Master of Orion Starts Early Access Phase 5

The rebooted Master of Orion is starting its fifth round of Early Access updates, with a new version available now. There’s a selection of changes, mostly based on fan feedback, including enhanced AI, overhauled game balancing, and User Experience (UX) improvements. Developer WG Labs promise that all of these elements will continue to evolve as the game takes shape as well.

At the core of these changes players will find a revamped trait system, and rebalanced planetary resource and population growth mechanics inspired by Master of Orion II (including by popular demand creative and un-creative traits) making each decision more impactful and each race more distinct. Commanders will also discover that planets are now more differentiated: biomes have a greater effect on colony growth, and there are now multiple paths of planetary development each and everyone requiring careful planning from players in order to exploit their colonies to the maximum.

In addition, if you’ve been on the fence about the game, there’s a discount for the Collector’s Edition of the game coming up in the impending Steam and GOG.com summer sales. The game will have 30% slashed off the price, allowing you to join other players in the Early Access game.