Happiness in 2.2

[Zweistein000]

Hey, with all the changes to the game, one thing I can't figure out what does happiness do and what is it good for. Because currently resource production bonuses/penalties are bound to stability and that can be fixed with enforcers and amenities. What does happiness effect?

 

[Vladisi]

It gives bonus or malus to stability, based on how happy a pop is and how much political power it has. And, apparently, there are thresholds that define the minimum and maximum influence political power has on stability. So, despite the fact that a slave has no political power, it will still contribute 50% of its influence towards stability, and a ruler will still contribute only 200% maximum.

 

[tobias.mb]

Pop approval rating, which is basically pop happiness weighted by political power (so rulers count more, especially under stratified), is a major factor in stability.
Also enforcers have no (direct) effect on happiness. They counteract crime. Ofc high crime also tanks stability, but you can still have unhappy pops even if you suppress all crime.