Toxic worlds research in the early game

Today I played on a tiny map against the Iconians on challenging. Though I don't recall exactly I think I went straight for Universal Translator. Within the first 20 turns (estimated) I opened the "Speak to" window with them, and they already had the first tier of Toxic Worlds and I think Aquatic Worlds. Their half of the map had 3 such worlds in one sector alone. Did the game cheat to give them the tech they needed, is it cheap for them, or is it cheaper than I think?

4,680 views 1 replies
Reply #1 Top

I haven`t played for a while, so I might be a bit fuzzy on some details.

The Iconians have a super ability, Super Adapters, which gives them those techs. Its very purpose to to ensure that they can colonize some kinds of extreme worlds on the first turn. The Yor get Barren worlds as part of their super ability, Super Isolationists. The Torians can research Aquatic worlds early on and cheaper too. So, there are a number of different reasons why a civ might have access to some worlds early on.