The 4.3 'Cetus' Open Beta introduces a comprehensive rework of the Refugee system with a new 'Refugee Attraction' modifier, significant naval capacity and ship balance overhauls, and systemic changes to Empire Size and job efficiency.
- Machine Intelligence RulerAmenities0→500 Amenities
Added a significant amenity bonus per colony per ruler level.
- Empire SizePop Generation100%→50%
The base amount of Empire Size generated by pops has been halved.
- FrigatesSpeedCruiser→Destroyer
Frigates now move at Destroyer speed instead of Cruiser speed.
- FrigatesSlotsStandard→+1 Utility/Aux slots
Added +1 Utility and Aux slot to Frigates.
- Perdition BeamsCollateral Damage0→Added
Perdition Beams now deal damage to enemy ships within a certain range of the target.
- +3 more
- Machine Intelligence RulerEmpire Size from Pops-3%→-1%
Reduced the empire size reduction provided by the Machine Intelligence Ruler.
- CosmogenesisProgression SpeedFast→Slower
Slower progression for Cosmogenesis crisis currency gains.
- Empire SizeColony GenerationLow→20 units
The base amount of Empire Size generated by colonies has been increased to 20.
- Ion CannonsCollateral Damage RangeHigh→Low
Ion Cannons now deal less collateral damage at a shorter range compared to Titan Perdition Beams.
- CosmogenesisDifficultyStandard→Harder
Fallen Empires now directly oppose experiments, leading to Total War at stage 5.
- RefugeesRefugee Attraction—→Added
Introduced Refugee Attraction modifier based on ethics, civics, and origins to determine how likely pops are to flee to an empire.
- RefugeesTargeting Logic
Refactored refugee calculations; pops are now more likely to flee to empires where their species is dominant and pick planets more intelligently.
