Sending a fleet with survey capability to an unexplored system allows you to conduct a detailed survey, revealing hidden resources and anomalies.
Anomalies & Exploration
After surveying, fleets can explore discovered anomalies. Anomalies range from precursor ruins and derelict vessels to biological phenomena and spatial anomalies. Each discovery provides a permanent effect on the planet and may grant one-time rewards.
Permanent Effects
Anomalies permanently alter a planet's output. Effects range from small bonuses (+1 to +3 per turn) to penalties (-1 to -3 per turn) across all resource types: production, food, research, and credits. Some anomalies also affect population growth rates. Not every discovery is beneficial — hostile ecosystems, radiation zones, and collapsed structures can hinder your colony.
Interactive Choices & Risks
Some anomalies require your direct intervention. You may proceed cautiously for a small safe reward, investigate aggressively with a chance of losing a ship, or fund a proper expedition for a guaranteed premium outcome.
One-Time Rewards
Exploration can yield credits, research points, population, temporary resource boosts, or tech breakthroughs. Tech Boosts provide an immediate progress leap in a specific unresearched technology.