Life Forms in OGame: The Four Species Overview
In OGame there are four life forms, each bringing their own Lifeform Buildings and Lifeform Research: Humans, Rock'tal, Mechas and Kaelesh. According to the Wiki, the bonus from Lifeform Research applies to your entire empire, whilst the bonus from Lifeform Buildings only applies to the respective planet.
Each species also has a "special tech perk" that provides a bonus to a specific player class. Which life form suits you therefore depends heavily on your playstyle and your class.
Humans – the All-Rounders for Beginners
According to the Wiki, Humans are the standard species with which every player automatically starts. They are the most common life form in the universe and are regarded as excellent traders.
Special Feature
- The only species with "discovery tech", which allows you to find other life forms in the galaxy.
- Designed for a balanced playstyle.
- Technologies such as Intergalactic Envoys, Research AI, Improved Lab Technology and Enhanced Production Technologies broadly cover research, production and fleet.
For whom? Players who are just starting with the Lifeform system – and who need the "discovery tech" to obtain other species in the first place.
Mechas – the Choice for Fleeters
Mechas are artificial intelligences that, according to the Wiki, can reproduce faster than any other species because they are built in factories. Their archetype is the "Fleeter".
Strengths according to the Wiki
- Strong focus on increased combat power of ships and fleets.
- Reduction of fuel costs (Efficiency Module) and higher build production (Automatised Assembly Centre).
- General Overhaul research improves Light Fighter, Cruiser, Battleship, Battlecruiser, Bomber and Destroyer in structure, shield, firepower, cargo capacity and base speed.
- The special building Nano Repair Bots increases the number of ships that remain in wreckage after a battle – synergises with the General class.
- The special tech perk Mechan General Enhancement grants bonuses to the "General" class.
For whom? Players with General class who focus on fleet combat, recycling and fuel efficiency.
Kaelesh – the Choice for Discoverers
According to the Wiki, Kaelesh are born between the stars and have a natural inclination to explore the universe. Their archetype is the "Explorer".
Strengths according to the Wiki
- Technologies such as Telekinetic Tractor Beam, Enhanced Sensor Technology, Sixth Sense and Gravitation Sensors increase resources, ship discoveries and Dark Matter from expeditions.
- Psionic Network reduces the chance of losing ships on expeditions; Telekinetic Drive increases fleet speed on expeditions.
- Neuro-Interface and Efficient Swarm Intelligence accelerate research and Lifeform research respectively.
- The special building Supra Refractor increases the chance of a moon from moonshots and the size of the moon (max. 9400).
- The special tech perk Kaelesh Discoverer Enhancement grants bonuses to the "Discoverer" class.
Note from the Wiki: After the Artefact Update, Kaelesh are generally considered weaker than other races for Discoverer players, as they have no buildings for resource production or tech efficiency and their technologies can be acquired from other races via artefacts.
Rock'tal – Research Focused on Heavy Industry and Shields
The Wiki provides the list of Lifeform Research for Rock'tal. This includes, among others, Volcanic Batteries, High Energy Pump System, Magma Powered Production, Geothermal Power Plants, Seismic Mining Technology, Magma Powered Pump Systems and Hardened Diamond Drill Heads.
Further Research according to the Wiki
- Ion Crystal Enhancement (Heavy Fighter) and Ion Crystal Modules.
- Improved Stellarator and Diamond Energy Transmitter.
- Obsidian Shield Reinforcement and Rune Shields.
- Cargo Hold Expansion and Optimised Silo Construction Method.
- The concluding research entry is Rock'tal Collector Enhancement – an indication of a bonus for the "Collector" class.
Which Species for Whom? – Short Summary
- Humans: Starting species, balanced, the only one with "discovery tech" to find other life forms.
- Mechas: Best choice for the General class – focus on fleet combat, fuel efficiency and wrecks via Nano Repair Bots.
- Kaelesh: Designed for expeditions and moonshots, with bonus to the Discoverer class; according to the Wiki, however, often the weaker choice for Discoverer players after the Artefact Update.
- Rock'tal: Research focused on energy, mining and shields (including Rune Shields, Obsidian Shield Reinforcement, Seismic Mining Technology), with Rock'tal Collector Enhancement as class perk.
Since Lifeform Research affects your entire empire, it is worthwhile to consistently align the research line of your chosen species with your own playstyle and class.