Turn a new colony into a useful planet.
Choose a useful location and budget capacity, the colony ship, startup resources and logistics together.
Evidence reviewed 9 November 2026. Read the linked reference for formulas, sources and version limits; current account settings remain the final check.
What this guide covers
- Choose a colony for an explicit role.
- Budget the full expansion rather than only the ship.
- Evaluate fields, logistics and safety after arrival.
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Decide what the colony is for
A colony can add production, shorten supply routes or open another operating area. Choose the job before the position. Research capacity, a Colony Ship, startup resources, fuel and ongoing logistics all belong in the expansion budget.
Check capacity and prerequisites
Planet capacity and access to a particular position are separate checks. Confirm both in Astrophysics and the technology tree before launch. The Colony Ship’s prerequisites and the relevant capacity thresholds are covered in the detailed reference.
Compare candidate locations
Position affects production bonuses, temperature and possible size. Cold planets improve Deuterium production but weaken satellites. Temperature does not change Solar Plant output. The reference compares slot 8 and slot 15 under stated assumptions.
Compare all fifteen positions
The fifteen-position table separates unmodified field ranges, possible maximum temperatures and production bonuses. A range is not a guaranteed colony roll. Universe, class, item and Lifeform field effects must be applied separately.
Apply field bonuses in the right place
Colonization diameter bonuses are not the same as field bonuses: fields depend on diameter squared. Keep a long-term space budget and check effects that can disappear after a species change. Position production bonuses also have their own place in the calculation.
Inspect before heavily investing
Inspect the actual fields, temperature and location before committing a large development budget. Accompanying ships normally return after a colonization delivery; use a separate Deployment to station cargo. Abandoning a colony needs its own careful asset and warning check.
Develop in stages and connect the route
A useful colony needs powered income, the facilities for its chosen job, cargo and a reliable collection route. Supply it in manageable amounts without starving the rest of the account. Judge expansion by its contribution and operating burden together.
Detailed reference
All fifteen slots, field and temperature trade-offs, and the full investment behind another colony.
Quick checks
Review the key points. Ticks stay in this browser when storage is available.
Sources & version context
Evidence reviewed 9 November 2026. Read the linked reference for formulas, sources and version limits; current account settings remain the final check. Planning workflows and examples are Skie guidance. Game rules and interface requirements should be checked against the linked references and your current account.