Colonization is a principle game mechanic of the Space Stage of Spore. In order for the player to produce spice to sell for money, expand their territory, gain strength and health bonuses, defend themselves more easily and generally succeed and progress with the stage, then they must colonize other planets and star systems. Colonies share the same function as cities in the Civilization stage and the cities on a homeplanet. The player can place buildings in order for it to contribute to the growth of their empire. The only difference between colonies and cities is their appearance: colonies have metal rings around them whilst cities have simpler walls, and also have different turrets.
A big empire
Using Colonization[]
In order for a player to colonize a planet, there are several factors that depend on whether the planet can be colonized or whether it is worth the money or time.
Uncolonizable[]
- Planets claimed by another Empire (Not permanent, may be colonized after original empire has been removed)
- Planets that have a Civilization or Tribal stage species residing on them (Again not permanent, may be colonized after original civilizations/tribes have been removed)
- Planets housed by other save games
- Gas giants
- Spiceless planets
Colonizable but not suitable (Ignoring spice)[]
- T0 planets
- Planets outside of a green orbit
Suitable for Colonies[]
- Planets with a green orbit
- T1 planets
- T2 planets
Ideal[]
- T3 planets
- Planets with blue, green, pink or purple spice
Planets can be colonized with the Colony Incredi-Pak tool, which is an 'ammunition' tool- it is used in numbers and individual packs must be purchased. Incredi-Paks can only be placed on land and relatively near a spice geyser, although they cannot be placed too close to a spice geyser or another colony. They are not restricted by the shape of the terrain as they flatten the terrain they are placed on. The state of the colony will be determined by the terrascore of the planet, as well as its terra state. A T0 planet will have a bubble over it that protects inhabitants from the planet's dangers. A bubble shield will cover the colony if the dot on the Terraforming HUD (in the bottom left of the screen when on planet- switches between itself and the minimap) is outside any of the rings that make up the circle in the center.