Biggest debate of any 4x grand strategy video game is tall versus wide. Some enjoy tall builds some enjoy wide. But one must be better. Does Stellaris tall vs wide have a winner? Both has their pros and cons. And we’re about to discuss them!
Going wide is definitely more fun in any 4x grand strategy game, including Stellaris. Having a vast empire, conquering neighbors, and painting the map is always entertaining. You can easily see your accomplishments that way. However, going wide has its cons. Wide empires require much more micro-managing, it’s a hassle… Also, wide builds cause performance issues on most computers. Especially on older ones. Unfortunately, weak Stellaris optimization does not help either. If you experience performance issues, try check out my guide on how to deal with end game lag in Stellaris. Other than performance issues and micro-managing requirements, I don’t see any problem with going wide in Stellaris.
Tall build can be fun too. Having a huge impact on the entire galaxy from a small base is very satisfying. Besides, tall builds require much less micro-managing and cause less late game lag.
There is one thing you need to know about tall playthroughs. You might start a run, thinking about going tall entire game. However, after playing couple of hours, you might end up ruling a wide empire. How does that happen? I don’t know. Most players can’t control themselves and expand their empires, even in the tall playthroughs.
Who wins this versus? You tell me.
Stellaris Tall Builds 2024
Small number of ascended systems that are capable of producing insane number of resources is what I consider tall.
1k alloy production with around 100 empire size is what I would call a really good tall build.
I usually go for megacorp, it’s meant for tall empires. You can do a lot of stuff in galaxy from a small cluster as a mega-corp. Simply choose handful of large worlds, build ecumenopolises, and construct ring-worlds. Then use your powers to influence galactic council, fight crisis’s, and make a name for your empire in the galaxy.
Subjugating other empires is also a valid strategy for tall empires. That way you can secure resources without expanding your empire.
Stellaris tall build elements:
- Origins: Shattered ring (ring world start), remnants (early ecumenopolis, ocean paradise (30-size), arc welders (early mega-engineering).
- Ethics: Pacifist (no expansion wars), xenophobe (friendly), authorotian (for utilizing pirate-raid wargoal on some mega-corp builds).
- Civics: Ascensionist (lowers empire size), inward perfection (isolation), criminal heritage, letters of marque.
- Traits: Docile (lowers empire size).
Stellaris Wide Build 2024
To me, wide builds are usually expansionist empires who aim to conquer the galaxy by force. Like devouring swarm, determined exterminators, fanatic purifiers, and rogue servitors.
If you’re about the conquer the galaxy, might as well become the crisis. Galactic nemesis ascension perk also grants existential expulsion / wipe them out casus belli.
You can’t become truly wide without conquering neighboring empires, that is a fact.
Stellaris wide build elements:
- Origins: Shattered ring (ring world start), remnants (early ecumenopolis, ocean paradise (30-size), arc welders (early mega-engineering).
- Ethics: Pacifist (no expansion wars), xenophobe (friendly), authorotian (for utilizing pirate-raid wargoal on some mega-corp builds).
- Civics: Ascensionist (lowers empire size), inward perfection (isolation), criminal heritage, letters of marque.
- Traits: Docile (lowers empire size).
Stellaris Tall or Wide
Tall or wide, which build is the best in Stellaris? Both has its pros and cons.
Wide run is about conquering neighboring empires and possibly the galaxy.
Tall run is about influencing the galaxy from a small powerhouse.
Most runs that start as tall and end up being wide in the endgame. So, maybe moderation is the best.
All in all, neither tall nor wide is better. Both are equally good. Just choose the one that suits you the most and enjoy Stellaris.