Free Colonisation Strategy Game

Galactic Colonisation: The Core of OGame

OGame has been the reference game for free browser colonisation strategy games since its release in 2002. What began with a simple website is today a sophisticated multiplayer experience with persistent game world, genuine player alliances and deep strategic gameplay — all free, all in the browser.

The basic idea is brilliantly simple: One planet, one resource base, one goal — build a galactic empire. How far the journey goes is decided by the player.

Colonisation Step by Step

Step 1: Develop the Home Planet

Every OGame player begins on a randomly placed home planet. The first hours and days are dedicated to the building phase: metal mine, crystal mine and deuterium synthesizer are levelled up, the solar plant keeps energy supply stable. At the same time the research lab is built — the foundation for all technological developments.

Step 2: Research Astrophysics

Astrophysics is the key technology for colonisation. At level 1 the first additional planet is unlocked, with each further even level another slot follows. The research is resource-intensive — clever players plan it as one of their first major goals.

Step 3: Build the Colony Ship

The colony ship is created in the shipyard. It requires shipyard level 4 and impulse drive level 3. The ship is slow and unarmed — it's not a warship but a settlement vehicle. One colony ship is sufficient for one colonisation flight; afterwards a new one must be built.

Step 4: Find the Right Planet

The galaxy view shows all solar systems and free planet slots. The choice of position is strategically crucial: Which resources should the new colony primarily produce? In which system do neighbours offer opportunities for trade or alliances? Is the position secure enough?

Step 5: Build Up the Colony

After settlement, building begins anew on the new planet — but with the resource flow from the home planet as support. Experienced players build colonies according to fixed construction plans to save time: build nanite factory and robotics factory early to minimise building times.

Playing for Free: What OGame Offers for Free

Completely Free-to-Play

OGame is completely playable without payment. All game mechanics, all buildings, all research, all ships — everything accessible without a penny. The premium currency dark matter accelerates processes and enables officers, but is not pay-to-win in the classic sense.

What Dark Matter Provides

• Officers: Permanent bonuses to production, research, combat (admirals, engineers etc.)
• Accelerations: Reduce building times, research times, flight times
• Storage expansion: Store more resources safely

Many top players in German universes play with very little or no dark matter use at all. Strategy beats premium currency.

New Universes: The True Equaliser

Gameforge regularly opens new universes. In a new universe all players start at zero — no existing player has an advantage. This is the fairest entry scenario OGame offers. For newcomers wanting to start for free, a new opening is the best opportunity.

OGame vs Other Free Colonisation Games