Advanced Trade Route Optimization

Master trade routes in Endless Space! Learn how to optimize your income and expand your empire efficiently with this friendly guide.

Hey there! So you're looking to really dial in those trade routes, huh? Smart move. Getting your economy humming is key to galactic domination in Endless Space. While the game doesn't have a super deep 'trade route optimization' system like some others, there are definitely ways to make sure you're getting the most bang for your buck.

Think of your trade routes as the arteries of your empire. They connect your planets and bring in that sweet, sweet money (and sometimes research!). The longer and more lucrative the route, the better. You'll want to connect your most developed worlds to each other, and also to your homeworld if it's a good earner.

Here's the main thing to keep in mind: Trade is directly tied to the distance between systems. The further apart two systems are, the more income that trade route will generate. So, you're looking to connect your furthest, most developed colonies.

Key things to focus on:

• Planet Development: Obviously, a highly developed planet with lots of industry and population will generate more trade than a backwater. Focus on building up your core worlds first.
• Star Lane Network: The better your star lane network, the more options you have for connecting systems. Researching upgrades here is always a good idea.
• Trade Goods: Some planets might have special trade goods that can boost income. Keep an eye out for those!
• Piracy: Watch out for pirates! They can disrupt your trade. Having a strong military presence or specific technologies can help combat this.

Don't overthink it too much early on. Just connect your systems as you expand. As your empire grows, you'll naturally start seeing which routes are the most profitable. Focus on keeping those long-distance routes open and protected. Happy trading!