Planetary features

Version

This article has been verified for the current PC version (4.0) of the game.

Celestial object

Classification

Colonization

Planetary features

Planet modifiers

Planetary features represent notable areas found on natural planets. They determine the number of Districts the planet can support and some features exclusively obtained by events can provide various bonuses to planets. If a planet is terraformed into an Ecumenopolis, Hive World or Machine World, it loses all of its planetary features, including event features. Hive Worlds and Machine Worlds do not lose the deposit features that determine the max number of Strategic Resource buildings.

Features

Deposit features

These planetary features are generated on each natural planet and determine the number of resource districts the planet can support. They are rerolled if the planet is terraformed but are likely to change into planetary features with the same effects that fit the new planet class. Each planet will have between 4 and 15 deposit features depending on planet size.

Dry planets are 50% more likely to have planetary features that increase the limit for Generator Districts, wet planets are 50% more likely to have planetary features that increase the limit for Agriculture Districts and cold planets are 50% more likely to have planetary features that increase the limit for Mining Districts.

Districts	+1	+2	+3
Agriculture Districts	Boggy Fens These low-lying wetlands provide a wealth of plant nutrients. Bountiful Plains Fertile soils and tall grasses cover these sweeping plains, providing rich potential for farmlands. Fair Tundra Sedges, shrubs and lichens cover this high-latitude biome, where the subsoil permafrost is nevertheless covered in more fertile sediment. Green Hills Rolling hills covered in greenery and fertile soils. Lichen Fields Dewy moss, lichens and fungi form a plush carpet that stretches across these rocky lands. Natural Farmland These plains are naturally subdivided into alarmingly regular geometric shapes, ready for agricultural exploitation. Nutritious Mudlands A watery slurry of clay, silt, and loam stretches across the horizon, where low vegetation flourishes. Rugged Woods Cold, rocky woods with herbaceous understories.	Fertile Lands This vast stretch of open plains provides ideal farmland. Fungal Caves These extensive cave networks are covered in many species of edible fungi, which require neither sunlight nor fertile soil to flourish. Great River A slow-flowing river of enormous volume provides water and vegetation for a rich abundance of life. Lush Jungle With a dense canopy and nigh-impenetrable vegetation density, these jungles are poor in soil quality, but rich in plant-life and fruit-bearing trees.	Black Soil With a remarkably high moisture capacity and high amounts of chemicals integral to plant life, these soils promise impressive agricultural yields. Fungal Forest In lieu of trees, towering mushrooms dominate these fecund forests, the enormous caps of fungal giants blotting out sunlight to create the perfect environment for a rich variety of smaller specimens. Marvelous Oasis A shimmering jewel of water and greenery in a barren wasteland. Teeming Reef A vibrant ecosystem brimming with corals, fish, mollusks, mammals, invertebrates, and all kinds of edible marine life. Tropical Island From fruit-laden trees to plentiful fauna, the bounties of this paradisaical island promise a rich harvest.
Generator Districts	Arid Highlands An elevated, dry ecoregion bearing sparse vegetation of desert grasses and scrubs. Buzzing Plains These windy plains crackle with static electricity. Hot Springs Groundwater heated by geothermal processes steams from the surface of these springs.	Frozen Gas Lake Formed under immense pressure in a bygone age, deep-freeze temperatures have kept the gases dissolved in these rimey lakes in a solid state. Rushing Waterfalls Picturesque vistas formed when rivers flow over the cliff-sides of steep mountainsides. Searing Desert With little precipitation, extreme temperatures and limited vegetation, these sandy deserts are hostile to most forms of life.	Geothermal Vents These fumaroles vent steam and noxious gases from deep within the planet's crust. Tempestuous Mountain Wind-torn vegetation clings to the high crags and stormy cliffs of these rainy mountains. Underwater Vents Metalliferous sediments react with superheated water in the planet's crust, venting chemicals along the seabed where tectonic plates diverge.
Mining Districts	Mineral Fields Geological upheaval exposed these useful minerals to the planet's surface long ago. Mineral Striations Shallow faults have brought rich mineral veins to the surface. Ore-Veined Cliffs Bands of valuable mineral ores run like veins through these exposed cliff faces.	Prosperous Mesa This flat-topped hill has steep sides lined with useful resources. Ore-Rich Caverns These deep caverns are rife with metallic and mineral ore deposits.	Rich Mountain These mountainsides glint with rich ore resources and precious stones. Submerged Ore Veins Useful ore deposits line parts of the ocean floor, providing opportunities for deep-sea mining.

Building features

These rare planetary features unlock the ability to build certain buildings.

	Feature	Effects
	Betharian Fields Thousands upon thousands of valuable Betharian stones glint like stars in these fields.	+4 Max Mining Districts Unlocks the Betharian Processing specialization for Mining Districts
	Isolated Valley This pristine valley lies sheltered amongst the surrounding mountains, its fauna shielded from roving predators.	Unlocks the Alien Zoo building

Strategic resource deposits

Strategic resource deposits increase the maximum number of Mining Districts by +3 and if the required extraction technology is researched, they will add additional strategic resource output to Miner jobs. Each planet can only have one strategic resource deposit for each resource and they cannot appear on homeworlds, with exception for certain origins. They are 50% more likely to appear on their favored planet class and 100% more likely to appear on Gaia Worlds.

	Feature	Resources per 100 Miners	Extraction technology	Favored climate
	Dust Caverns Rare Volatile Motes condense in these sandy caves and hidden hollows.	+0.2 Volatile Motes	Mote Stabilization	Dry
	Dust Desert A vast expanse of sand that covers scattered pockets of rare and valuable Volatile Motes. Extraction is possible with the right equipment.	+0.4 Volatile Motes
	Bubbling Swamp A hotbed of aquatic plants, insects, and swamp gas, this wetland is characterized by slow-moving water and rich vegetation.	+0.2 Exotic Gases	Exotic Gas Extraction	Wet
	Fuming Bog A noxious quagmire covered in low vegetation, mosses and fungi, where gases steam from the water's surface.	+0.4 Exotic Gases
	Crystalline Caverns Like enormous geodes, these caves are filled on all sides with rare crystals.	+0.2 Rare Crystals	Rare Crystal Mining	Cold
	Crystal Forest Glittering crystals grow like hoarfrost in these exotic forests.	+0.4 Rare Crystals
	Crystal Reef Crystal lattices glimmer amongst the rocks and corals of this sandy reef.	+0.4 Rare Crystals

Anomaly features

These planetary features can be added by anomalies found on habitable planets.

	Feature	Effects	Anomaly	DLC
	Ancient Mining Site The site of an ancient mining operation. Despite its age, much of the equipment can still be operated.	+5 Max Mining Districts	Icy Plains
	Ancient One An ancient being, living deep beneath the waves, is the dominating life force on this planet.	+4 Society Research	Drops in the Ocean
	Enigmatic Robot An ancient and enigmatic little robot, supervising a factory which dates back to an earlier civilization.	+5 Alloys	Signs of Ancient Life
	Hyperfertile Valley The soil in this valley is extremely fertile, and it is covered in intense greenery.	+5 Max Agriculture Districts	Spotty Greenery
	Toy Factory Complex Complex machinery ceaselessly molds complex polymers into small items of varying shapes and inscrutable purposes.	+10% Society from jobs +20% Engineering from jobs +200 Biologist jobs +200 Engineer jobs +200 Physicist jobs	What Hums in the Night
	Weapon Extraction Facility The facility possesses ancient weapons from caches left by a lost civilization.	+10% Engineering from jobs +200 Munitions Decommissioner jobs	Spontaneous Explosions
	Abandoned Primitive Homesteads These abandoned homesteads were once inhabited by a society of reptiles. They still populate the planet, but have since lost all capacity for sapient thought.	+10% Society from jobs +2 Max Agriculture Districts	Abandoned Settlements
	Flooded Mounds Thousands upon thousands of interconnected termite-like mounds can be found far beneath the ocean on this world, the last remnants of an ancient species of sapient arthropoids.	+20% Society from jobs +200 Biologist jobs +200 Engineer jobs +200 Physicist jobs	Deep Tunnels
	Harvester Fields Vast fields of dense, edible vegetation where ancient solar-powered harvesters assist in gathering crops.	+6 Max Agriculture Districts	Peculiar Patterns
	Nanosands The sand dunes on this planet are almost entirely composed of countless broken nanites. Their structure is degraded far beyond any chance for reactivation, but they do coat the planet in rare metal granulate.	+2 Max Mining Districts +2 Max Districts	Metallic Sands
	Savage Wildlands These indigenous creatures who inhabit this region appear to operate as a single organism.	+10% Society from jobs +100 Biologist jobs +100 Engineer jobs +100 Physicist jobs	Alien Life
	Wetware Computer The oceans on this world are almost completely covered in a fine network of algae that appear to be a primitive wetware computer.	+20% Engineering from jobs +200 Biologist jobs +200 Engineer jobs +200 Physicist jobs	Peculiar Patterns
	Zone A A thirteen-by-thirteen kilometer stretch of land on this planet is a ruin of unknown origin, littered with many bizarre and unique alien artifacts. Bafflingly, it also produces sensations of deep contentment in its visitors.	+3 Unity +10% Physics from jobs +200 Biologist jobs +200 Engineer jobs +200 Physicist jobs	Isolated Ruin

Decision features

These planetary features can be added by certain decisions on owned planets.

	Feature	Effects	Decision	DLC
	Dayside Solar Farm This world has all its solar power set up on the dayside of its tidally locked hemispheres, granting it access to an unlimited amount of solar hours.	+6 Max Generator Districts +30% Energy from Jobs	Day Farm Construction Expand Dayside Infrastructure
	Strip Mine Network This planet has been stripped of most of the biosphere, enabling miners to extract significantly more resources.	+10 Max Mining Districts −50% Habitability	Strip Mine Planet
	Former Relic World This ecumenopolis was once an abandoned Relic World. Most of the old ruins were repurposed or cleared away when the planet-wide city was rebuilt, but there are still many sites that are of scientific value.	+10% Research from Jobs	Restore Ecumenopolis
	Tree of Life Sapling An offshot of the Great Tree, transplanted here by the Hive. It will take millennia for it to fully mature.	+500 Housing +10% Pop Growth Speed +10% Society Research from Jobs +2 Max Agriculture Districts 2 Food Upkeep Destroyed at 50 Devastation	Transplant Tree of Life
	Project Cornucopia Near-endless resources are at our fingertips, if we have the courage to seize them. Just think of what wonders we could build if we conquer our fear.	+4 Max Mining Districts +5% Minerals from Jobs −20% Habitability	Project Cornucopia
	Prospectorium Strip Mine An expertly built mining complex, making efficient use of the local resources.	+2 Max Mining Districts	Strip Mining
	Dimensional Manipulation Device A device stolen from the fae Syamelle, it can manipulate the very dimensions and render what appears small to be more spacious.	+50% Max Districts 1 Dark Matter Upkeep	Activate Dimensional Manipulation Device
	Memorial to the Unshackled A public memorial and museum constructed around the remains of the crashed slaver ship. The inscription over the entrance reads: "Memory is the cradle of freedom."	+0.5 Unity per 100 Civilians	Memorial to the Unshackled
	Fractal Seed These transparent globes recovered from beyond an Astral Rift are able to bend themselves into an extra dimension, increasing the effective size of their surrounding space. We should place them carefully.	+1 Max Districts	Fractal Seed
	Incubate Wind Creatures Introduce a species of beneficial wind creatures to this planet's atmosphere.	+5 Max Generator Districts +30% Energy from Jobs	Incubate Wind Creatures
	Microplanet Memorial This grim monument is a reminder to the populace of our capacity for cruelty in the face of dissidence.	+10 Stability −30 Crime	Display Microplanet Husk
	Rockworm Hive The young Rockworms recovered from beyond the Astral Rift can be carefully trained to carve extensive mining tunnels. What could go wrong?	+5 Max Mining Districts +20% Minerals from Jobs	Rockworm Hive
	Genesis Preserve We have dedicated this meticulously curated preserve to uplifting our wards into full-fledged sapient species. Scientific research programs are essential components of this ambitious project.	−2 Max Districts Effect per owned planet if not Gaia World: +5% Society from jobs (max +50%) +5% Unity from jobs (max +50%) Effect per owned planet if Gaia World: +10% Society from jobs (max +100%) +10% Unity from jobs ({max +100%) Removed if conquered by an empire that can't use the decision	Build Genesis Preserve

Relic world features

These planetary features can only be found on relic worlds and are usually blocked by relic world blockers.

	Feature	Effects
	Abandoned Mining Tunnels Many of the ruins on the planet's surface were built by minerals extracted from these tunnels. Although most have been mined to depletion, there are still several with rich yields.	+6 Max Mining Districts
	Ancient Reactor Pits These deep pits near the planet's equator once housed its primary energy generators. Much of the surprisingly sturdy infrastructure has survived, and new reactors can be slotted into it.	+6 Max Generator Districts
	Central Spire This towering structure appears to have served as the administrative center of the planet. Its central location and mostly intact interior provides an unmatched opportunity to research this world.	+15% Research from jobs +800 Biologist jobs +800 Engineer jobs +800 Physicist jobs
	Dense Ruins The study of the dense ruins that cover this Relic World are a boon to science, but their presence also limits the amount of livable space.	+15% Research from jobs −6 Max Districts
	Immense Solar Array This solar array is nearly the size of a small continent. Most of it has been smashed beyond repair, but the underlying power infrastructure has survived, making it a good site for energy production.	+3 Max Generator Districts
	Industrial Sector This entire region once served as the industrial heartland of the planet. The factories and refineries that operated here have long since stopped working, but vast amounts of scattered resources can still be found in the area.	+0.2 Volatile Motes per 100 Miners +0.2 Exotic Gases per 100 Miners +0.2 Rare Crystals per 100 Miners

Event features

These planetary features do not naturally generate on planets. They can be created exclusively by certain events and controllable factors.

	Feature	Effects	Source	DLC
	Ancient Bombardment Craters This world was subjected to intense orbital bombardment long ago. Parts of the surface are still pockmarked with impact craters.	+20% Physics from Jobs +200 Biologist jobs +200 Engineer jobs +200 Physicist jobs	What Happened Here (20% chance)
	Ancient Battlefield The civilization that once inhabited this world was destroyed by an invading force from somewhere beyond their solar system. This ancient battlefield is littered with ancient debris from their desperate last stand.	+20% Engineering from Jobs +200 Biologist jobs +200 Engineer jobs +200 Physicist jobs	What Happened Here (20% chance)
	Irradiated Ruins Remnants from a massive nuclear war waged by the two global superpowers that once inhabited this world.	+20% Society from Jobs +200 Biologist jobs +200 Engineer jobs +200 Physicist jobs	What Happened Here (20% chance)
	Cave Shroom Veins Ridding the caverns of fungus revealed rich mineral veins.	+300 Cave Cleaner jobs +1 per 20 pops	Feral Overload event chain (Exterminate the Cave Mushrooms special project)
	Spore Vents Shroom spores can be refined for industrial use.	+200 Gas Plant Engineer jobs +1 per 20 pops	Feral Overload event chain (Utilize the Cave Mushrooms special project)
	Subterranean Contact Zone An area where Subterranean dwellers and Surfacers can work together towards peace and prosperity.	+2 Max Generator Districts +2 Max Districts +100 Subterranean Liaison Officer job +1 per 20 pops	Subterranean Civilization event chain (Establish Communications special project)
	Subterranean Farming Caverns A network of vast caverns which contain numerous fungal farms, hunting areas, and lakes teeming with edible flora and fauna.	+3 Max Agriculture Districts +2 Max Districts	Subterranean Civilization event chain (Preemptive Strike special project)
	Subterranean Generator Areas Subterranean rivers and the geothermal energy from the molten core of the planet offer vast potential for energy generation.	+3 Max Generator Districts +2 Max Districts	Subterranean Civilization event chain (Preemptive Strike special project)
	Subterranean Mining Sites Underground tunnels lead to a variety of mineral-rich ore veins inaccessible from the surface.	+2 Max Districts +3 Max Mining Districts	Subterranean Civilization event chain (Preemptive Strike special project)
	Juvenile Nemma A young Nemma which we have bred and is now large enough to be capable of carrying some of our industry.	+1 Max Districts +2.5% Society from Jobs 2 Food Upkeep	Unsteady Ground event chain
	Nemma Mining Operation The careful balance of drugs and pain inhibitors allows us to drill into the Nemmas while still residing on them.	+100 Nemma Miner job +1 per 25 pops	Unsteady Ground event chain (Start the Nemma Mining Operation special project)
	Migrating Forests The mobile forests of this world frequently migrate en masse to new regions, disrupting efforts at building roads, power lines and other infrastructure.	−1 Max Agriculture Districts −1 Max Generator Districts −1 Max Mining Districts	Migrating Forests event chain
	Migrating Forests Reserve This entire region has been set aside for the migrating forests that are native to this world. Here they can roam in peace, without causing damage to urban centers.	+20% Society from Jobs +200 Biologist jobs +200 Engineer jobs +200 Physicist jobs	Migrating Forests event chain (Study Migrating Forests special project)
	Lotus Corrie An improbable geological feature has emerged. Strange and reflective crystal deposits line its curved walls.	+20% Physics from Jobs	Impossible Corrie event chain
	Blue Lotus Prototype This highly experimental facility seeks to transmute everyday silicates into useful alloys.	+100 Transmuter jobs	Impossible Corrie event chain
	Blue Lotus Crater Site of an accidental, runaway transmutation of rock and other matter into a single, precious alloy.	+1 Max Mining Districts +2 Alloys	Impossible Corrie event chain
	Blue Lotus Facility An industrial-scale facility which transmutes everyday silicates into useful alloys.	+200 Transmuter jobs	Impossible Corrie event chain (Blue Lotus Facility special project)
	Blue Lotus Ruin Ruined site of a once-promising, experimental facility for transmuting rock and other matter into alloys. Nothing now remains, save this minor seam.	+1 Alloys	Impossible Corrie event chain (Blue Lotus Facility special project)
	Alien Safari A sanctuary built for alien fauna where tourists can interact with extraordinary species.	+10% Biological Pop Happiness +100% Automatic Resettlement Destination Chance +200 Zookeeper jobs	Rapid Desertification event chain
	Red Desert Vast deserts stained red by the bloody sacrificed made here.	+2 Minerals +2 Max Mining Districts	Rapid Desertification event chain
	Invasive Fauna An invasive species of alien mammals.	−10% Habitability −10% Biological Pop Happiness +300 Alien Hunter jobs +1 per 25 pops	Rapid Desertification event chain
	Destroyed Vault All that remains of the vault is a crater filled with machinery and debris. Although most of it is now useless, it provides easy access to recyclable materials.	+1 Minerals +1 Alloys	Hidden Vault event chain
	Manufactorium Scrapyard Specialized salvaging yards are dismantling the old machinery and turning the scraps into useful materials.	+200 Dismantler jobs	Hidden Vault event chain
	Operational Manufactorium An alien Manufactorium, fully operational and producing precious resources for the empire.	+100 Operator jobs +1 per 25 pops	Hidden Vault event chain
	Stasis Prison Inside this planet's moon, an abandoned prison complex is connected to a network of highly advanced stasis pods. Prisoners frozen within are unable to escape.	+100 Stasis Warden jobs +1 per 25 pops	Stasis Prison event chain
	Structured Integration Freeing the stasis prisoners all at once would have been a mistake. By examining them on a case by case basis, we can better ensure that each individual can fully integrate into our society.	+100 Entertainer jobs +5 Stability +10% Biological Pop Growth Speed	Stasis Prison event chain
	Meals in Pods Those frozen in stasis make for excellent pre-packed meals.	+10 Food	Stasis Prison event chain
	Crystallized Ice Field These icy blue crystals were once the hearts of primordial glaciers.	+300 Crystal Miner jobs +1 per 25 pops	Glacial Crisis event chain
	Rich Seabed The seabed is littered with high-quality minerals.	+200 Deep Sea Diver jobs +1 per 25 pops	Glacial Crisis event chain
	Astrogarbage Unit By reducing the amount of orbital debris, this world hopes to maintain its spacefaring capabilities.	+200 Astrogarbage Collector job +1 per 25 pops	Junkyard Orbit event chain
	Mutant Landfill A putrid mass of dead mutated horrors. Their volatile organic matter has twisted together to form a structure of sorts.	+20% Society from Jobs +200 Biologist jobs +200 Engineer jobs +200 Physicist jobs	Abandoned Terraforming Equipment event chain
	Titanic Lifeforms Numerous Titanic aliens make this area their home, it would be wise to avoid it.	+8 Society Research −1 Max Districts	Titanic Life event chain
	Metallic Puddles Rare meteorology allows Puddle Technicians to harvest food and alloys simultaneously.	+3 Max Agriculture Districts +100 Puddle Technician jobs	Metallic Puddles event chain
	Party Fever Something about this planet induces feelings of exhilaration and the irresistible urge to dance, as well as certain aphrodisiac urges. This has made the world a prime destination for partygoers young and old who seek to shed their inhibitions and experience the thrill of the planet's perpetual dancing festivals with abandon.	+20% Amenities +15% Pop Growth Speed	Dancing Plague event chain
	Portal Research Area A secure complex has been built around the Dimensional Portal to house research staff dedicated to probing its mysteries.	+100 Dimensional Portal Researcher jobs +1 per 25 pops	The Doorway event chain
	Underground Vault A massive underground vault, intended as a bomb shelter by this world's original inhabitants. The vault's occupants turned on each other when their food ran out.	+20% Society from Jobs +200 Biologist jobs +200 Engineer jobs +200 Physicist jobs	Underground Vault event chain
	Loop-Plowed Farm The food crops lean into the wind, somehow.	+4 Max Agriculture Districts	Horizon Signal event chain
	Spiral-Hewn Mine Narrow shafts twist around spiraling mineral veins.	+4 Max Mining Districts	Horizon Signal event chain
	Fungal Study Zone The 'spying' mushrooms found here are an endless source of cryptic insights into their strange biology, and how they connect to one another.	+15% Society Research from Jobs	No One Listens
	Impact Crater A crater from a large meteor impact. Minerals from the meteor itself can still be found at the site.	+3 Max Mining Districts	Space Bounty
	Nanite Swarm Remains A fine powder of all that remains of the massive nanite swarm that evolved on - and once covered, Parvus III	+3 Max Mining Districts +0.2 Rare Crystals per 100 Miners	On the Origin of Nanites (Destroy the Swarm special project)
	Odd Factory A well-crafted facility that produces high value resources, left on the planet by a different civilization.	+100 Odd Factory Worker jobs	An Odd Factor
	Ancient Particle Accelerator This old particle accelerator was built using a novel design, and the surviving terminals within the structure contain a massive amount of research data composed by what must have been a brilliant theoretical physicist.	+20% Physics from Jobs +200 Biologist jobs +200 Engineer jobs +200 Physicist jobs	Ruined Particle Accelerator
	Living Snow Reserve A reservation where the Living Snow can live in peace and explore its new state of being. And where, in turn, we can observe the unique chemical reactions it is able to produce.	+20% Physics Research from Jobs +20% Society Research from Jobs −2 Max Districts	Unusual Snow situation (Observe it Peacefully approach)
	Space-Time Anomaly A remarkably stable space-time anomaly left behind by an extradimensional species which conducted research on the planet. The scientific implications of its existence are, apparently, quite profound.	+100 Space-Time Anomaly Researcher jobs +1 per 25 pops	The Mysterious Labyrinth situation (Explore its Interior / Monitor it from Afar approach)
	Archaeological Site This area contains ancient archaeological finds that are being excavated.	−1 Max Districts	Archaeological site discovery
	Minor Artifacts Deposit Archaeological sites on this planet have already been extensively researched, but many objects of lesser value yet remain to be studied here.	+1-3 Minor Artifacts	Archaeological site outcomes
	Myrmeku Power Farms These tiny insects generate power for us to harness.	+100 Myrmeku Power Drone jobs +1 per 20 pops	Myrmeku Activity event chain
	Shrouded Crater Part of this planet has been devoured by a shroud entity. The remaining crater is home to swirling purple mists, and people tend to disappear in the vicinity.	+6 Physics Research +6 Society Research −5 Stability −2 Max Districts	Eater of Worlds feeding (30% chance)
	Machine Interface Center A specialized center where malfunctioning drones are paired with biological assistants.	+100 Bio-Assistant jobs +1 per 25 pops	Geomagnetic Storm situation
	Cryonic Clones Monument Hundreds of alien clones were left sealed in cryostasis chambers when this Ring World was still a ruin. Now fully restored, the clones have been preserved in this monument.	+6 Society Research	Clones in Cryostasis
	Processing Pens The fungoids native to this planet were genetically engineered to be docile... and delicious. In these vast processing pens, the fungoids are nourished and then harvested.	+14 Food	Wild Eukaryotes
	Numa's Breath This stable vent reaching into the planet's crust was created by The Numistic Order.	+3 Max Generator Districts +2 Max Districts	Numistic Order caravan deal
	Mutation Vats In a painful ceremonial procedure members of this post-nuclear exchange society on this planet would expose themselves to near-lethal doses of chemical mutagens, in the hopes of revealing their 'true selves'. The skeletal remains found at the bottom of many of these vats suggest not all supplicants survived the ordeal.	+12 Society Research +1 Exotic Gases	Mutant Fossils archaeological site outcome
	Sentinels The Sentinels guard this land; it may not be disturbed. The Sentinels counts as Defense Armies, and will come to the planet's aid if there's an invasion.	+10% Unity −1 Max Districts	The Sentinels archaeological site outcome
	Sentinels Metal The broken remains of nine monumental automatons made from an unusual metal alloy offer an ample supply of Living Metal.	+2 Living Metal	Defeating The Sentinels
	Federation Monument This spaceborne monument stands witness to the unity, strength and splendor of the interstellar federation that constructed it.	+0.5 Monthly Influence	Hegemony joint operation
	Feeding Dragon The mighty Sky Dragon has landed, and is proceeding to devour its way through a startling amount of food.	+10 Stability +6 Unity −15 Food	Sky Dragon feeding
	Crashed Cargo Ship The cargo ship destroyed a housing district, but opened up an unexpected mineral vein.	+3 Minerals −10% Housing	The Bickering Commanders event chain
	Crystalline Remains The broken remains of the crystalline entity that dwelled under the crust of this world. Its many tentacles all turned into rich mineral veins.	+12 Unity +20% Minerals from Jobs +300 Crystal Miner jobs	Unexpected Mineral Seams event chain
	Shattered Crystalline Remains The broken remains of the crystalline entity that dwelled under the crust of this world. Its many tentacles all turned into rich mineral veins.	+100 Crystal Miner jobs	Unexpected Mineral Seams event chain
	Freeport An area dedicated to intergalactic trade with pre-FTL countries.	+200 Merchant jobs	Observation event
	Remote Holdings We have acquired possessions, and are managing them remotely.	+2 Max Districts	Observation event
	Arcane Device This ancient machine is nestled deep within government vaults on our planet. A relic of the ingenuity of our beloved ruler, its matter replication technology remains incomprehensible to us.	+8 Alloys −4 Energy	Open Arms agenda with luminary effect
	Genesis Monument This monument is a tribute to the tireless efforts in this planet's uplifting process. It proudly stands as a symbol of hope, perseverance, and remarkable achievement.	+200 Biologist jobs +25% Unity from Jobs	Genesis Uplift Complete
	Treasure Vault A secure repository where valuables can be organized, restored, and preserved.	+100 Treasure Curator jobs +1 per 15 pops	Celestial Chart relic triumph effect
	Ancient Cloaking Array This colony benefits from the presence of an ancient alien cloaking array. It will not be easy for enemies to attack. The colonists can feel safe here.	+5% Happiness −50% Orbital Bombardment Damage	Command Chamber
	Bogplants Super acidic bogs are home to a unique species of flora that secretes exotic gas as it feeds.	+0.2 Exotic Gases per 100 Technicians +10% Society from Jobs	Digestive Marsh
	Geothermal Hotspot This planet has an exceptional geothermal site that provides both energy and research opportunities.	+2 Max Generator Districts +10% Energy from Technicians +0.5 Physics per 100 Technicians	Runaway Reaction
	Liquid Dark Matter A strange geyser has collapsed into a pool of liquid dark matter.	+2 Dark Matter +1 Max Districts +10% Physics from Jobs	Liquid Darkness
	Psionic Sands The sands on this planet have high concentrations of Zro present throughout. It is possible to communicate with them.	+100 Sand Whisperer jobs +1 per 20 pops	Spectacle of Sand
	Space Junk Hazards Orbiting space debris poses dangers for shuttle access and surface structures when falling into the planet's atmosphere.	+100 Space Junk Collector jobs +1 per 20 pops	Orbital Debris
	Zro Discovered Zro dust radiates a powerful psionic presence.	+2 Zro	Psionic Sand

Terraforming features

These planetary features can only appear following choices made during terraforming events.

	Feature	Effects	Terraforming event	DLC
	Radiotrophic Preserve An isolated area filled with low pressure and a very radioactive atmosphere keeps the natives of this world alive.	+300 Entertainer jobs +5% Society from Jobs	Radioactive Flora event
	Blue Lava The terraforming process has caused a reaction between rich gas and alloy deposits deep within the planet, leaving the surface of the world with mesmerizing blue lava.	+5 Alloys +3 Exotic Gases −10% Habitability −2 Max Districts	Blue Lava
	Crystalline Growth There is an abundance of crystalline growths on this planet that can be harvested for use.	+2 Rare Crystals +0.2 Rare Crystals per 100 Technicians	Perpetual Lightning
	Explosive Atmosphere Airborne concentrations of volatile motes make the planet's atmosphere highly combustible.	+50% Volatile Motes from Jobs −10% Pop Growth Speed +25% Orbital Bombardment Damage +50% Army Collateral Damage	Combustible Atmosphere
	Hydroactive Eggs Water is readily available in the natural environment here, giving rise to remarkably high native fauna breeding rates.	+30% Food from Jobs +15% Society from Jobs	Hydroactive Eggs
	Lava Tubes Magma flows forged deep, mineral rich-tunnels here. These byproducts present lucrative mining opportunities.	+3 Max Mining Districts +3 Minerals per 100 Miners +0.5 Energy Upkeep per 100 Miners	Mineralized Lava Tubes
	Mountains of Steel Forged in the extreme heats of terraforming, these vast unyielding mountains serve as rich resource deposits.	+15% Minerals from Jobs +15% Alloys from Jobs −2 Max Districts	Mountains of Steel

Homeworld features

These features can be found on empire homeworlds:

	Feature	Effects	Sources	DLC
	Massive Crater The impact site of the meteorite which brought Lithoids to this planet.	+50% Lithoid traits effects +25% Pop Growth Speed +6 Max Districts +6 Max Mining Districts −6 Max Agriculture Districts	Calamitous Birth origin
	Consolidated Resources The refined minerals wealth of an entire Solar System is gathered here in continent-sized piles.	+25 Minerals	Resource Consolidation origin
	Metal Boneyards The hollowed-out metal skeletons of fallen infrastructure seem almost to groan as the wind whistles through them.	+4 Max Mining Districts +10% Society Research from jobs	Machine Intelligence authority
	Organic Landfills Toxic biohazard waste rots and fumes in vast heaps under the sun.	+4 Max Generator Districts +10% Society Research from jobs	Determined Exterminator civic Driven Assimilator civic
	Crashed Slaver Ship While debris from the crash is scattered across a massive area, enough of the ship has survived that scavenging it for parts may be of value.	+6 Max Scavenger Sites +30% Habitability	Broken Shackles origin
	Tree of Life The Great Tree has sheltered and supported the Hive for untold generations.	+1000 Housing +15% Pop Growth Speed +10% Society Research from jobs +4 Max Agriculture Districts 4 Food Upkeep Destroyed at 50 Devastation	Tree of Life origin
	Progenitor Nest The Progenitor's nest, where every single Offspring is born.	+20% Amenities +5 Stability +1 Monthly Organic Pop Growth Moving the capital relocates the planetary feature	Progenitor Hive origin

Earth features

Earth has a set of custom planetary features when selected as the empire homeworld, detailing its history before the events of Stellaris.

	Feature	Effects
	Delhi Sprawl Lakshmi Commerce Tower was the tallest building on Earth for the better part of the 22nd century, and its unique shape remains an iconic feature of the Delhi skyline.	+2 Max Generator Districts
	BosWash Metropolitan Axis The BosWash Riots traumatized an entire generation and led to sweeping legal reforms. Never Forget!	+3 Max Generator Districts
	Pearl River Agglomerate The first region on Earth to be officially designated a megacity. Several other developing urban regions would eventually adopt their own versions of the Golden Delta's successful anti-pollution policies.	+3 Max Generator Districts
	Mauritanian Security Zone Unexploded munitions are still occasionally found near the compound where Colonel Tetchu and the remnants of his brigade made their famous last stand.	+1 Max Mining Districts
	Mesopotamian Urban Corridor The megalopolis that stretches along most of the Fertile Crescent is in itself a monument to this ancient birthplace of civilization.	+3 Max Mining Districts
	Great Albertan Crater When 711494 Satis approached Earth and triggered the Great Panic of '72, everyone thought this was it - the Big One had finally arrived. Fortunately, it wasn't big enough to cause an extinction event. Unfortunately, it wiped out much of Alberta.	+3 Max Mining Districts
	Scandinavian Reclamation Sector Reclamation efforts in the late 22nd century eliminated all but the most stubborn pockets of radiation, and mutation levels are now at an all-time low since the Containment Breach.	+1 Max Agriculture Districts
	Saharan Irrigation Project Few today remember the vicious ridicule that Operation Green Sahara faced when it was first proposed by Professor Izquierdo.	+4 Max Agriculture Districts
	Pacific Algae Tracts Invisible until you plunge beneath the waves, the algae tracts seem to stretch into infinity.	+3 Max Agriculture Districts

Toxic God features

Empires with the Knights of the Toxic God origin start with an extra set of planetary features. Initially they all reduce Max Districts by −1. Based on choices made during the Quest for the Toxic God situation, they can be replaced with beneficial planetary features.

	Initial feature	Upgraded feature	Upgraded effects	Upgraded during stage
	Pools Most Venomous Left in the Deity's wake are many pools most venomous, from which remnants of Its toxins may be recovered.	Toxins Most Deadly Left in the Deity's wake are many pools most venomous, from which remnants of Its toxins may be recovered. Thanks to the efforts of the Knights of the Toxic God, we are now able to harvest and make diverse use of this potent poison.	+10% Empire ship weapons damage	II
	A Blight Upon the Land It is said that in this place, the Deity first smote the land in anger. Little remains of what once was here.	Blighted Remembrance It is said that in this place, the Deity first smote the land in anger. Little remains of what once was here, but a monument has been erected, its features synthesized from our memories of that moment.	+10% Empire citizen pop happiness	III
	Pestilential Wasteland Not all could enjoy the blessings of the Deity. Large areas of land were ruined by its passing, never to recover.	Reclaimed Pestilence Not all could enjoy the blessings of the Deity. Large areas of land were ruined by its passing, never to recover. However, the suits of armor recovered by the knights have provided us with the means to work safely in these parts.	+1 Max districts +15% Resources from jobs	IV
	Swarms of the Deity In the Deity's wake, insects previously unknown to this world spread rapidly, coming to thrive in many of the affected areas. Their pestilent presence continues to test us as we seek to cultivate these lands.	Subdued Swarms In the Deity's wake, insects previously unknown to this world spread rapidly, coming to thrive in many of the affected areas. We have mastered the art of farming them for their succulent taste and potent venom.	+25% Empire strike craft fire rate +25% Food from jobs	V
	Envenomed Seas Not even the seas were spared the Deity's baneful touch.	Pelagic Bounty Our Knights have brought back the technology necessary to harvest exotic gases from the seas touched by the Toxic God.	+1 Max districts +500 Gas Extractor jobs	VI

Unique features

These features can only be found on certain worlds in the galaxy.

	Feature	Effects	Sources	DLC
	Arcane Replicator This ancient machine is nestled deep within the habitat's interior, built into its main reactor from where it also draws its power. A relic of whomever originally built this habitat, its matter replication technology is utterly incomprehensible to us.	+20 Alloys +10 Consumer Goods	Federation's End habitats
	Ancient Sunken City The cities of the Polarians once covered the frozen ocean before their icy foundations melted away.	+3 Max Mining Districts	Polaris II
	Celestial Orrery Supercomputer The supercomputer that has kept Celestial Orrery from gravitational collapse.	+400 Physicist jobs +5% Field Manipulation Research Speed +5% Particles Research Speed	Celestial Orrery Site
	Valley of Zanaam This Valley is home to a mysterious obelisk that is covered in letters from a dead alien language. It hums with power and those in its proximity suffer headaches.	+30% Research from jobs +400 Biologist jobs +400 Engineer jobs +400 Physicist jobs	Zanaam
	Promenade This enormous, multi-level hub serves as the station's central shopping area, with easy connections to commercial outlets, nutrition courts, and spas.	+10% Biological Pop Happiness +25% Trade from Jobs	Star Mall
	Organic Slurry An ocean of organic slurry, the processed remains of the former biomass of a planet.	+15 Food	Machine Worlds Biological Pop present when terraforming completes
	Irradiated Valley The solar flare has washed this isolated valley with heavy radiation.	+3 Max Generator Districts	Superflares system tomb world
	Junk Canals These narrow canals snake around the junk piles, and some adjacent soil is surprisingly fertile.	+3 Max Agriculture Districts	Junk Ratlings planets
	Junk Hollows These hollows deep beneath the surface junk would serve well as isolated reactor chambers.	+3 Max Generator Districts	Junk Ratlings planets
	Junk Wastes The wastes stretch as far as one can see, with occasional pieces of larger junk jutting up out of the ground.	+3 Max Mining Districts	Junk Ratlings planets
	Order's X-Calibrator The Order's most revered relic, sustaining the entire Keep.	+40% Habitability −10% Pop Upkeep +8 Energy	Habitat created by the toxic god origin
	Atmospheric Infuser These ventilation units combine the latest advances in aromatherapy with advanced chemistry to mask the malodorous stench of despair and replace it with a variety of invigorating and delightful scents.	+40% Habitability	Recovered Asset
	Technological Cache The interior of the former MSI warship provides us with an unmatched opportunity to unlock the secrets of their technology.	+8 Max Zero-G Research Districts +10% Research from jobs +200 Biologist jobs +200 Engineer jobs +200 Physicist jobs	Recovered Asset
	Aggressive Flora Aggressive flora has overgrown this land, hunting for prey. Security-oriented personnel are issued to keep the overgrowth in check.	+1 Max Agriculture Districts +100 Soldier Jobs	Taprib II
	Aggressive Wildlife Aggressive wildlife scours the land on the hunt for prey. Settlements need increased protection to curtail this threat.	+1 Max Agriculture Districts +1 Soldier Job per 10 Pops	Taprib II
	Crashed Ships Old ships litter the planet, inhibiting the potential mining operations in the area. Though, they provide an easily accessible source of alloys.	+100 Housing −1 Max Districts −5% Minerals from jobs	Ivusheh II
	Fallen Shipyard An old orbital shipyard smashed onto the planet. It contains a lot of valuable resources that could be extracted and studied.	+800 Housing +3 Max Generator Districts +3 Max Mining Districts +1 Scrap Miner per 4 pops	Ivusheh II
	Volcanic Activity Active volcanoes melt underground mineral deposits, allowing for far easier resource acquisition.	+3 Max Mining Districts +0.1 Volatile Motes per 100 Miners	Vapob II
	Ancient Facilities These ancient facilities contain research data on pulsars, shielding technology, and extracting energy from the most dangerous suns.	+3 Max Generator Districts	Sursect I
	Scarred Land Scarred lands and burnt-out wastelands are impossible to use outside of harnessing the potential power from the constant pulsar flares.	+2 Energy per 100 Technicians	Sursect I
	Hidden Black Needle Base A covert base used by the Black Needle pirates to conduct various illicit operations and hide stolen goods.	+100 Soldier Jobs +1 Naval Capacity per 100 Soldiers	Second Treasure Hunters planet
	Hive Mind Dwelling An isolated settlement occupied by the Smeegibb collective, former crewmates of Captain Ness.	+10 Unity +5% Society from Jobs	Third Treasure Hunters planet

Transformation features

These features can only be obtained during the Transformation situation. They come in 3 levels of quality depending on how much the empire invested in each research event during the situation. When the empire chooses its ascension tradition path in stage IV, the related feature has its output tripled.

	Limited research feature	Partial research feature	Full research feature	Related tradition	Situation stage
	Nanite Replicator Beta +0.3 Nanites (+0.9 if )	Nanite Replicator Alpha +0.6 Nanites (+1.8 if )	Nanite Replicator Omega +1.2 Nanites (+3.6 if )	Nanotech	I
	Miniature Living Metal Vats +0.3 Living Metal (+0.9 if )	Small Living Metal Vats +0.6 Living Metal (+1.8 if )	Living Metal Vats +1.2 Living Metal (+3.6 if )	Modularity	II
	Prototype Virtual Power Plant +8 Energy (+24 if ) +0.1 Dark Matter (+0.3 if )	Compact Virtual Power Plant +12 Energy (+36 if ) +0.2 Dark Matter (+0.6 if )	Virtual Power Plant +20 Energy (+60 if ) +0.4 Dark Matter (+1.2 if )	Virtuality	III

Cosmic storm features

After a cosmic storm every habitable planet affected by the storm has a 6.6% chance to gain a special planetary features. Each planetary feature can only appear once per empire.

	Feature	Effects	Storm type
	Electrified Oceans A perpetual electrical current surges throughout the planet's vast ocean.	+1 Max Generator Districts +5% Energy from Jobs −5% Habitability	Electric
	Lightning Struck Ruins A passing cosmic storm of incredible fury has transformed a once-thriving settlement into lightning-struck ruins, transmuting our mundane building materials into rare and unusual compounds.	+15% Materials Research Speed
	Planetary Scar A passing cosmic storm has unleashed such concentrated devastation upon the planet that it has carved a scar visible from space.	+2% Unity from Jobs per free district slot
	Silent Armada A passing cosmic storm has wreaked havoc on the navigation systems of countless civilian ships, turning the hardest-hit areas into haunting graveyards of broken hulks and decimated machinery.	+10% Propulsion Research Speed +10% Field Manipulation Research Speed
	Avian Reserve A secluded nature reserve built to house vulnerable species of avian fauna.	+4 Society Unlocks the Alien Zoo building	Gravity
	Compacted Plains The crushing gravitational effects of a passing cosmic storm have compacted several areas previously deemed too unstable for construction, effectively granting us free real estate.	+3 Max Districts
	Gravitational Caves A passing cosmic storm has transformed some of our mining complexes into broken shafts of hyper-compact material. While our attempts to reopen them have sparked new theories in engineering and drilling, they have made little progress in reclaiming the mines.	+20% Engineering from Jobs −2 Max Districts
	Mountain in the Sky A colossal mountain range hangs suspended in the thin air of the planet's upper atmosphere, exposing fresh ore deposits.	+2 Max Mining Districts +1 Physics per 100 Miners
	Pulverized Monuments A passing cosmic storm unleashed tremendous pressure on some of our more fragile monuments, reducing them to dust and debris - a humble reminder of the terrifying forces that await us out there.	+10% Unity from Jobs
	Magnetized Ore A passing cosmic storm has magnetized an immense amount of previously unexploited mineral deposits, making it exceedingly easy for our mining operations to access these new resources.	+3 Max Districts +3 Max Mining Districts +25% Minerals from Jobs	Magnetic
	Skybound Plateaus Magnetized by the gravitational effects of a passing cosmic storm, the majestic and floating landmasses can be maneuvered directly over existing industrial complexes.	+1 Max Districts +1 Max Mining Districts +10% Minerals from Jobs +10% Metallurgist Output
	Storm-Forged Foundry A passing cosmic storm that ravaged this planet has left a significant number of foundry equipment strangely charged. Even without fully understanding the mechanism, our alloy production has improved significantly.	+30% Metallurgist Output −30% Metallurgist Upkeep
	Storm-Ruined Suburbs The Cosmic Storm has rendered some of our suburbs into ruins, fit only for study of the remains.	+10% Society from Jobs −2 Max Districts	Particle
	The Big One The Cosmic Storm has left a tremendous crater on this world, a brutal reminder of cosmic indifference to our existence.	+10% Unity from Jobs −2 Max Districts
	Unstable Planes The Cosmic Storm has turned several vast planes into areas of high tectonic activity, coincidently the increase in danger has also come with an increase in volatile motes.	+100 Mote Harvester jobs
	Degraded Ozone Layer The Cosmic Storm has torn a hole into the ozone layer of this planets atmosphere. While severely infringing on our quality of life, the quality of production has gone up.	+100% Energy from Jobs −25% Pop Growth Speed	Radiant
	Glowing Desert The Cosmic Storm has left entire desert aglow, a deadly view but with sufficient security measures it can turned into a financially viable tourist spot.	+10% Energy from Jobs +10% Trade from Jobs
	Radiated Highlands The Cosmic Storm has bathed the highlands of this world with radiation, creating a sublime ground for our energy production.	+3 Max Districts +3 Max Generator Districts
	Entity of the Lake A passing cosmic storm has left us with a strange and wonderful gift. The largest body of water on this planet forms ripples that create patterns and symbols of obvious importance, capable of answering inquiries with surprising wisdom.	+25% Happiness +50% Spiritualist Ethics Attraction	Shroud
	Fields of Zro Transformed by a passing cosmic storm, this planet's most verdant biomes have become wavering fields of Zro. These are some of the purest deposits we have ever encountered.	+2 Zro +10% Happiness −1 Max Agriculture Districts
	Ghostly Canyon Ethereal apparitions are witnessed by those who visit this canyon.	+1 Zro +10% Unity from Jobs +20% Telepath Output −1 Max Districts −5% Stability
	Shroud Parasites A passing cosmic storm has spread parasites among our livestock. Phasing between our reality and the Shroud, they have proven to be edible, healthy and surprisingly delicious.	+10% Society from Jobs +10% Pop Growth Speed
	Crystalline Quills The ravaging blasts of a passing cosmic storm have left behind a landscape of jagged and spiked crystals, creating a perilous yet potentially profitable terrain.	+200 Crystal Miner jobs	Stardust
	Historic Sedimentation A passing cosmic storm has blasted away entire layers of sediment, unveiling traces of eons we have never before been able to study.	+10% Society from Jobs
	Stardust Dunes A passing cosmic storm swept over this world like a great wave. In its wake, it left behind an ethereal landscape of glittering, stardust dunes.	+300 Crystal Miner jobs

Blockers

Blockers are obstacles that reduce Max Districts, and may block some planetary features from being exploited. They can be cleared by spending resources and time and some of them may have rewards when cleared. Clearing can be done while the planet is being colonized or after the colony is completed.

Blockers have a yellow border if they can be removed, and a red border if they cannot be removed due to missing technology or other requirements.

If a natural planet is terraformed into a planet class other than Ecumenopolis, all of its blockers are cleared and rewards are given. If it was terraformed into Hive World or Machine World, the planetary feature it unblocks will be lost.

Natural blockers

These blockers can be found on habitable planets. Most of them require a certain New Worlds technology to be cleared. Ranger jobs will produce additional resources for each natural blocker.

	Blocker	Effects	Production per 100 Rangers	Spawn chance	Blocker removal
					Technology	Cost	Time
	Active Volcano There is an active volcano in this region, spewing forth lava and volcanic gases.	−2 Max districts	+1 Energy	5 ×0 if planet size < 10 ×0.5 if planet size < 15 ×0.5 if Alpine World	Deep Crust Engineering	1000	270
	Impassable Mountains A vast range of tall and impassable mountains stretches across this region.	−2 Max districts	+1 Minerals	5 ×0 if planet size < 10 ×0.5 if planet size < 15 ×2 if Alpine World	Planetary Resurfacing	1000	270
	Dangerous Wildlife The wildlife in this region is particularly lethal, with many dangerous predators and poisonous plants.	−2 Max districts When cleared: 200 Food if Devouring Swarm	+1 Society	5 ×0 if planet size < 10 ×0.5 if planet size < 15	Dangerous Wildlife Removal	500	270
	Dense Jungle This entire region is completely overgrown with thick, impassable jungle.	−1 Max districts Blocks a random planetary feature	+0.5 Food	10 ×0 if climate isn't wet ×2 if Continental World ×2 if Tropical World	Selective Defoliants	500	180
	Deep Sinkhole A colossal sinkhole covers most of this region.	−1 Max districts Blocks a random planetary feature	+0.5 Energy	10 ×0 if climate isn't dry ×2 if Arid World ×2 if Savannah World	Subterranean Colonization	500	180
	Massive Glacier An immense body of dense ice covers this region.	−1 Max districts Blocks a random planetary feature	+0.5 Minerals	10 ×0 if climate isn't cold ×2 if Alpine World ×2 if Arctic World	Climate Control Network	500	180
	Noxious Swamp Treacherous swamplands and bogs surrounded by putrid gases.	−1 Max districts Blocks a random planetary feature	+0.5 Food	10 ×0 if climate isn't cold ×2 if Tundra World	Xeno-Hydraulic Mastery	500	180
	Quicksand Basin A vast body of quicksand covers this region, making construction impossible.	−1 Max districts Blocks a random planetary feature	+0.5 Minerals	10 ×0 if climate isn't dry ×2 if Desert World	Soil Remediation	500	180
	Toxic Kelp A thick forest of kelp that is toxic to most forms of life covers the ocean in this region.	−1 Max districts Blocks a random planetary feature	+0.5 Food	10 ×0 if climate isn't wet ×2 if Ocean World	Ocean Ecology Management	500	180
	Bomb Crater This massive crater was created by the detonation of a particularly devastating hydrogen bomb.	−1 Max districts Blocks a random planetary feature		5 ×0 if not Tomb World		800	270
	City Ruins Once a great city, now just a metal boneyard stretching as far as the eye can see.	−2 Max districts		10 ×0 if not Tomb World		1200	360
	Radioactive Wasteland Few organisms can survive in this desolate, irradiated wasteland.	−1 Max districts Blocks a random planetary feature		10 ×0 if not Tomb World		800	270

Relic world blockers

There are a number of blockers that can be exclusively found on relic worlds. They are expensive but rewarding to remove.

	Blocker	Cost	Time	Rewards
	Collapsed Spire An immense residential spire has collapsed under its own weight in this region, blocking access. While it was still standing, this towering structure must have been among the tallest on the planet.	2000	480	Central Spire planetary feature
	Crumbling Mining Tunnels A network of deep tunnels beneath the planet's surface seem to have been its primary source of minerals. Millennia of cave-ins and rockfalls have left only a fraction of the tunnels traversable.	1000	270	Abandoned Mining Tunnels planetary feature
	Flooded Reactor Pits These deep pits appear to have once housed the planet's main energy production facilities. Over the eons, rain and flooding have filled the pits with murky water.	1000	270	Ancient Reactor Pits planetary feature
	Massive Crevice This region is divided by a vast crevice that cuts through what was once a dense urban zone. The ground here is extremely unstable, with frequent earthquakes and landslides.	1000	270	Industrial Sector planetary feature
	Shattered Solar Array The shattered remains of some kind of colossal solar array. When it was still functional, it must have provided power to a significant portion of this planet.	1000	270	Immense Solar Array planetary feature
	Ruined Arcology The Arcologies which cover this City-Planet lie in ruins. While the foundations are still solid, much of the decaying structure will need to be cleared before we can rebuild.	750 250	270	10–50 Minor artifacts if Ancient Relics is enabled Random technology if Remnants homeworld

Homeworld blockers

Each empire homeworld starts with at least three blockers that don't require technology to be removed. They reward either a pop or a planetary feature when cleared. The blocker types can vary based on government and origin.

	Blocker	Source	Cost	Time	Rewards
	Sprawling Slums This region is covered by vast shanty towns and slums filled with the poor and the outcast. It contributes nothing to society.	Organic founder species Hive Mind	300	120	100 Pops Can be added by the Lost to Bureaucracy event
	Collapsed Burrows This site once housed extensive underground tunnel systems inhabited by the Hive, but was abandoned due to overexploitation of local resources and wildlife.	Hive Mind	300	120	100 Pops
	Unsupervised Settlement A pocket of organic society on this world still exists outside of machine supervision. Violence, disease and starvation runs rampant inside the settlement's walls, whose inhabitants have regressed technologically by several centuries.	Rogue Servitor civic	300	120	100 Pops
	Abandoned Strip Mine This area was heavily strip mined in the past, by older and more primitive machine models that unfortunately were not programmed to take future development of the region into account.	Machine Intelligence Hard Reset origin	300	120	Random +2 planetary features
	Battlefield Remnants Tens of thousands of burnt warmachines and the twisted skeletal remains of organic soldiers litter the ground at this former battlefield. Residual pockets of radiation interfere with most electronics.	Determined Exterminator civic Hard Reset origin	300	120	Organic Landfills planetary feature
	Settled Ruins A scattered population of scavengers are eking out a desperate existence in the ruins of this once major city.	Post-Apocalyptic origin	300	120	100 Pops
	Lithoid Monoliths Incredibly rich outcroppings of minerals that seem to be comprised of petrified lithoids.	Lithoid founder species Calamitous Birth origin	1000	360	100 Pops if created by the same empire 300 Minerals if created by another empire If this planet is not empire homeworld, instead it costs 300
	Buried Lithoids These lithoids were driven deep into the ground when they fell from orbit.	Calamitous Birth origin	1000	360	100 Pops if created by the same empire or overlord 300 Minerals if created by another empire Also appears on worlds colonized by a Lithoid Meteorite colony ship If this planet is not empire homeworld, instead it costs 300
	Industrial Wasteland This region is covered by ruined industrial complexes and toxic soil; detritus from a past age of progress.	Organic founder species Hard Reset origin	300	120	Random +2 planetary features Can be added by the Lost to Bureaucracy event
	Radiation Zone A region that was the target of numerous nuclear warheads. Though the radiation in this area has gone down since the initial impact, it is still unfit for habitation barring a major clean-up effort.	Post-Apocalyptic origin	300	120	Random +3 planetary features
	Great Pacific Garbage Patch A swirling miasma of plastic refuse covers a good portion of Earth's largest ocean.	Sol system	300	120	Pacific Algae Tracts planetary feature
	Forgotten Civilization The ruins of a forgotten civilization that lived here before us.	Deneb system	300	120	Random +2 planetary features
	Long-Abandoned City The crumbling remains of what must once have been a major population center on the planet. No traces of its past inhabitants remain.	Machine Intelligence Determined Exterminator civic	300	120	Metal Boneyards planetary feature
	Former Organic City The charred and irradiated ruins of what was once a major organic population center. Those buildings that still remain standing contain nothing but ashes now.	Determined Exterminator civic	300	120	Metal Boneyards planetary feature
	Silent Ruins This once major settlement is now a crumbling ruin, occupied only by the decaying bodies of those organics that chose self-termination rather than be assimilated.	Driven Assimilator civic	300	120	Organic Landfills planetary feature
	Decrepit Tunnels These ancient and decrepit tunnels have never been fully explored or cleared.	Shattered Ring origin	1000	360	200 Minerals 100 Alloys
	Ancient Rubble Broken down machinery and other debris obstructs workers from utilizing the entire segment.	Shattered Ring origin	250	360
	Ship Debris The debris from the crashed slaver ship covers a massive area, blocking development of the planet.	Broken Shackles origin	300	360	Random technology Cannot be removed if planet has a Crashed Slaver Ship archaeological site
	Abandoned Cities These cities stand abandoned due to the effects of the genetic disease, a grim reminder of our shrinking population.	Synthetic Fertility origin	750 250	360
	Biological Ship Remains The decaying remains of the last biological fleet to test our defenses. The stench of rot carries for kilometers.	Starlit Citadel origin	400	360	100 Pops Adds −10% Habitability, −5% Happiness and −1 Max Districts
	Invasion Site The scarred and blasted remnants of our dwellings and infrastructure, destroyed by a nameless enemy.	Starlit Citadel origin	300 200	180	Scaled Unity
	Scorched Plains This region once teemed with life, until it was devastated by the blast of a stellar superflare.	Wilderness origin	900	180

Event blockers

These blockers can be created by certain events. These blockers do not block any planetary feature or require any technology to be cleared but still decrease the max districts.

	Blocker	Source	Cost	Time
	Growing Floodplains Large areas of this world are flooded due to rapidly rising sea levels.	Glacial Crisis event chain	1000	360
	Spreading Landfill Endless hills of trash, rapidly sprawling out of their designated zones	Junkyard Orbit event chain	1000	180
	Subterranean Entrance A large hole in the ground that leads into the extensive cave network stretching beneath the surface of this world.	Subterranean Civilization event chain	500	100
	Impact Crater Something collided with the surface of this world at some point, creating this massive impact crater.	Asteroid Sighted event	300	100
	Radioactive Ruins An ancient civilization was wiped out here by a powerful gamma-ray burst long ago. These ruins are all that remains.	Radioactive Planet anomaly	300	120
	Terraforming Residue The results of a partially successful terraforming process have created areas of strange biological abominations.	Terraforming Complications event	500	180
	Fungoid Extermination Residue This toxic goo is all that remains of the exterminated Fungoids.	Paradise Lost event chain	300	120

Shattered Ring World blockers

Shattered Ring Worlds that are not a homeworld (the ones created by the Guaranteed Habitable Worlds setting) will have a number of additional blockers that impair the functionality of the segment.

	Blocker	Effects	Technology	Cost	Time
	Malfunctioning Reactor The reactor powering the various climate control and gravitational systems of this section is malfunctioning. Hazardous weather conditions and fluctuating gravity make it difficult to settle parts of this segment.	−5 Max districts +100% Building and district energy upkeep	Zero Point Power	2000 1000	720
	Faulty Diurnal Regulator Massive panels regulating the day/night cycle of the segment have fallen out of orbit. Parts of this segment are constantly illuminated and have been scorched by centuries of exposure.	−2 Max districts −25% Species habitability cap	Ion Thrusters	300 150	360
	Shorting Power Grid The damaged power grid supplying this segment has frequent shorts and brownouts.	−2 Max districts −25% Species habitability cap	Global Energy Management	300 150	360
	Unaligned Ring Gyros Malfunctioning gyroscopes have shifted the position of this segment in the ring, twisting and collapsing several habitable areas.	−2 Max districts −25% Species habitability cap	Starhold	300 150	360
	Unstable Vacuum Fields This area is subject to frequent decompressions as the force fields protecting it from the vacuum of space are unstable.	−2 Max districts −25% Species habitability cap	Improved Deflectors	300 150	360

Detox blockers

Toxic Worlds that have been terraformed will have one of each of the following blockers. They give more penalties to the colony than regular blockers and take a year to remove.

	Blocker	Effects	Cost
	Unpleasant Atmosphere The disgusting taste and smell of the air are what remains of this planet's toxic past.	−5% Habitability	500
	Poisonous Algae This noxious algae survived the initial cleansing of this world. While it is not aggressive enough to prevent colonization, it has proven highly adaptable... and quite simply a nuisance.	−2 Max districts −15% Food from Farmers	1000
	Rotten Soil Even this rotten soil will be useful to us, once it has been refreshed and reinvigorated.	−1 Max districts	1000
	Tainted Snowcaps The last toxic remains of the once enormous mountains of poison that dominated this world.	−2 Max districts −500 Amenities	1000
	Venomous Insects The lost broods of venomous vermin that we had hoped to extinguish during the early days of our terraforming effort.	−2 Max districts −10% Happiness	1000

Wilderness blockers

Wilderness blockers appear when a planet owned by an empire with the Wilderness origin is conquered by an empire that doesn't have the origin. They come in two levels depending on how many of each district the planet had. Wilderness blockers take 4 months to remove.

Planet had 1-3 districts - 300 removal cost			Planet had 4+ districts - 500 removal cost			District
	Blocker	Effects		Blocker	Effects
	Fetid Swamp What was once a thriving habitat for myriad forms of life has been abandoned, now little more than a festering, oozing pit.	−2 Max Districts		Festering Morass Countless lifeforms of various kinds have perished here. Their rotting remains have seeped into the landscape, discharging a flood of pungent and corrosive biochemicals.	−4 Max Districts	Communal Biomes
	Hollow Cave System The lifeforms formerly occupying this world left their mines in hasty disarray, with several tunnels scraped bare and prone to collapse.	−1 Max Districts −1 Max Mining Districts		Pockmarked Plateau This hazardous region is beset with valueless spoil and potential sinkholes, all stemming from extensive mining activity in its past.	−2 Max Districts −2 Max Mining Districts	Hollow Mountains
	Desiccated Forest What was once a vast and productive forest now stands lifeless. Its withered boughs are no longer capable of producing crops.	−1 Max Districts −1 Max Agriculture Districts		Fossilized Forest The remains of a vast region rich in diverse sylviculture. The abundant plantlife and fungi died off so rapidly that the remains appear crystalline, and biochemically inert.	−2 Max Districts −2 Max Agriculture Districts	Orchard Forests
	Scorched Solar Field A shriveled canopy and brittle stems are all that remain of this deceased solar farm.	−1 Max Districts −1 Max Generator Districts		Solar Wasteland This vast region is occupied by the thorny remains of a once-teeming solar forest. Dried-out, lightly irradiated leaf matter now drifts as atmospheric dust.	−2 Max Districts −2 Max Generator Districts	Photosynthesis Fields

Other blockers

These blockers do not block any planetary feature or require any technology to be cleared but still decrease the max districts and may have other negative effects.

	Blocker	Source	Cost	Time	Notes
	Nature Preserve A section of natural beauty decreed by the Overlord to never be tampered with.	Ranger Lodge building or holding		Instant	Counts as a natural blocker for Ranger Lodge buildings Cannot be removed while there is a Ranger Lodge building or holding on the world
	Overlord Spawning Complex A large hulking biomass, alive and pulsating as it is slowly producing new workers for the hive.	Splinter Hive holding		Instant	Cannot be removed while there is a Splinter Hive holding on the world
	Invasive Thicket Significant root structures are required to support a nearby $holding_wilderness_glade$, permitting this pocket biome to survive in our alien environment.	Wilderness Glade holding		Instant	Cannot be removed while there is a Wilderness Glade holding on the world
	Ruined District This region is covered by countless craters caused by relentless Orbital Bombardment.	Orbital bombardment	300	200	A random district is removed when the blocker is created
	Explosive Fungal Growth This region of the planet has been infested by a constantly growing forest of alien fungi.	Seed Bombing orbital bombardment (fungoid)	300	180	Fruitful Partnership empires clear it at half cost and gain a pop when cleared
	Explosive Sylvan Growth This region of the planet has been infested by a constantly growing forest of alien flora.	Seed Bombing orbital bombardment (plantoid)	300	180	Fruitful Partnership empires clear it at half cost and gain a pop when cleared
	Lithoid Devastation A lithoid devouring swarm has despoiled this region. With great effort it may be possible to undo the damage.	Consume World situation	1000	360	Cannot be removed by Terravore empires −10% Habitability
	Nanite Harvest Basin This site marks the remnants of resources harvested to spawn new nanites, a scar left behind by the relentless extraction stripping this planet.	Extract Nanites situation	2500	360	Cannot be removed by Nanotech empires +0.5 Nanites
	Biological Enclaves This region is dominated by cities that house those who objected to synthetic transition.	Synthetization situation (50% progress)	1000	360	−5 Stability +5 Crime Creates a Mechanical pop when cleared
	Old Towns This region is dominated by well-preserved cities that house members of our original species. By expending resources, we may encourage these holdouts to transition into machines.	Synthetization situation (50% progress)	1000	360	Creates a Mechanical pop when cleared
	Destroyed Promenade This enormous, multi-level hub once served as the station's central shopping area, but now only collapsed displays and garbage remain.	Star Mall	1500 500	720	−2 Max Districts Blocks the Promenade planetary feature
	Abandoned Wing This section of the Star Mall lies in ruins. We must clear the decaying structure before we can rebuild.	Star Mall	750 250	360
	Ruins Extensive ruins block all access.	Refusing to feed the Sky Dragon	300	120
	Machine Hulk The slagged hulk of a once-sapient Machine remains on this world, looming like a vast headstone.	Defeating the Opus Sentinel	900	240
	Rifts Seismological phenomena are causing the planet crust to crack, spewing out sulfuric gases and toxic slime.	Voidspawn hatching	500	120
	Ruined Hatchery This automated industrial complex employed self-sustaining power generation to continuously produce biological machines.	Abandoned hatchery	1000	360	−4 Max Districts −5% Species Habitability Cap
	Lethal Ecosphere Specimens and experiments discarded by the War fragment constantly vie for survival in bloody unnatural selection. These incredibly hostile training grounds are sure to prove lethal for most soldiers but survivors would undoubtedly come out of this as relentless killing machines.	Trial of Survival			−2 Max Districts
	Devastated Settlements Destruction has ravaged these cities, reducing proud spires and bustling streets to lifeless dust.	Behemoth conquering a world without the blocker	4000	180	−2 Max Districts −30% Amenities
	Devoured Biosphere Entire biospheres have been completely consumed.	Behemoth conquering a world without the blocker	6000	180	−2 Max Districts −25% Habitability
	Slumbering Behemoths While at rest, these giants appear almost peaceful. But they are far from it, and should be approached with caution.	Behemoth conquering a world without the blocker	300	180	Clearing the blocker spawns a hostile army

References

Game concepts