Planet Colonisation in Space Strategy Game

Planet Colonisation: The Foundation of Empire

Every game in OGame begins on a single homeworld. From there you expand your empire through colonising new worlds — one of the central game mechanisms that distinguishes OGame from simpler browser games. More planets mean more resource production, more fleet slots and greater strategic reach in the galaxy.

Planet colonisation in OGame isn't a simple click mechanism, but requires planning: Which position in which system? How do I distribute my resources optimally? What playstyle am I pursuing? These decisions shape the entire gaming experience.

Prerequisites for the First Colony

Astrophysics Research

The most important prerequisite is astrophysics research. Each odd level of astrophysics unlocks an additional planet slot. Level 1 enables the first colony, level 3 the second, level 5 the third and so on. Since higher research levels cost exponentially more resources, you plan colonisation in phases.

The Colony Ship

To establish a new colony, you need a colony ship — one of the civilian ships in OGame. It's built in the shipyard and sent to the desired position in another galaxy or planetary system. The colony ship is consumed in the process: it transforms into the core of the new colony.

The Discoverer Class as Bonus

Players who choose the discoverer class receive an additional planet slot. This makes the discoverer ideal for players who focus on maximum resource production through many colonies. Combined with high astrophysics research, a discoverer can build the largest empire.

Choosing Planet Positions Strategically

Not every position in a solar system is equally valuable. The 15 positions differ in their suitability for various resources:

Positions 6 and 7 are considered universally strong: they enable solid production of all three resources without extreme weaknesses. For pure fleet players, positions in the 8–11 range are often preferred, as deuterium as ship fuel is the limiting factor for large fleets.

Planning Galaxy Distribution

OGame has several galaxies by default. Colonies in different galaxies significantly increase transport times, but offer strategic independence and access to more resources in different zones. Many experienced players concentrate their colonies in two to three adjacent galaxies to keep transport routes short.

Moon Chance: Planet Colonisation at the Next Level

Besides planets there are also moons in OGame — and these aren't created through direct colonisation. Moons form during battles in a planet's orbit when the resulting debris field is large enough. The moon chance increases with the size of the debris field up to a maximum of 20%.

Moons are extremely valuable: they house the sensor phalanx (for spying on enemy fleets), the jumpgate for instant fleet transport and the moon base for protection. A player with well-positioned moons has enormous tactical advantages — particularly when fleetsaving and coordinating attacks.

Developing Colonies: Which Buildings First?

A freshly established colony has few fields and low production. Development follows a proven scheme:

1. Bring metal mine and crystal mine to moderate levels
2. Expand solar power plant for energy supply
3. Deuterium synthesizer depending on playstyle
4. Robotics factory for faster build times
5. Research lab if using intergalactic research network
6. Shipyard for distributed ship production

Colonies with shipyards enable parallel ship building on multiple planets simultaneously — a massive advantage for players wanting to build large fleets quickly.