Shadows Rising Update - 1.3.7.9

[MaximKI]

Shadows Rising is now out, and with it, 1.3.7.9 is released as an official update to support this latest expansion.

Changes in 1.3.7.9 (October 7th, 2026):

CRASH FIXES
- fixed rare crash when loading game while diplomacy screen is open
- fixed rare crash when rendering weapon blasts
- fixed crash/hang when independent colony becomes empire and generates new flag with color tint

GALAXY GENERATION
- when use pre-expanded game start, ensure that any independent colonies that get integrated into an empire also properly acquire any pre-existing facilities or artifacts at the colony

USER INTERFACE
- fixed faulty filter index in Research Locations list (showing locations for wrong research bonus)
- ensure 'Show Me' button on message relating to an independent colony now properly opens appropriate relation in Diplomacy screen

DIPLOMACY
- greatly increased cost of Artifacts in diplomacy trade deals

FLEETS
- ensure manually assigned fleet missions (e.g. Unload Troops) are not overridden by auto-assigned attack missions, even when enemy target is within engagement range

INVASIONS
- changed default invasion stance for invasion fleets and fleet templates to Invade Immediately (was Invade When Clear) so that fleets do not wait excessively before invading colonies with defending bases
- now show weapon count for weapon facilities in tooltip summary
- reduced invasion defense factors from weapon facilities, planetary shields and fighter bases (i.e. consider them weaker than previously when evaluating how they contribute to colony invasion defense). Thus automated invasion fleets are now more inclined to invade these targets

INDEPENDENT COLONIES
- fixed independent colonies that become empires not properly taking ownership of planetary facilities (were remaining independent)

PIRATES
- pirate ships now more willing to undertake raids against enemy targets, no longer constrained by tactical range

SHIP DATA
- added a number of minor ship hull fixes