Differences from Generic 4X


 * is used not only for, but also to speed growth, , and , with the  used to devote percents to each.  Early in the life of a  it is often advisable to devote all  to  or  as these will in turn greatly increase the  of the.
 * determines the maximum number of buildings for a ; acts as a multiplier for ; increases and on each level up grants a choice of a bonus for that colony.
 * Strategic Resources are not used for special units or buildings.  Instead, they open new technologies for, many of which give bonuses based on the number of those resources possessed.  When a resource is first found, the player must make a permanent decision between 2 sets of technologies that resource could unlock.
 * Units can only move a certain distance from the nearest colony or outpost, which can be increased with technologies or the discovered wormholes.  This severely limits exploration and expansion particularly in the early game and encourages the strategic placement of colonies or outposts in systems otherwise sub-par or even worthless solely to expand the reach of ships.
 * The number of Leaders (heroes) in the galaxy is very finite.  Once they have all been hired by factions, the only way to gain more is to steal them from another faction through espionage or military raids or invasions.  This makes them an important resource to compete for.
 * There is no limit to the size of a particular fleet.  However, the total ships (military and civilian) a faction can have at a time is limited by its which can be increased by a number of means (colonies, infrastructure, Leaders, etc.).
 * Each sector and system has a Scan Level.  As the Scan Level of a sector increases, specials such as Black Holes, Neutron Stars, etc, may be revealed that are the only sources of some Strategic Resources.  Remote Scanning increases the Scan Level of a chosen Sector and takes a number of turns dependent on the current Scan Level of the Sector, the presence of Survey Ships, and any Faction bonuses.
 * Tactical combat encourages a mix of small and large ships.  Since ships can be upgraded to the latest custom design at Star Bases, no units become obsolete.
 * Zones of Control extend from colonies based on, and prevent other Factions from establishing colonies or outposts (in the absence of a Mining Treaty) in systems they cover.  However, there are no closed borders--Factions can freely move through all other Factions' Zones of Control.
 * Assault Ships are required to Invade or Raid Colonies.  Each Assault Ship provides a bonus to the Ground Troops, and some Assault Ships are likely to be lost in the Ground Combat, so bring more than one.  Raids can damage Colonies or even steal Leaders.  Outposts can be destroyed or occupied without Assault Ships present.