Planet Quality and Colonization

from Stardock Forums
I'm rather new to play Galciv, I've only ever beaten it on normal and only played like 10 games total, plus I have not bothered looking at strat guides much or anything, but I have gotten into the habit of colonizing quality 13-14 and planets(I've heard this is a bad idea?) and then improving them with soil enhancment/habitat improvement to be 15-16 level ones, is this a good idea? The AI seem to never do this (they snap up the 15 and above ones real quickly, but leave 14 forever?)

Is it worth it to grab these sub-par planets and improve them to be productive once the "good" planets have run out (pretty quickly)?
2,913 views 3 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top
In the late game, it is a good idea to grab the PQ14s to expand you influence some. Also, you get more research from the extra population. In my playing style I will grab the PQ12-13 to get cultural influence over the AI, but only after I have developed resourse bases, trade goods, and wonders the improve influence. You will lose money on the planets until the reach PQ15.

On a side note, drop by your empire thread, they'd love to hear from you. http://www.galciv.com/forum.asp?BID=GE&id=130293
Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top
I grab PQ13+ planets from the start. I think it is worth it to have the extra production power and with the two PQ techs available quickly the planets are pretty useful.

I have PQ +5% as a starting bonus.

By the end of the game, I am colonising PQ9 planets for their influence bonuses for my empire.

Siege of Centauri
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top
CenturionV, I think that it depends on your style of play and map size.

I would only grab a planet with a PQ < 15 during early game to expand my empire outward during the colonization phase. I would then disband that colony as soon as it served its purpose because it would be a drain on resources.

During the later game stages grabbing planets as low as PQ13 is a good idea for several reasons. And your economy should be strong enough now. I would buy the two basic PQ enhancements to get them to PQ15.

By colonizing these planets you may get a morale modifying event which is helpful if you are trying to go good or evil.

Colonizing these planets increases your population and tax base as well.

Please drop by the Canadian Star Federation http://www.galciv.com/forum.asp?id=130293&BID=GE&page=152#182981 and say hi. We are a bit goofy but what can you expect from the undead canadians.