User Guide

You’ll also want to build some extra colony pods to establish new bases. When

a pod is ready, send it out to an inviting green square at least three or four

squares away from any other base (and on a river or a coast if possible). B

builds a new base on that square.

As your faction discovers new technology, you gain an ever wider variety of

build options to choose from. Once you have a defensive unit and a former,

and have sent out a colony pod from a base, you’ll probably want to start

improving the base itself by building facilities. Particularly useful facilities for

new bases in the early part of the game include the Network Node, Perimeter

Defense, Children’s Creche, Recycling Tanks and Recreation Commons.

Eventually, when you feel one of your bases is well established, you may want

to commit it to building a Secret Project. These massive works take a long time

to build but yield lasting benefits to your entire faction.

DIPLOMACY

Inevitably, you come into contact with one of the other factions from the

Unity. When this happens, you’ll usually get a message that the leader of the

faction wishes to speak to you, via your commlinks. It’s usually a good idea to

talk to another leader when given the opportunity. Leaders may offer to trade

technologies (often a good idea), or offer you a treaty, or even an alliance (a

very good idea, unless you’re itching for a fight). On the other hand, they might

threaten you or even try to extort energy (the currency of Planet) or technolo-

gy from you. Giving in to such demands can be humbling, but is sometimes

better than the alternative (a fight you may not be ready for). Sometimes they

want to borrow energy credits (a good deal in the long run, unless you’re going

to need the energy you’re loaning away in the immediate future).

FACTIONAL STRIFE

Unfortunately, diplomacy can’t solve all problems. Sooner or later, you’ll have

to prepare your faction for armed conflict. Even if your intentions are peace-

ful, you’ll need a standing army, to respond quickly in case of unprovoked

WELCOME TO ALPHA CENTAURI

CHAPTER 2