How to Play Stellaris Without a Scroll Wheel: A Beginner's Guide

Stellaris, a grand strategy game developed by Paradox Development Studio, can be overwhelming for new players. With so many options and mechanics to grasp, it's easy to feel lost in the vast expanse of space. However, with these tips, you'll be well on your way to building a thriving intergalactic empire without needing to rely on a scroll wheel.

Tip: When starting the game, take note of the Science and Construction ships in your initial fleet. These ships are designed for exploration and expansion, respectively. Construction ships, in particular, are low-maintenance, freeing you from the need to constantly recruit new captains.

After sending out your Science ships, focus on your Construction ships. They're responsible for building Starbases, resource mining stations, and research stations, expanding your empire's borders. As your Technology department advances, you'll have the opportunity to develop technologies that allow you to automate certain tasks, such as setting your Science ships to auto-exploration.

To make the most of your civilian ships, use the Shift key to enter a list of orders. This feature is particularly helpful during the early stages of the game when you're still getting familiar with Stellaris' mechanics.

One of the most significant differences between Stellaris and other grand strategy games is its focus on ship design and performance. While you have limited influence over civilian ships, you have a significant amount of control over military vessels. This is where your species' origin comes into play. Each origin has its unique set of ship designs, which can be influenced through research and development.

In this guide, we'll be focusing on the Earth origin, but these tips apply to all species. The basic ship hierarchy remains the same across all origins: Corvette, Destroyer, Cruiser, Battleship, Titan, and Colossus. However, each origin has its distinct design for each ship set, which can lead to some fascinating differences.

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details of ship design, it's essential to note that this guide is based on the plain vanilla Stellaris experience without any DLC. So, whether you're playing as a psychopathic zealot or a peaceful explorer, these tips will help you navigate the early stages of the game.

By following these simple tips and guidelines, you'll be well-equipped to handle the challenges of building your intergalactic empire in Stellaris. Happy gaming!

How to play stellaris without a scroll wheel