Building Game with Expansion

A Universe Awaits Discovery

Expansion is the heart of every great building game — and OGame takes this concept literally. A single OGame universe comprises up to 9 galaxies with 499 solar systems each and 15 planet positions each. That's over 67,000 possible locations where you can settle, attack, explore or trade. No other free browser building game offers such a vast expansion space.

Expansion in OGame doesn't just mean more space — it means more resources, strategically advantageous positions, shorter flight times to important targets and a growing presence in the universe. Those who expand play in a different league.

Three Paths of Expansion

1. Colonisation: Settling New Planets

The most direct path to expansion is settling new planets. With a colony ship you fly to a free planet slot that you've previously identified in the galaxy view. Position determines planet size: middle positions (6-10) in the solar system typically yield the largest planets with the most building fields. Edge positions (1-3, 12-15) tend to have smaller planets, but offer deuterium advantages (outer) or metal advantages (inner).

2. Expeditions: Exploring the Unknown

Expeditions are OGame's exploration system: You send a fleet with pathfinders to a special position at the edge of the solar system. The result is randomised and can be:

• Resource discoveries (metal, crystal, deuterium)
• Dark matter — the game's premium currency
• Ship discoveries (your own ships return reinforced)
• Nothing or delayed return
• Pirate attacks or alien attacks on the expedition fleet

The Explorer class maximises expedition results through massive bonuses and additional expedition slots. For players who understand expansion as exploration, the Explorer class is the natural choice.

3. Military Expansion: Space Through Strength

Expansion also happens through dominance: Those who control a solar system and displace competitors gain resources and strategic control. The alliance combat system allows coordinated expansion of entire alliances into new galaxy regions — an aspect that gives OGame's "building game" concept a geopolitical dimension.

The Explorer Class: Expansion as Playstyle

Since the OGame redesign, there's the Explorer class — the class bonus for expansion-oriented players:

Players who play with the Explorer class pursue expansion as their primary playstyle: constantly new expeditions, a fleet of pathfinders and maximum planet colonies. The result is an empire style that relies less on direct confrontation, instead scoring through sheer expansion and resource accumulation.

Planning Expansion: Where Do I Colonise Next?

Choosing your next colony planet is a strategic decision with long-term consequences. Factors you should consider:

• Proximity to allies: Near friendly players reduces flight times for mutual support.
• Distance from active enemies: Too close to aggressive players makes a colony easy prey.
• Planet size: More fields means more buildings and higher production ceiling.
• Galaxy strategy: Presence in multiple galaxies increases range for expeditions and attacks.

Those who systematically analyse these factors don't expand blindly — but build a coherent imperial structure that makes each additional planet stronger than the previous one.