Sci-fi strategy Stellaris has all the classic hallmarks of a Paradox Interactive grand strategy title, including massive depth, mind-boggling complexity, and a never-ending list of DLC expansions. Thanks to these expansions, Stellaris has grown massively since its 2016 launch, introducing new systems, features, and challenges with every update.
One of the most interesting additions to Stellaris from the recent Overlord DLC is the new Megastructure, the Hyper Relay. With a chain of Hyper Relays, players can build a FTL super-highway across their Empire, delivering ships from one end of the galaxy to the other in months rather than years.
How to Research Hyper Relays in Stellaris
Before players can start building Hyper Relays in Stellaris, they'll first need to discover and complete the correct technology. The Hyper Relays tech will only appear after players have completed Hyperlane Breach Points, but players will still have to get lucky due to Stellaris' semi-random tech choices. In order to increase the odds of Hyper Relays appearing as one of the Physics Research options, there are a few criteria players can attempt to meet:
- The Technological Ascendency or Grasp the Void Ascension Perks
- A copy of an existing or ruined Hyper Relay in their borders, either gained through conquest or an event.
- Membership in a Federation with another Empire that has Hyper Relays
- The Technocracy Civic
- Having finished the Expansion Tradition tree
Meeting one or more of these criteria, and having a good Physics Research score, should allow players to grab the Hyper Relays tech near the start of the game.
How to Build Hyper Relays in Stellaris
With the correct technology finished, players can use a Stellaris Construction Ship to right-click and build a Hyper Relay in any of their Systems for 25 Influence, 500 Alloys, and 100 Rare Crystals. However, a single Hyper Relay will have no effect on its own, and players will need to build at least two in adjacent Systems before they'll be any use. A chain of Hyper Relays in adjacent Systems will allow fleets and ships to move quickly from one end of the chain to the other by cutting out the time that they would normally spend cruising between Hyperlanes at sublight speed.
Existing Hyper Relay connections are shown on the galaxy map as a thicker and brighter Hyperane line between two connected systems. If the Hyper Relay network is in an Empire that has closed its borders to the player, it will instead show as a thick yellow line. Although invading fleets cannot use Hyper Relays to zoom straight to their enemy's capital, they can still be useful to both invader and defender during a war in Stellaris. Aggressors will be able to use Hyper Relays in any System they occupy, which can connect to their own Hyper Relay network and allow for reinforcements to arrive in months rather than years.
Stellaris is available on PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.