Stellaris: Cybernetic Ascension Guide

thegamer.com:

Stellaris offers players three optional Ascension paths, allowing the people of their empire to reach the next step in the evolution of their respective species. The Synthetic Ascension path gradually replaces the population's body parts with cybernetic implants, granting them enhanced physical and cognitive functions. Eventually, Synthetic empires transfer their consciousnesses into fully-artificial bodies, transcending the limits of flesh and blood forever.

Related: Stellaris Beginner Tips

Successfully completing the Synthetic path gives powerful Leaders the opportunity to serve your empire forever. It also unlocks the Achievement/Trophy "Like Tears In Rain," adding to the player's collection of accolades.

Since the end goal of Synthetic Ascension is immortality, one of the best ways to make use of it is to recruit exceptional Leaders who will reach a high skill level. Once the process is complete, these Leaders will never die from old age, though combat and accidents can still rob them of eternity. Traditions that increase the level cap of characters, such as Science Division and Polytechnic Education from the Discovery tree, are therefore great choices.

Attaining Synthetic Ascension will require a heavy investment of Engineering Research, both to unlock the techs required and to carry out the transformation. If you're using a custom empire, consider taking the Natural Engineers trait for your founding species to help with this. The Mechanist Origin is also a good pick, as you'll start with the Powered Exoskeletons and Robotic Workers Technologies unlocked - the first steps toward your ultimate goal.

Avoid Lifespan-extending traits like Venerable, since they will become redundant. You could, however, choose Fleeting