Colonization — spore

Colonization is a process of expanding territories on planets in the Space Stage of Spore.

Colonies share the same function as cities in the Civilization stage and the cities on a homeplanet. The player can place buildings 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. Generally, colonization is a gateway to producing more spice, gain strength and health bonuses, defending themselves more easily, and generally succeeding and progressing with the stage.

New colonies can be created by utilizing the Colony Incredi-Pak charged tool. Empires can conquer or purchase and claim as their own from others. The amount of colonies that can be created is limited to 3, except for home worlds that can hold 8 cities maximum.

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.

Using colonization

For a player to colonize a planet, there are several factors depend on whether the planet can be colonized.

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