User Guide

GETTING STARTED
CHAPTER 1
9
SIZE
There are five options: Tiny, Small, Standard,
Large and Huge. The bigger the world, the
longer you’ll probably play before encounter-
ing any of the other factions.
From this screen, you can also load any custom
map files you may have saved. The Load Map
File option opens your map file directory.
OCEAN COVERAGE
Allows you to select how much of the world is under water. The three options
are 30-50%, 50-70%, and 70-90%. The more ocean, the greater the neces-
sity for a navy and the fewer opportunities to expand your faction on land.
EROSIVE FORCES
Allows you to choose between Strong (rolling and flat terrain), Average (hilly
terrain), and Weak (rough, mountainous terrain). In general, flat terrain is eas-
ier to settle and terraform. Rougher surfaces are harder to terraform, but offer
an abundance of mineral resources.
NATIVE LIFE FORMS
Allows you to select the frequency of Planet’s native life-forms, notably mind
worms (see Fauna, p. 40) and xenofungus (see Flora, p. 39). Choices are Rare,
Average and Abundant. The fewer native life forms, the easier the going, par-
ticularly early in the game.
CLOUD COVER
The choices are Sparse (light rainfall), Average, and Dense (heavy rainfall). The
more rainfall, the more nutrients available to feed and expand your bases.