Stellaris: Requesting Independence Diplomacy Option Explained

In the 4X grand strategy game Stellaris, players can employ diplomacy as an alternative to warmongering. One diplomatic option is to request independence, which can be done via the Diplomacy tradition tree's Eminent Diplomats perk, granting +5 diplomatic acceptance. However, players have reported that this option does not always work as intended, with the AI rarely granting independence even with high opinion modifiers. To increase the chances of a successful independence request, players can improve their fleet, tech, or economy to a level surpassing that of their overlord before making the request. Additionally, it is possible to exploit the game by pausing and manipulating factions to achieve independence.

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Requesting independence in Stellaris

While the "Request Independence" option exists, it is often seen as a roleplay element rather than a functional game mechanic. Players have expressed frustration with the limited success of peaceful negotiations, leading to the common strategy of declaring an Independence War to delay integration. This involves fortifying worlds, spamming armies, and keeping the fleet away from fights until ready for battle.

To improve the chances of a successful independence request, players can employ several strategies. One approach is to improve relations by sending multiple envoys, which can take a significant amount of time. Another strategy is to make trade deals or gift resources to the overlord, although this may not always work, especially if the overlord has better fleet power, technology, or economic strength.

It is worth noting that some players have achieved independence through peaceful means, especially when dealing with pacifistic empires or those with similar ethics. Building good relations over time and surpassing the overlord in various aspects can increase the chances of a positive response to the independence request.

Overall, while the "Request Independence" diplomacy option in Stellaris provides players with a non-violent alternative, it is not always effective, and players often have to resort to alternative strategies or war to achieve their independence.

Using envoys to perform diplomatic tasks

Envoys are minor leaders that can be assigned to perform various diplomatic tasks in Stellaris. Each empire is guaranteed to get at least two envoys by default, and it is possible to increase the number of envoys through ethics, civics, and traditions. Envoys are automatically recruited for your empire, and if one of them dies, they will be replaced by another envoy. Envoys are meant to be a limited resource and add strategic choice to diplomacy. Once an envoy is assigned to a task, they cannot be reassigned for at least 360 days.

There are several tasks to which envoys can be assigned:

• Improve Relations with another empire, which grants +0.25 opinion per month to and from the target empire (up to +150) and removes the relation requirement for positive diplomatic actions.
• Harm Relations with another empire, which grants −0.5 opinion per month to and from the target empire (up to −150) and removes the relation requirement for negative diplomatic actions.
• First Contact, where they will investigate and discover aliens.
• Build a Spy Network, which will increase infiltration in another empire over time.

Acquiring the Direct Diplomacy perk

Diplomacy in Stellaris is an alternative to warmongering, drawing on the model of previous Paradox games. Envoys are minor leaders that can be assigned to perform various diplomatic tasks. Once an envoy is assigned to a task, they cannot be reassigned for a year. These tasks include improving or harming relations with another empire, first contact, and building a spy network.

Maintaining any form of lasting treaty generates Trust, which increases Opinion. The maximum amount of Trust obtainable is limited by the most valuable treaty between both parties. Trust decays by −0.25 per month if there is no new income. Acquiring the Direct Diplomacy perk from the Diplomacy tradition tree grants +50 trust cap.

The Direct Diplomacy perk is part of the Diplomacy tradition tree, which also includes the Federation tradition. The Diplomacy tradition can be pushed back by a few decades if the player waits to see if there are any nearby empires that are friendly enough before pursuing the Federation tradition.

The Direct Diplomacy perk increases the benefits of Commercial and Research pacts by 50%. This is in addition to its trust growth benefits.

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Increasing opinion/chance to request independence

While there is no clear consensus on how to increase the opinion/chance to request independence in Stellaris, several strategies have been proposed by players. One strategy is to improve relations by sending envoys and making trade deals or gifting resources. Another strategy is to declare an independence war, not to win but to buy time by fortifying worlds and spamming armies to station them. A third strategy is to request independence, and then beat the overlord in war when they refuse. It is also suggested that having superior fleet power, technology, or economy compared to the overlord may increase the chance of a successful request for independence. Additionally, one of the Diplomacy tradition perks, likely referring to the Eminent Diplomats tradition, gives +5 diplomatic acceptance, which can be used to request independence peacefully. Finally, some players suggest that the request independence diplomacy option may be more for roleplay purposes than an actual functional aspect of the game.

Declaring independence war

In the 4X grand strategy game Stellaris, players can request independence from the empire they are part of. However, this request is often denied by the AI, and players may need to resort to other methods to gain their freedom. One way to do this is by declaring an independence war.

When declaring an independence war in Stellaris, the goal is not necessarily to win but to prolong the war for as long as possible. This can buy players some time and potentially create an opportunity for them to gain their independence. To achieve this, players should fortify their worlds by utilising every free building slot and spamming armies to station them. Keeping the fleet away from fights until it is ready for battle is crucial. Ideally, the overlord will already be engaged in another conflict, providing a better chance for the player to succeed.

To increase the chances of a peaceful resolution and gain independence without resorting to war, players can try to improve relations with the overlord empire. This can be done by sending envoys, which can grant a maximum bonus of +150 opinion over time. Additionally, trade deals and gifts can be used to improve relations and potentially sway the overlord's decision. However, it is worth noting that even with excellent relations, a strong fleet, and superior technology, the AI may still deny the request for independence.

Another strategy to consider is requesting vassalization first, especially if the player has already surpassed the overlord in most aspects. Building good relations over time and maintaining a non-conflicting ethical stance can also increase the chances of a peaceful transition to independence. Additionally, having the Diplomacy tradition perks, such as Eminent Diplomats, can provide a +5 acceptance bonus to requests for independence.

While the "Request Independence" diplomacy option in Stellaris may not always lead to a direct grant of independence, players can employ a combination of diplomatic, strategic, and military tactics to increase their chances of achieving freedom. It is important to adapt these strategies based on the specific circumstances and relationships within the game.

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