifiers that enhance the unity generation from events. Equip these modifiers before participating in unity events to amplify your gains.
Stack multiple events: If possible, try to overlap multiple unity events to accumulate their bonuses simultaneously. This strategy can significantly accelerate your unity accumulation.

Unity Event	Unity Reward
Embrace the Shroud	+100 unity
Galactic Market Activation	+15% unity bonus for 10 years
First Contact	+50 unity for each new empire encountered

Build Unity-Boosting Buildings

Building structures specifically designed to increase Unity output is a tried-and-tested method for boosting your Unity production. The following structures are particularly effective in this regard:

Unity Buildings

Building	Effect
Academy	+5% Unity production
Bureau of Propaganda	+10% Unity production
Temple of Prosperity	+15% Unity production
Statue of Unity	+20% Unity production

When constructing these buildings, consider the following factors:

Location

Place Unity buildings in systems with high Stability and Population growth. This will maximize their effectiveness.

Upgrades

Invest in upgrades that boost Unity production for these buildings. Each upgrade provides a significant bonus.

Technocracy Civic

Adopt the Technocracy Civic, which provides a 20% boost to Unity production. Combine this with Unity buildings for substantial gains.

Employ Unity-Generating Specialists

Stellaris offers several specialist roles capable of boosting Unity production. These roles include:

1. Entertainers: Specialists in Entertainment complexes grant a base Unity output of +10.

2. Priests: Specialists in Temple complexes provide a base Unity output of +15.

3. Propagandists: Specialists in Media Center complexes offer a base Unity output of +20.

4. Researchers: Specialists in Research Labs contribute a base Unity output of +15.

5. Scientists and Engineers: Specialists in Science Labs and Engineering Bays generate Unity while researching specific technologies. For instance, Solar Panel research grants +10 Unity, while Survey Computer research provides +5 Unity.

Specialist	Base Unity Output
Entertainers	+10
Priests	+15
Propagandists	+20
Researchers	+15

Establish Diplomatic Unity-Sharing

Establishing diplomatic unity-sharing agreements with other empires is a powerful strategy to boost your overall unity income. Here’s how you can benefit from these agreements:

Agreements and Bonuses

There are three types of diplomatic agreements that provide unity bonuses:

Agreement Type	Unity Bonus
Research Agreement	1 unity per 100 empire pops
Federation	3-6 unity per 100 empire pops (scaled with federation size)
Galactic Community Resolutions	Various unity bonuses, including ones derived from the amount of owned planets and star systems

Finding Suitable Partners

To find empires that are willing to establish unity-sharing agreements, look for those with:

High diplomatic relations and trust
Similar ideologies or government types
A desire to expand their influence or form alliances

Negotiating and Maintaining Agreements

When negotiating agreements, be prepared to offer concessions in exchange for unity-sharing. Once agreements are established, maintain good relations with your partners by supporting their policies, resolving disputes peacefully, and avoiding actions that could strain the relationship.

Trigger Unity-Boosting Traditions

Unity is a crucial resource in Stellaris, enabling you to adopt new traditions and enhance your civilization’s capabilities. One effective way to boost your Unity production is by triggering specific traditions that provide significant bonuses.

Veneration of Saints

This tradition provides a 10% bonus to Unity production from Relics and Artifacts. Combining it with strategies for acquiring Relics and Artifacts can significantly increase your Unity income.

Beacon of Liberty

By embracing this tradition, you gain a 15% bonus to Unity production from pops on planets with your governing ethics. This bonus encourages you to expand your empire and conquer planets that align with your ethical principles, maximizing your Unity output.

Discovery and Exploration

This tradition grants a 5% bonus to Unity production for each active scientist. Investing in science and sending your scientists on expeditions will boost your Unity income and contribute to technological advancements.

Federation Charter

Participating in federations and initiating federation resolutions can provide substantial Unity bonuses. The Unity pact resolution offers a 10% bonus, while the Unity ambition resolution provides a bonus of 20%. Joining federations and actively engaging in their activities can significantly boost your Unity production.

Meritocracy

Adopting this tradition increases your Unity production by 10% for every pop that has a job. Ensuring high employment rates and a robust economy will maximize the benefits of this tradition and provide a consistent flow of Unity.

Shared Burden

This tradition provides a 10% bonus to Unity production from factions that have at least 20% of your population. Maintaining a balance between different factions and addressing their concerns will yield greater Unity rewards.

Cybernetic Ascension

Embracing this tradition boosts your Unity output by 25%. However, it comes with a trade-off, as it replaces biological pop growth with synthetic pop growth. The decision to adopt this tradition depends on your empire’s goals and long-term strategy.

Capture and Assimilate Alien Species

Acquiring alien species through conquest and assimilation is a significant strategy for boosting Unity in Stellaris. By integrating these species into your empire, you can benefit from their unique traits, technologies, and beliefs.

Assimilation Policies

When assimilating alien species, you can choose one of three policies: Assimilation, Integration, or Displacement.

Assimilation

Assimilation involves purging the alien species’ original culture and forcibly incorporating them into your empire. This policy provides a significant Unity bonus but may lead to unrest and rebellion among the assimilated species.

Integration

Integration allows the alien species to retain some of their cultural identity while gradually becoming integrated into your empire. This policy provides a moderate Unity bonus and fosters stability, but it can take longer to achieve full assimilation.

Displacement

Displacement involves moving the alien species to a new planet or creating a separate reserve for them. This policy provides minimal Unity benefits but reduces the risk of unrest and rebellion.

Planet Population

The population of planets where assimilated species are present contributes significantly to Unity production. Larger populations yield higher Unity output.

Planetary Buildings

Certain planetary buildings, such as Synagogues and Synapse Temples, provide Unity bonuses. Constructing these buildings on planets with assimilated species can further increase Unity production.

Governors

Governors with traits or skills that boost Unity can be assigned to planets with assimilated species to enhance Unity output.

Unity Edicts and Resolutions

The “Supremacy” edict and the “Cultural Integration” resolution provide temporary Unity bonuses that can be useful in the early stages of assimilation.

Unity and the “Virtual Ascension” Ascension Perk

Unity is a valuable resource in Stellaris that plays a pivotal role in unlocking new technologies, edicts, traditions, and ascensions. Among the various ascension perks, “Virtual Ascension” stands out as highly coveted due to its transformative benefits. However, acquiring sufficient Unity to access this perk can be a significant challenge.

Embrace Conquest and Subjugation

One effective strategy to boost Unity production is to embrace conquest and subjugation. By expanding your empire through warfare, you gain control over additional planets, which contribute to your overall Unity output.

Conquest

Conquering nearby star systems not only provides you with more territory but also grants you Unity from any existing planets or structures present in the occupied systems.

Subjugation

Subjugating weaker empires rather than outright conquering them can yield even greater Unity benefits. Vassalized empires remain autonomous but are obligated to provide you with a portion of their Unity production, effectively increasing your overall income.

Key Points to Maximize Unity from Conquest and Subjugation:

Strategy	Benefits
Declare war on empires with valuable planets or Unity-producing structures.	Direct control of these assets will increase your Unity production.
Prioritize conquering systems with Unity-enhancing modifiers or anomalies.	These bonuses can significantly amplify your Unity output.
Establish vassals instead of annexing conquered empires.	Vassals provide a steady stream of Unity that is not diminished by planetary unrest.
Engage in diplomacy and form alliances with empires that share your expansionist goals.	Allied fleets can assist in conquering new territories, reducing the burden on your own forces.
Research technologies and adopt civics that boost Unity production.	Combine these modifiers with your conquest efforts to maximize your gains.

Leverage Galactic Unity Federations

Galactic Unity Federations (GUFs) are formed when two or more empires unite for mutual benefit. GUFs provide numerous advantages, including a significant boost to unity output. By joining a GUF, you can increase your unity production by up to 50%, making it much easier to reach the threshold required for Virtual Ascension.

To join a GUF, simply send a diplomatic proposal to an empire you share a border with. Once the proposal is accepted, you will become a member of the GUF and receive the associated unity bonus.

Types of Galactic Unity Federations

There are three main types of GUFs:

Type	Benefits
Research Cooperative	+10% Research Speed
Defensive Pact	+10% Defense Army Damage
Economic Union	+10% Commercial Pact Value

Choosing the Right GUF

When choosing a GUF to join, consider your empire’s needs. If you are struggling with research, a Research Cooperative would be beneficial. If you are facing military threats, a Defensive Pact would provide additional security. And if you are looking to boost your economy, an Economic Union would be the best option.

Managing Your GUF Membership

Once you have joined a GUF, you can manage your membership through the Diplomacy screen. Here, you can view the benefits you are receiving from the GUF, as well as the contributions you are making. You can also leave the GUF at any time, but keep in mind that you will lose the associated unity bonus.

Stellaris: How to Get Enough Unity for Virtual Ascension

Virtual Ascension is a powerful late-game Ascension Perk in Stellaris that allows you to upload your species into a virtual reality simulation. This can provide a number of significant benefits, including increased happiness, reduced crime, and a boost to research output. However, unlocking Virtual Ascension requires a massive amount of Unity, which can be difficult to accumulate in the late game. Here are some tips for getting enough Unity for Virtual Ascension:

Build Unity Buildings: The Unity Nexus and Monument to Unity are two buildings that provide a significant amount of Unity. Building these structures in all of your systems can help you to accumulate Unity quickly.
Adopt Unity-Boosting Civics: There are several Civics that can boost your Unity output. These include the Spiritualist Ethic, the Shared Destiny Civic, and the Imperial Cult Civic. Adopting these Civics can help you to generate more Unity from your population.
Complete Unity Ambitions: Unity Ambitions are special projects that can be completed to earn large amounts of Unity. These ambitions can be found in the Unity menu, and they typically require you to complete certain tasks, such as researching technologies or building new structures.
Use Unity Edicts: Unity Edicts are temporary laws that can be enacted to provide a boost to your Unity output. These edicts can be found in the Edicts menu, and they typically last for a limited time.
Form Federations: Joining a Federation can provide you with a bonus to your Unity output. The amount of this bonus depends on the size and strength of your Federation.