Civics

Version

This article has been verified for the current PC version (4.2) of the game.

Civics

Standard civics

Corporate civics

Hive mind civics

Machine intelligence civics

Standard civics represent the foundational principles and societal structures that define an empire and are primarily limited by the authority and ethics an empire possesses. Each empire starts with up to two civics, and this limit is increased to three civics by researching the Galactic Administration technology. Civics can be changed every 20 years by reforming the government spending 10 unity per empire size.

If at any point a civic's requirements are no longer met due to a change in empire ethics or authority, it becomes inactive and provides no bonus until it is replaced or its requirements are met again. Buildings from an inactive civic remain functional but new ones cannot be constructed. Council positions from an inactive civic remain functional but if the slot is unlocked later they cannot be selected. All civic buildings are removed at the beginning of the next month if their civic is removed. Leader traits granted by civics are not lost if the civic is removed. Reforming the government while a civic is inactive requires removing it unless the civic is a permanent one.

Knowing another empire's civics requires Medium Intel on Government. Genocidal civics are always revealed.

If the Galactic Paragons DLC is enabled, each civic also unlocks a council position.

If the Shadows of the Shroud DLC is enabled, most civics also give +60 Attunement with a certain Shroud patron.

Empires that finish the Fear of the Dark origin story either way will gain an additional civic slot.

Standard civics[edit | edit source]

Civic	Effects	Council position	Shroud attunement	Requirements	DLC
Cutthroat Politics The political system in this society is renowned for its intrigue. Power struggles, shady backroom deals and cloak and dagger scheming are par for the course. Those who survive long enough to learn the game, however, tend to learn it well.	−20% Edict upkeep +1 Codebreaking	Prime Speaker +3% Faction resource output	Cradle of Souls
Efficient Bureaucracy This society is renowned for its efficiency. Not only do the mag-trains run on time, but the colossal bureaucratic apparatus required to run an interstellar nation has been greatly streamlined.	−20% Bureaucrat upkeep +2 Edict fund per 100 Bureaucrats +2 Edict fund per 100 Priests	Superintendent +2% Bureaucrat output	Instrument of Desire
Functional Architecture This society is renowned for its simple yet functional architecture. There are those who would refer to this building style as boring or even depressing, but in most cases, neo-concrete does the job just as well as any other building material.	−15% Planetary infrastructure cost +15% Planetary infrastructure build speed Can specialize districts without any technology	Master Architect +2% Planetary infrastructure build speed	Composer of Strands
Agrarian Idyll A simple and peaceful life can often be the most rewarding. This agrarian society has, to a large extent, managed to avoid large-scale urbanization.	+400 Housing from Agriculture districts +300 Housing from Generator and Mining districts −200 Housing from City districts −500 Housing from City segments +200 Amenities per 100 Farmers +200 Amenities per 100 Anglers () +200 Amenities per 100 Pearl Divers () Can specialize Agriculture districts without any technology Can research the Agrarian Utopias technology Cannot research the Anti-Gravity Engineering technology Cannot take the Arcology Project ascension perk	Elder Farmer +5% Farmer output	Composer of Strands	Pacifist Relentless Industrialists Relentless Industrialists Shareholder Values Tankbound Tankbound Corporate Thinktank Oppressive Autocracy Post-Apocalyptic Remnants Shattered Ring Void Dwellers Void Dwellers Voidforged Cosmic Dawn Red Giant Volcanic World homeworld
Aristocratic Elite This society has an entrenched nobility that occupies the upper echelons of society.	Can construct Noble Estates buildings Can construct Noble Chateaus holdings Capital buildings replace Politician jobs with Noble jobs 20% Chance for leaders to start with an additional positive and negative trait	Lord Steward +2% Elite pop resource output	Instrument of Desire	Oligarchic or Imperial Egalitarian Hard Reset
Beacon of Liberty This society is a shining beacon of light in a sea of darkness. Liberty and individual freedoms are held in the highest regard here.	+15% Monthly unity −15% Empire size from pops −1 Smuggle Population operation difficulty ()	Protector of Liberty +7.5% Egalitarian ethics attraction	Cradle of Souls	Democratic Egalitarian Xenophobe Crusader Spirit
Citizen Service Are you doing your part? Full citizenship and the political responsibility that comes with it is limited to those who have served a tour of duty in the military. Service guarantees citizenship.	+2 Unity per 100 Soldiers +15% Naval capacity Can construct Recruitment Office holdings Full Citizenship pops must have Full Military Service and vice versa	Chief of Service −1.5% Army upkeep +25 Army starting experience	Eater of Worlds	Democratic or Oligarchic Militarist Tankbound Tankbound Corporate Thinktank Fanatic Xenophile Reanimators
Corvée System This society considers it the absolute right of the state to decide where its citizens live and work.	+15% Automatic resettlement chance +10% Worker pop resource output −10% Resettlement cost Removes unity costs for pop resettlement	Employment Commissioner +2% Worker pop resource output	Composer of Strands	Egalitarian Free Haven
Distinguished Admiralty The Fleet and the Admiralty have unusually prominent roles in this society, wielding a great deal of influence in political circles. They have the pick of the litter when it comes to new military recruits.	+2 Commander starting level +20% Commander experience gain +10% Ship fire rate +20 Fleet command limit	Lord High Admiral +1% Naval capacity +50 Ship starting experience	Eater of Worlds	Militarist
Environmentalist This society seeks to co-exist in harmony with nature. Great care is taken to preserve the environment and limit consumerism where possible.	Can construct Ranger Lodge buildings Can construct Ranger Lodge holdings Start with a Ranger Lodge building −20% Pop consumer goods upkeep Cannot use the Strip Mine Planet decision	First Warden −1.5% Pop amenities usage	Composer of Strands	Oppressive Autocracy Relentless Industrialists Relentless Industrialists Shareholder Values
Exalted Priesthood To guard against heresy, this society is ruled by a religious council consisting of the wisest and most pious members of the clergy.	+1 Unity per 100 Priests Capital buildings replace Politician jobs with High Priest jobs () Capital buildings replace Politician jobs with Technophant jobs ()	Archpriest −2% Priest upkeep		Oligarchic or Dictatorial Spiritualist
Feudal Society This society is organized in a feudal manner, with a monarch whose rule relies on powerful vassals that govern their territories with considerable autonomy.	+5% Subject naval capacity contribution +25 Subjugation acceptance +1 Subjects exempt from Divided Patronage Can always Propose Subjugation Cannot use Expansion Prohibited terms of agreement Cannot use Limited Diplomacy terms of agreement Cannot use No Subject Conflicts terms of agreement	Chief Herald of Arms +5 Unity from subjects	Eater of Worlds	Imperial
Free Haven This society has a well-earned reputation as a free haven. The tired, the poor, the huddled masses yearning to breathe free - all are welcome here, regardless of their species or origin.	+25% Automatic resettlement destination chance +5% Worker happiness +5% Happiness ( Machine founder species)	Integration Facilitator −3% Empire size from districts −3% District upkeep	Cradle of Souls	Xenophile Corvée System Oppressive Autocracy
Idealistic Foundation This society was founded on strong idealistic values. Whether the current government remains true to them or not, the people have not forgotten.	+10% Citizen pop happiness	Tribune of Rights −1.5% Pop amenities usage	Cradle of Souls	Egalitarian
Imperial Cult This society has a dominant state religion where the ruler is worshiped as a living deity.	+100 Edict fund +100 Priest jobs per total ruler level Adds up leader Level, effective councilor skill and effective leader level on ruler's home planet	Prime Herald +2% Priest resource output		Imperial Authoritarian Spiritualist Chosen Chosen Chosen Executives
Meritocracy An individual's social station or personal connections should have no bearing on their profession. The sole basis for advancement in this society is demonstrated ability and talent.	+1 Additional leader trait options () +10% Specialist pop resource output	Principal Instructor +2.5% Leader experience gain	Cradle of Souls	Democratic or Oligarchic
Mining Guilds Several large mining guilds have reached a dominant position in this society. The government relies heavily on their support.	+1 Minerals per 100 Miners	Chairman of the Mines +0.05 Stability per 100 Miners	Instrument of Desire	Tankbound Tankbound Corporate Thinktank
Nationalistic Zeal A strong sense of nationalistic pride permeates all layers of this society.	−20% War exhaustion gain −15% Claim influence cost +5% Diplomatic weight per rival	Standard Bearer +1.5% Naval capacity	Eater of Worlds	Militarist
Parliamentary System The parliamentary system in this society encourages a free and lively debate. Currying favor with one of the dominant political factions can prove to be quite advantageous.	+40% Faction resource output Factions will form within 3 months	Speaker of Parliament +3% Council agenda speed	Cradle of Souls	Democratic Crowdsourcing Crowdsourcing Decentralized R&D Secret Societies Secret Societies Influential Cartel Hard Reset
Philosopher King It is not enough to simply rule. The Ship of State must be guided by a king that wields enough wisdom and knowledge to steer it true.	+5 Effective ruler skill Heir has double chance to be the same class as ruler	Lord Chancellor +3% Councilor experience gain		Dictatorial or Imperial
Police State To quash any traces of dissent, the population in this repressive society is carefully monitored and controlled by a large internal police force.	+5 Stability +1 Unity per 100 Enforcers	Chief of Secret Police +5% Governing ethics attraction	Instrument of Desire	Fanatic Egalitarian Civil Education
Shadow Council Unbeknownst to its own citizens, this society is actually manipulated from behind the scenes by a secretive shadow council. Appearances must be kept, but the tyranny of the majority should also be guarded against. After all, what if the fools vote for the wrong candidate?	−75% Election Cost +1 Effective councilor skill +1 Codebreaking +10% Infiltration speed +5 Election term variance years	Shadow Councilor −4% Elite pop upkeep	Instrument of Desire	Democratic or Oligarchic or Dictatorial
Slaver Guilds Much of the true political power in this society rests with a number of powerful and ruthless slaver guilds. They know how to get the most out of a slave.	+15% Job efficiency for slaves	Labor Magistrate +2% Slave happiness	Instrument of Desire	Authoritarian Tankbound Tankbound Corporate Thinktank Pleasure Seekers Indentured Assets
Technocracy To maximize efficiency, this society is governed according to the principles of science and rationality. The personal whims of an ignorant and dangerously unqualified political elite must not be allowed to interfere.	+1 Research alternatives Capital buildings replace Politician jobs with Science Director jobs Scientists start with a random Expertise trait Expertise traits increase job research output for their fields if governing a planet or sector Start with an additional scientist	Senior Science Director −2% Researcher upkeep		Materialist Shared Burdens
Warrior Culture This society has developed into a hardy warrior culture. Martial prowess is valued above all else, and true glory can only be found on the field of battle.	Replaces Entertainer jobs with Duelist jobs Replaces Conserved Fauna jobs with Gladiatorial Beast jobs +20% Army damage −10% War exhaustion gain +1 Enclave capacity Start with a Holo-Theatres building	Arbiter of Duels +10% Duelist output	Eater of Worlds	Militarist Oppressive Autocracy Pleasure Seekers
Ascensionists The ultimate goal of this empire is to ascend to ever greater levels of fulfillment.	+25% Planetary ascension effects −10% Planetary ascension cost −25% Tradition cost from empire size Capital starts at ascension tier 1	Minister of Ascension +2% Monthly unity	Instrument of Desire	Spiritualist Gigacorp
Catalytic Processing By focusing their industrial efforts into catalytic chemistry, this civilization has unlocked the key to using organic materials in the construction of spacebound structures.	Replaces Metallurgist jobs with Catalytic Technician jobs Can construct Bio-Reactor buildings	Principal Catalyst +2% Metallurgist output	Composer of Strands	Catalytic Recyclers Calamitous Birth Cosmic Dawn Red Giant Volcanic World homeworld
Masterful Crafters A penchant for meticulous crafting lies at the heart of this society. Deft appendages and keen sensory organs aid them in creating truly wondrous treasures even in the most basic of trades.	Replaces Artisan jobs with Artificer jobs	Master Crafter +1% Armor hit points	Instrument of Desire	Mastercraft Inc.
Pleasure Seekers This society rejoices in its own perfection. Those who are elevated by their privileged social structure have surrendered to a culture which glorifies pleasure and entertainment, regardless of a cost typically borne by others.	Replaces Civilian jobs with Hedonist jobs Can use the Decadent Lifestyle living standard Start with a Holo-Theatres building	Minister of Extravagance +4% Elite happiness	Instrument of Desire	Slaver Guilds Warrior Culture Shared Burdens Oppressive Autocracy Corporate Hedonism Hard Reset
Pompous Purists A society so utterly convinced of their own superiority, that any attempt at diplomacy not initated by themselves will be utterly ignored.	+1 Available envoys +25% Envoy improve relations +15% Diplomatic Weight when opposing resolutions −1 External leader pool size Can send but cannot receive diplomatic propositions Cannot become the Galactic Custodian Sectors released as subjects replace it with a random civic	Grand Marshal +2% Diplomatic weight	Cradle of Souls	Xenophobe Genocidal Fanatic Purifiers Scorched World Heralds Inward Perfection Scion
Byzantine Bureaucracy This society is largely governed by a complex and, to the outsider, almost labyrinthine system of bureaucracy. An army of officials and functionaries work tirelessly to keep the government running smoothly and ensure no citizens are allocated resources they cannot demonstrate a properly filed and triple-stamped need for.	+1 Unity per 100 Bureaucrats +1 Stability per 100 Bureaucrats	Administrative Coordinator −2% Administrator upkeep
Merchant Guilds A number of powerful and very influential merchant guilds have risen to prominent positions in this society. They hold significant sway with the government.	Capital buildings replace Politician jobs with Merchant jobs Can use the Mercantile diplomatic stance (unless also Inward Perfection)	Director of Trade +0.4 Trade per 100 Traders	Instrument of Desire
Shared Burdens This society believes in an equitable distribution of resources, making little to no distinction between the needs of ruler and ruled. All work together for the benefit of the whole.	Can use the Shared Burden living standard Must use Egalitarian living standards +5 Stability −45% Pop demotion time Can build Communal Housing and Utopian Communal Housing buildings Can construct Communal Housing Outreach holdings	Head Arbiter +2% Worker pop resource output	Composer of Strands	Fanatic Egalitarian Xenophobe Technocracy Pleasure Seekers
Selective Kinship In an uncertain universe, only kin can be trusted. This civilization is selective about the species it defines as equals.	+7.5% Citizen happiness on planets with two species of the founder species class +2.5% Citizen happiness while oppressing other species classes +100 Opinion with empires with same founder species class −50 Opinion with empires with different founder species class Species with same species class have Full Citizenship rights Xenophobe ethics do not affect opinion of other empires Species with different species class cannot have Full Citizenship rights Species with different species class cannot have Full Military Service rights Cannot form Migration Agreements with empires with different founder species class	Speaker for the Kin +2% Citizen political power		Xenophile Genocidal Fanatic Purifiers Scorched World Heralds Fanatic Egalitarian Broken Shackles Machine founder species
Diplomatic Corps This society has a long tradition of rhetoric and debate and celebrate those who are able to get their way using only words.	+2 Available envoys +15% Diplomatic weight +40 Trust cap +75% Envoy improve relations	High Ambassador +5 Trust cap	Cradle of Souls	Genocidal Fanatic Purifiers Scorched World Heralds Inward Perfection
Death Cult This society's religion is built around periodic, ritual sacrifices. Willing initiates devote themselves to a decade of study before meeting an end whose effects ripple throughout their culture.	Can construct Sacrificial Temple buildings Can construct Sacrificial Shrine holdings Can use Sacrifice edicts	Apostle of Death +2% Sacrificial edict effect		Spiritualist Genocidal Fanatic Purifiers Scorched World Heralds Chosen Chosen Chosen Executives Inward Perfection Corporate Death Cult Necrophage
Memorialists This empire pays tribute to memories and sapients of the past, deriving greater stability and insight from the continuous cycles of death, rebirth and legacy.	Replaces Autochthon Monument buildings with Sanctuary of Repose Start with a Sanctuary of Repose Gain additional Unity from Leviathan Parade Opportunity situations	High Curator +2% Monthly unity	Composer of Strands	Genocidal Fanatic Purifiers Scorched World Heralds Relentless Industrialists Relentless Industrialists Shareholder Values Entropy Drinkers Entropy Drinkers Corporate Vampires
Reanimators Within this society, death is no bar to the call of arms. Masters of the art of necromancy reanimate deceased corpses to raise a dread host that strikes fear into the hearts of lesser mortals.	Replaces Soldier jobs with Necromancer jobs Can construct Dread Encampment buildings Can construct Dread Outpost holdings 33% chance to gain an Undead Army per killed organic army Defeated organic guardians can be reanimated Lost space fauna can be reanimated	Master Necromancer +0.2 Unity per 100 Soldiers	Eater of Worlds	Pacifist Citizen Service Sovereign Guardianship Sovereign Guardianship Corporate Protectorate Synthetic Fertility Machine founder species
Mutagenic Spas This civilization engages in ritualistic mutagenic bathing, with professional attendants overseeing the use of highly dangerous substances. This 'invigorating' process may appall uninitiated onlookers.	Can construct Corporate Clinic holdings Can construct Mutagenic Spa buildings Can construct Mutagenic Spa holdings Start with a Mutagenic Spa building	Warden of the Baths +0.5 Unity per 100 Mutagenic Spa Attendants	Composer of Strands	Machine founder species Life-Seeded Synthetic Fertility Mutagenic Luxury
Lubrication Tanks This machine empire improved upon its basic drone-shell production through the vigorous application of highly aggressive lubrication agents, controlled by carefully programmed terminals. This 'optimized' process relies on typically wasted byproducts from the industries that are now repurposed for maximal efficiency.	Can construct Corporate Clinic holdings Can construct Hyper Lubrication Basin buildings Can construct Hyper Lubrication Basin holdings Start with a Hyper Lubrication Basin building	Terminal Overseer +0.5 Unity from Lubrication Terminals	Composer of Strands	Machine founder species Luxury Lubrication Pools Life-Seeded
Relentless Industrialists To live is to exploit. This civilization is built around the principle of living life to the fullest, in the sense of squeezing the maximum profit from every last ounce of matter and membrane available for exploitation.	Can construct Coordinated Fulfillment Center buildings Start with a Coordinated Fulfillment Center building First time a world is polluted triggers the Environmental Deterioration situation	Chief Extraction Officer +2% Minerals from Miners	Instrument of Desire	Materialist Planet Forgers Planet Forgers Planetary Architects Agrarian Idyll Environmentalist Idyllic Bloom Memorialists Life-Seeded Shareholder Values
Scavengers In this society, nothing goes to waste, even in the grimmest times of war: no enemy technology will go undiscovered, as teams of scrappers accompanying the war fleets scrape wreckages of anything and everything worth salvaging.	Enables the Research & Salvage Debris debris policy 10% chance per ship debris to create a ship of equal size −5% Ships alloys upkeep +10% Planetary infrastructure refund +10% Megastructure refund +10 Opinion with the Salvagers enclave	Master Scrapper +1% Chance to salvage ships		Refurbishment Division
Eager Explorers Yearning for the stars, this civilization sped through several stages of development, reaching the age of galactic exploration far earlier than most.	Cannot be added until Subspace Drive is researched Cannot be removed until Jump Drive is researched Start with the Subspace Drive technology −1000 Starting pops +50% Chance to draw Voidcraft technologies +15% Sublight speed +20% Survey speed +5% Anomaly discovery chance +5% Astral rift exploration speed Start with 1 of each resource districts less Start without a fleet Start with two exploration vessels and an engineering vessel Start with a second scientist Starting scientists usually have an additional survey-related trait Can build exploration, engineering, and colonization vessels Can build conventional civilian ships after researching hyperdrives ExpandCertain starting technologies are permanent options and must be researched Hyperspace Travel Scientific Method Planetary Government Corvettes	Minister of Exploration +5% Anomaly research speed +5% Archaeology excavation speed +3% Jump drive range		Biological shipset Inward Perfection Privatized Exploration Sovereign Guardianship Sovereign Guardianship Corporate Protectorate Hyperspace Specialty Hyperspace Specialty Hyperspace Trade Genesis Guides Genesis Guides Astrogenesis Technologies Broken Shackles Fear of the Dark Payback Synthetic Fertility Hard Reset
Crusader Spirit The lack of guidance creates weak minds - which easily succumb to corruption and plunge into decadence. This society has assumed the self-imposed mantle of bringing "enlightenment" to the masses through aggressive proselytizing.	+5% Ship weapons damage +5% Ship build speed War Philosophy policy is locked to Liberation Wars Commanders have the Crusader trait	Lord Commander +1% Ship fire rate +2% Army damage	Cradle of Souls	Authoritarian, Spiritualist or Militarist Pacifist Genocidal Fanatic Purifiers Scorched World Heralds Beacon of Liberty
Heroic Past The legendary heroes of the past inspire this civilizations young people to achieve the extraordinary. As role models, government officials are expected to embody these ideals.	+1 Leader capacity for each class	Grand Storyteller +2% Leader experience gain +2% Governing ethics attraction		Hard Reset
Vaults of Knowledge The knowledge, principles, and experiences of exceptional people are digitized and accumulated in the Vaults of Knowledge. Citizens can access this source of wisdom and experience to learn from the ghosts of the past.	+1 Leader starting skill +1 Effective councilor skill Can construct the Vaults of Knowledge building Start with the Vaults of Knowledge building	Keeper of the Vaults −2% Leader upkeep −2% Leader cost		Knowledge Mentorship
Dimensional Worship This society believes that a divine existence lies beyond the folds in space and time. Systems where instabilities are highest hold a sacred meaning to them as sites of both pilgrimage and research.	+25% Monthly astral threads +100% Chance for astral rifts to appear in owned systems +10% Chance to discover rare technologies +25% Chance for scientists to gain Astral Rift related traits Can construct Dimensional Shrine starbase buildings	Astral Minister +0.2 Physics research per 100 Priests		Spiritualist Dimensional Enterprise
Dark Consortium A deep understanding of the architecture of the universe allowed this society to exploit the mysterious properties of dark matter long before the discovery of the hyperdrive.	Can use Dark Matter strategic resource edicts Can use the Dark Matter Breakthrough agenda If added during empire creation: Cannot be removed Start with the Dark Matter Drawing technology researched Home system has a deposit of 1 Dark Matter Requires Dark Matter Drawing technology to add after empire creation	Shadow Weaver +0.02 Dark matter per 100 Physicists		Shadow Corporation
Hyperspace Specialty This society has always embraced speed. The manipulation of hyperspace is just another thoroughfare, and those with aptitude in the field have risen to the highest caste.	+2 Planet sensor range +10% Sublight speed +15% Physics research speed +25% Chance for scientists to gain Astral Rift related traits Start with the Hyperlane Breach Points technology as a permanent research option Know the layout of all systems within 3 hyperlane jumps	Hyperlane Supervisor +1 Stability per Hyperlane Registrar starbase building	Composer of Strands	Hyperspace Trade Eager Explorers Eager Explorers Privatized Exploration Hard Reset
Genesis Guides This society is devoted to the creation of emerging species. As the stewards of evolution's potential, they allocate portions of their worlds to safeguard the development of pre-sapient life forms.	+200 Alloys colony ship cost −25% Terraforming cost +25% Terraforming speed +300 Pre-Sapient pops on homeworld +10% Amenities from Isolated Valley planetary features +10% Unity from jobs from Isolated Valley planetary features +1000 x uplifts Unity when uplifting +500-5000 Unity when colonizing a planet +25-250 Influence when colonizing a planet Unlock the Epigenetic Triggers technology when colonizing a planet Creates a species with 3 Pre-Sapient pops on every colony Enables the Build Genesis Preserve decision Owned worlds have the Genesis Preserve planetary feature Uplifting replaces Genesis Preserve with Genesis Monument Pre-Sapients policy is locked to Protected Cannot build Alien Zoo buildings	Master of Guidance +5% Biology research speed	Composer of Strands	Xenophobe Natural Design Eager Explorers Eager Explorers Privatized Exploration Syncretic Evolution Hard Reset Life-Seeded
Rapid Replicator This society has taken control of the means of self-assembly. Each machine begets another, forming an unbroken chain stretching our planet's limits.	+20% Mechanical pop assembly speed	Replication Coordination Officer −2% Roboticists upkeep		Machine founder species
Static Research Analysis This society excels in predictive analysis within research methodologies, ensuring the pursuit of only the most promising leads.	+1 Research alternatives +1 Codebreaking +10% Head of Research experience gain	Methodology Lead Analyst −2% Researcher upkeep		Machine founder species
Warbots This society constantly refines its armies, economy, and education for diverse warfare strategies. Each machine contributes to collective strength, ensuring adaptability and success in conflict.	+2 Commander starting level +20% Army damage −20% Army upkeep	Combat Logistician −5% Army upkeep	Eater of Worlds	Machine founder species
Astrometeorology With deep respect for the forces of nature, this species goes to great lengths to uncover the inner workings of environmental phenomena. As they set out across the stars, they take with them a particular interest in astrometeorology. Central to their ambitions are the most fantastic and potentially destructive of all astronomical events, the cosmic storms themselves.	Can construct Astrometeorology Observatory buildings Starting Research Labs is replaced by Astrometeorology Observatory	Prime Forecaster +2% Astrometeorologist resource output
Civil Education In this empire, education has supplanted law enforcement. Through comprehensive preparation and strict course correction, they ensure that no individual is beyond the reach of learning. After all, there are no bad citizens - only bad educators.	Replaces Enforcer jobs with Educator jobs Replaces Precinct Houses buildings with State Academy Start with a State Academy building	Head of Education −0.5% Upkeep from jobs	Cradle of Souls	Police State Oppressive Autocracy
Crowdsourcing This society has realized that individual inspiration is the root of true innovation. Open-source patents, open-mindedness, spontaneous collaborations and innovation bounties pave the way to progress.	Factions produce research instead of unity Factions will form within 3 months	Innovation Coordinator +4% Faction resource output −4% Governing ethics attraction	Cradle of Souls	Fanatic Militarist Fanatic Pacifist Fanatic Egalitarian Fanatic Authoritarian Fanatic Xenophile Fanatic Xenophobe Fanatic Materialist Fanatic Spiritualist Parliamentary System Decentralized R&D
Genetic Identification This society requires every citizen to be registered from birth in a genetic index used in every level of bureaucracy.	+1 Encryption −15% Crime +1.5 Society per 100 Bureaucrats	Indexor +2% Biology research speed −1.5% Bureaucrat upkeep	Instrument of Desire	Machine founder species Sequenced Securities
Entropy Drinkers This society drains valuable metabolism from idle population via parasitic psychic connections. Once properly collected, these energies can be redistributed to the more important classes.	Cannot be added until Psionic Theory is researched Cannot be removed Leaders have the Psychic trait Unlocks the Convergence of Will edict Unlocks the Energy Drain edict Unlocks the Sanguine Council edict Can construct Leeching Tower buildings Start with a Leeching Tower building +50% Leader lifespan −50% Leader upkeep −10% Resources from jobs −10% Research speed −10% Pop growth speed −10% Mechanical pop assembly speed Cannot take ascension path perks except Mind Over Matter	Energy Curator +5% Leader experience gain +0.02% Empire energy generation per 100 pops		Egalitarian Memorialists Natural Design Corporate Vampires Mindwardens Hard Reset Overtuned Cybernetic Creed Synthetic Fertility Evolutionary Predators
Experimental Sentencing Judicial processing and thirst for knowledge share a single solution in this society. Working in utmost secrecy, researchers conduct harsh experiments on test subjects drawn from the criminal underworld. The occasional fatality is the cost of progress.	Start with the Experimental Testing situation Can construct Experimentation Chambers buildings Start with an Experimentation Chambers building Unlocks Orderlies slavery type Unlocks Abominations army +20% Resources from Test Subjects from crime modifiers +20% Resources from Experiment Engineers from crime modifiers	Experimentation Overseer +0.25 Unity per 100 Test Subjects −3% Test Subjects lost in the Experimental Testing situation		Authoritarian or Xenophobe Judicial R&D Machine founder species
Corporate Dominion This society is dominated by a megacorporation that has completely supplanted the role of the state.	+1 External leader pool size Can build private colony ships Start with the Offworld Trade Companies technology Can use the Mercantile diplomatic stance (unless also Inward Perfection)	Chief Trade Officer +2% Trade from jobs	Instrument of Desire	Oligarchic Xenophobe

Permanent civics[edit | edit source]

The following civics can only be selected at empire creation and cannot be removed. As a result, they also prevent reforming the government with Corporate authority.

Civic	Effects	Council position	Shroud attunement	Requirements	DLC
Inward Perfection This calm and pacifist society has little use for strangers who do not understand their way of life. More than anything, they would prefer to be left alone.	+20% Monthly unity +10% Pop growth or assembly speed Pop growth speed Mechanical pop assembly speed +5% Citizen pop happiness +50 Edict fund +1 Encryption −1 Codebreaking −1 Available envoys Cannot use the Subjugation casus belli Cannot use the Minister of State council position Start with the civic's council position unlocked Expand Diplomatic restrictions Rivals Commercial Pact Defensive Pact Research Agreement Migration Treaty Guarantee Independence Federation Infiltrate pre-FTL civilizations	Commander of the Watch +3% Defense platform damage +3% Defense platform hull points		Pacifist Xenophobe Pompous Purists Eager Explorers Eager Explorers Privatized Exploration Sovereign Guardianship Sovereign Guardianship Corporate Protectorate Common Ground Hegemon Fear of the Dark
Idyllic Bloom This society has always spent much time on improving and caring for their environment, in pursuit of building a true paradise for its inhabitants.	Can construct Gaia Seeder buildings Can construct Gaia Seeder Outpost holdings Start with a Gaia Seeders - Phase 1 building Disabled by synthetic ascension special project	Bloom Herald −5% Gaia Seeder build cost −5% Gaia Seeder upkeep	Composer of Strands	Plantoid or Fungoid founder species Relentless Industrialists Relentless Industrialists Shareholder Values Planet Forgers Planet Forgers Planetary Architects Hard Reset Void Dwellers Evolutionary Predators Cosmic Dawn Red Giant
Fanatic Purifiers This society appears hellbent on scouring the galaxy of all other sapient life. Come what may, they will suffer no xenos to live.	Genocidal against different species Civic always revealed regardless of Intel Cannot establish diplomatic pacts Cannot release sectors as subjects Cannot use the Galactic Market Cannot join the Galactic Community Cannot discover space fauna technologies Pops that are not explicitly allowed will be purged and cannot be assimilated Total war casus belli enabled to and from empires whose founder species is not explicitly allowed −1000 Opinion to and from empires whose founder species is not explicitly allowed If Grand Archive is also enabled gain Unity for unlocking 3, 5 and 9 exhibit slots from each specimen category If Shadows of the Shroud is also enabled gain Attunement with Eater of Worlds If Galactic Paradons is also enabled and the empire is individualist start with the civic's council position unlocked Can use Armageddon Orbital Bombardment Policy Diplomatic Stance policy is locked to Purification 5–100 Unity per 100 purged pops +33% Fire rate +33% Army damage +33% Naval capacity −15% Ship cost +200 Opinion with empires with the same species and civic Cannot use the Minister of State council position Cannot found enclaves	Minister of War Production +2% Monthly alloys	Eater of Worlds	Fanatic Xenophobe Militarist or Spiritualist Barbaric Despoilers Pompous Purists Selective Kinship Crusader Spirit Sovereign Guardianship Sovereign Guardianship Corporate Protectorate Genesis Guides Genesis Guides Astrogenesis Technologies Expand Origin restrictions Syncretic Evolution Common Ground Hegemon Knights of the Toxic God Broken Shackles Mindwardens
Barbaric Despoilers This society holds few things sacred. To fight is to live, and the strongest may seize whatever they covet.	Can use the Despoliation casus belli Can use the Raiding orbital bombardment stance Cannot form Migration Treaties Can only create Martial Alliance and Hegemony federations Expand Reduced opinion from empires that don't have the civic −20 Opinion from militarist empires −80 Opinion from pacifist empires −40 Opinion from authoritarian empires that are neither pacifist nor militarist −40 Opinion from the Enigmatic Observers and Benevolent Interventionists −50 Opinion from other empires Start with an additional commander +1 Enclave capacity +1 Specimen from each category stolen when destroying a Galactic Archive	Labor Intendant −2% Empire size from slaves	Eater of Worlds	Militarist Authoritarian or Xenophobe Xenophile Genocidal Fanatic Purifiers Scorched World Heralds Common Ground Your Ladder To The Sky
Anglers Adept at utilizing nature's bounty, this society provides for itself a stable influx of sustenance and economic value.	Founder species must have the Aquatic trait No Agriculture District limit on Ocean Worlds Unlocks the Aquaculture specialization Can specialize Agriculture Districts without any technology on wet planets	Minister of the Seas +0.3 Food per 100 Anglers +0.2 Consumer goods per 100 Pearl Divers	Composer of Strands	Machine founder species Tankbound Tankbound Corporate Thinktank Post-Apocalyptic Shattered Ring Void Dwellers Cosmic Dawn Red Giant Volcanic World homeworld
Marine Machines This mechanical society is engineered for seamless operation in diverse aquatic environments and excels in crafting unparalleled marine infrastructure to drive its economy.	Founder species must have the Waterproof trait No Agriculture District limit on Ocean Worlds Unlocks the Aquaculture specialization Can specialize Agriculture Districts without any technology on wet planets	Minister of the Seas +0.3 Food per 100 Anglers +0.2 Consumer goods per 100 Pearl Divers	Composer of Strands	Machine founder species Radioactive Rovers Shattered Ring Voidforged Volcanic World homeworld
Oppressive Autocracy Only the elite of the elite deserve the best of the best. Everyone else is expected to provide for the ruling class and their lackeys.	Must use the Dystopian Society living standard Start with a Precinct Houses building Cannot construct Holo-Theatres Only Elites and Enforcers produce and use amenities +1 Commander capacity −20% Leader upkeep +1 Crime per 100 pops	Primary Overseer +1% Elite happiness +0.2 Unity per 100 Enforcers	Instrument of Desire	Fanatic Authoritarian Agrarian Idyll Environmentalist Free Haven Warrior Culture Pleasure Seekers Civil Education Red Giant
Sovereign Guardianship This collection of warring tribes has developed a historical preference for entrenched territories and defensive posturing. Now united, they are prepared to bring this philosophy to the stars, aiming to keep their borders solid and tensions low.	Replaces Defense Armies with Fanatic Guardians Can construct Reloading Bay starbase buildings Can use the Inner Focus edict +1 Unity per 100 Soldiers +20% Diplomatic weight −50% Empire size from pops and districts +100% Empire size from planets and branch offices +150% Empire size from systems	First Citadel +10% Defense army damage +5% Starbase hull points +5% Starbase armor points +5% Shield hit points in friendly systems +5% Fire rate in friendly systems +5% Accuracy in friendly systems	Cradle of Souls	Militarist Genocidal Fanatic Purifiers Scorched World Heralds Eager Explorers Eager Explorers Privatized Exploration Corporate Protectorate Inward Perfection Reanimators Broken Shackles Fear of the Dark Payback
Natural Design This society is adamant that nature has already created perfection in its people's genetic code. They have long devoted their medical and governmental services to the health and preservation of natural, untouched genome sequences.	+2 Organic species trait points +2 Organic species trait picks +0.5 Society research per 100 Medical Workers −50 Opinion with ascended or Overtuned empires Can construct Genomic Services Outreach holdings Can construct Genomic Services Center buildings Start with a Genomic Services Center building Cannot research genetic modification technologies Cannot pick ascension path perks	Grand Genomicist +2% Citizen pop happiness		Machine founder species Genesis Guides Genesis Guides Astrogenesis Technologies Chosen Chosen Chosen Executives Entropy Drinkers Entropy Drinkers Corporate Vampires Hard Reset Clone Army Overtuned Teachers of the Shroud Cybernetic Creed Synthetic Fertility Evolutionary Predators Endbringers
Planetscapers After eons of carefully cultivating a perfect balance on their homeworld, this society is ready to tend to even the most inhospitable environments among the stars. At their core, these people believe nature can be shaped, controlled, and perfected. Not to tame, but in service of perfect beauty.	+25% Clear blocker speed +10% Resources from jobs +10% Pop growth speed −15% Pop upkeep Start with the technology to remove homeworld blockers Blocker removal technologies are guaranteed after colonization Enables the Cultivated Worldscaping decision Cannot take the Mastery of Nature ascension perk Start with 2 natural blockers −10% Resources from jobs on planet per natural blocker −10% Pop growth speed on planet per natural blocker +15% Pop upkeep on planet per natural blocker	First Planetscaper −2% Clear blocker cost +1% Worker pop resource output	Instrument of Desire	Geo-Engineering Inc. Environmentalist Relentless Industrialists Relentless Industrialists Shareholder Values Mutagenic Spas Mutagenic Spas Mutagenic Luxury Lubrication Tanks Luxury Lubrication Pools Remnants Hard Reset Post-Apocalyptic Post-Apocalyptic Radioactive Rovers Calamitous Birth Shattered Ring Void Dwellers Void Dwellers Voidforged Resource Consolidation
Storm Devotion Ever since ancient times, this society has been able to attract tempests through their rituals. Over the years, they combined technical innovations to enhance their efficiency. With the dawn of the space age, they now seek to take this knowledge to the stars.	Can construct Storm Summoning Theater buildings Start with a Storm Summoning Theater building Founder species has the Storm Touched trait Replaces Entertainer jobs with Storm Dancer jobs +20% Diplomatic weight while capital is under a cosmic storm	Grand Herald of Storms −5% Storm building upkeep +5% Storm technology research chance	Composer of Strands	Hard Reset
Beastmasters Coming to full, technological maturity in a system that serves as a feeding ground for Space Amoebas, this society has acquired a deep knowledge of their life cycle. They now work to nurture, raise, and ultimately clone these creatures for mutual benefit.	Start with Space Amoeba pacified Can construct Beastport starbase modules Starting Shipyard is replaced by a Beastport Ship stat technologies are replaced by space fauna stat technologies Start with all bio-integration technologies Start with the Gravity Snares technology Start with the Artificial Breeding technology Flagella Weaponization technology starts as a permanent research option Regenerative Hull Tissue technology starts as a permanent research option Starting corvettes are replaced with Space Amoebae Start with the Common Space Amoeba genetic material −15% Space fauna cost −10% Space fauna upkeep +200% Artificial ships naval cap usage 12x unity output (150~100 000) when finishing a Grand Archive	Beastlord +2% Space fauna sublight speed +3% Space Fauna damage	Composer of Strands	Eager Explorers Eager Explorers Privatized Exploration Space Ranchers Cosmic Dawn
Galactic Curators The meticulous collection and preservation of historical artifacts has always fascinated this civilization. But now, with the mysteries of the galaxy at their doorstep, there is everything left to learn.	Unlocks the Decentralized Research edict Start with the Galactic Archivism technology as a permanent research option Start with 1 common artifact specimen from each category Start with 1 exhibit slot from each category unlocked +10% Specimens output +10% Anomaly discovery chance −25% Grand Archive construction cost −25% Curator Order costs +20 Opinion with the Curator Order 6x unity output (100~100 000) Unity per obtained (not purchased) specimen 6x unity output (100~100 000) Unity per excavated archaeological site 12x unity output (150~100 000) when finishing a Grand Archive −10% Unity from jobs	Supreme Curator +0.5 Unity per 100 Entertainers	Instrument of Desire	Antiquarian Expertise
Chosen Influenced by the Shroud in their early history, this society is bound to a pact of patronage with a powerful entity.	Start with the Shroud tab unlocked Start with the Psionic Aura technology On day 2 choose a Major Patron to contact and gain 300 attunement with Gain unity scaling with attunement +10 Psionic aura intensity gain +0.05% Unity from jobs per attunement +250–1000000 Unity when first delving into the Shroud +100–1000 Zro when first delving into the Shroud Cannot choose to reject all covenants Cannot take ascension path perks except Mind Over Matter Forming a covenant with Whisperers in the Void removes the civic	Shroudspeaker +2% Resources from Bureaucrats	Choice	Spiritualist Death Cult Death Cult Corporate Death Cult Chosen Executives Imperial Cult Natural Design Augmentation Bazaars Hard Reset Cybernetic Creed Synthetic Fertility Evolutionary Predators Endbringers Mindwardens
Secret Societies A cabal of elite and secretive figures weave complicated political threads behind the scenes of this society, entwining internal affairs with those of other worlds.	Unlocks secret societies Unlocks the Start Proxy War diplomatic action Start with a first contact with 2 empires if they exist +1 Encryption +1 Available envoys −25% Proxy war influence cost −50% Operation cost +0.5 Unity per 100 Bureaucrats per active proxy war +40 Infiltration after first contact	Conspirator Liaison +1 Base intel level +1% Diplomatic weight +2.5% Operation speed		Genocidal Fanatic Purifiers Scorched World Heralds Crowdsourcing Crowdsourcing Decentralized R&D Parliamentary System Influential Cartel Hard Reset Broken Shackles Cybernetic Creed
Superstitious Beliefs This society claims to have discovered a ritualistic mechanism to predict the future, leveraging esoteric pattern recognition and cyclical anomaly analysis. Proper ceremonies must be performed before every major decision to harmonize with the unseen forces that shape their destiny.	Replaces Priest jobs with Spirit Medium jobs Replaces High Priest jobs with High Astrologist jobs Unlocks the Galactic Dowsing edict Enables cycle modifiers and cycle change events	Chief Medium +1.3% Council agenda speed −3.13% Bureaucrat upkeep −13% Negative cycle effects		Spiritualist Fortune Enterprise Cybernetic Creed
Tankbound This society's members live out their existences suspended in vats of specialized bio-fluids. As such, they are heavily reliant on assistive equipment and incapable of engaging directly in physical work.	Founder species has the Tankbound trait Worker jobs from districts are automated Colonist jobs have the Specialist stratum Start with the Assembly Patterns technology as a permanent research option Urban districts produce Production Overseer jobs −25% Upkeep from jobs −2000 Starting pops +600% Rural district energy upkeep −30% Automated workforce efficiency +15% Automated workforce efficiency from Assembly Patterns tech +15% Automated workforce efficiency from Construction Templates tech Homeworld does not start with Agriculture Districts	Grand Vessel +1% Automated workforce efficiency		Tank vessel species Slaver Guilds Slaver Guilds Indentured Assets Anglers Anglers Trawling Operations Marine Machines Maritime Robotics Agrarian Idyll Citizen Service Mining Guilds Private Military Companies Syncretic Evolution Hard Reset Clone Army Knights of the Toxic God Broken Shackles Payback Primal Calling
Fire Cult Forged by generations of extreme hardship, this society believes in survival through unity, and unity through survival. Only fire-born struggle can bind them tightly enough to endure a cold, uncaring galaxy.	+5% Unity from jobs per habitability below 100% The Scourge of the Volcano faction will form within a month The Scourge of the Volcano faction replaces the Traditionalist faction Replaces Priest jobs with Fire Dancer jobs Replaces Politican jobs with Fire Oracle jobs on planets with less than 50% Habitability Can recruit Ember Legion armies on planets with less than 20% Habitability Unlocks the Blazing Scourge decision Start with the Deep Crust Engineering technology researched Synergizes with certain civics, giving Fire Dancers and/or Fire Oracles extra productions.	Pyromanic Priest −2% Job consumer goods upkeep		Spiritualist Aquatic founder species Ocean Paradise Cybernetic Creed
Galvanic Synthesis This society is able to synthesize regular alloys into Living Metal, and molds its strength and shape-changing properties directly into their technology.	+75% Planetary infrastructure refund Start with the Living Metal technology researched Homeworld has a Living Metal Sediment planetary feature Unlocks the Centrifugal Siphoning and Modular Growth Components edicts Unlocks regenerative versions of armor components Kinetic Artillery tech unlocks the Reshaping Projectile Accelerator component Unlocks the Distribute Living Metal decision Unlocks Mimetic Strike Force armies Unlocks Offworld Expedition Hub buildings Cannot take the Synthetic Evolution ascension perk	Mimetic Overseer +1% Engineering from jobs +1% Physics from jobs		Thermophile founder species Biometallic Cartel Synthetic Fertility
Planet Forgers This society thrives in volcanic environments, and will even create them artificially when nature falls short.	+3 Max districts on Volcanic worlds +20% Volcanic world habitability Cold planets are replaced by Volcanic worlds at homeworld selection Start with the Volcanic Forge technology as a permanent research option Guaranteed habitable worlds will be Dry worlds	Thermal Engineer +2% Industry research speed +4% Research station output		Biological shipset Relentless Industrialists Relentless Industrialists Shareholder Values Idyllic Bloom Life-Seeded Ocean Paradise Aquatic founder species
Scorched World Heralds Heat permeates every facet of this society's culture, from traditions and rituals to technology itself. They see themselves as the galaxy's rightful fiery supremacists, viewing weaker species as mere obstacles on the path to an ideal universe, fit only for Thermophiles.	Genocidal against different species classes Civic always revealed regardless of Intel Cannot establish diplomatic pacts Cannot release sectors as subjects Cannot use the Galactic Market Cannot join the Galactic Community Cannot discover space fauna technologies Pops that are not explicitly allowed will be purged and cannot be assimilated Total war casus belli enabled to and from empires whose founder species is not explicitly allowed −1000 Opinion to and from empires whose founder species is not explicitly allowed If Grand Archive is also enabled gain Unity for unlocking 3, 5 and 9 exhibit slots from each specimen category If Shadows of the Shroud is also enabled gain Attunement with Eater of Worlds If Galactic Paradons is also enabled and the empire is individualist start with the civic's council position unlocked Diplomatic Stance policy is locked to Devastators Can use Devastation Orbital Bombardment Policy Firestorm bombardment generates Unity that scales with fleet's size +50% Naval capacity +50% Materials research speed +15% Ship weapons range +15% Ship build speed +15% Armor hit points +40% Army health +100 Opinion with same species class	Prime Scorcher −2% War exhaustion gain		Thermophile founder species Xenophobe Pacifist Barbaric Despoilers Pompous Purists Selective Kinship Crusader Spirit Sovereign Guardianship Sovereign Guardianship Corporate Protectorate Genesis Guides Genesis Guides Astrogenesis Technologies Expand Origin restrictions Syncretic Evolution Common Ground Hegemon Knights of the Toxic God Broken Shackles Mindwardens

Sovereign civics[edit | edit source]

Sovereign civics can only be obtained as a result of special circumstances. Each one grants an additional civic slot, meaning that they don't replace any other civic. Sovereign civics are not inherited by sectors released as vassals or systems created by status quos and they are lost if the empire loses a war against an empire using the Ideology casus belli. If the Galactic Paragons DLC is installed each civic will unlock a council position.

Civic	Effects	Council position	Requirements	DLC
Divine Sovereign This society has appointed the Chosen One - an individual endowed with unparalleled psionic might - as their eternal ruler.	+10% Monthly unity +25% Governing ethics attraction Civic disabled if the Chosen leader is killed or authority is not Imperial	Divine Conduit +1% Job efficiency for Psionic from Telepaths	A Divine Sovereign event Chosen leader trait Chosen One Chosen of the Composer Chosen of the Eater Chosen of the Instrument Chosen of the Cradle Chosen of the Whisperers Shroudshaper The Passenger
Galactic Sovereign This society has achieved mastery over much of the galaxy, serving as the current rulers of the Galactic Imperium.	+6 Monthly influence +1 Available envoys +40% Diplomatic weight Can propose the Imperial Charter and Revoke Charter resolutions	Watcher of the Imperium +2.5 Base intel level +2% Infiltration speed	Proclaim the Galactic Imperium resolution Empire had Corporate authority when the resolution passed
Corporate Sovereign This Megacorporation has achieved mastery over much of the galaxy, serving as the current corporate rulers of the Galactic Imperium.	+6 Monthly influence +1 Available envoys +40% Diplomatic weight Can build Imperial Concession Port holdings Can open branch offices on the worlds of members of the Galactic Imperium Can reform government with both standard and corporate civics Replaces Politician jobs with Executive jobs	Watcher of the Imperium +2.5 Base intel level +2% Infiltration speed	Proclaim the Galactic Imperium resolution Empire had Corporate authority when the resolution passed

Unselectable civics[edit | edit source]

The following civics are not available when creating an empire and are only present on certain unique empires. However, they are playable by changing empires via loading in multiplayer or after a game-over or Cosmogenesis victory.

Civic	Effects	Requirements
Great Khan's Legacy	+10% Fire rate	New Khanate
Diadochus	+15% Naval capacity	Diadochus
Life-Seeded	Can construct Gaia Seeder buildings	Habinte Unified Worlds

Pre-FTL civics[edit | edit source]

The following civics are present only on pre-FTL civilizations and have no effects. They are replaced with regular civics if the civilization discovers FTL.

Fallen empire civics[edit | edit source]

The following civics are present only on individualist fallen empires.

Civic	Effects	Type
Lethargic Leadership	−1 Monthly Influence Can't construct new ships	Dormant
Empire In Decline	Can't conquer or colonize planets	Dormant
Revanchist Fervor	+1 Monthly Influence	Awakened
Ancient Caches of Technology	+50% Resources from Jobs	Awakened

Enclave civics[edit | edit source]

The following civics are used by enclaves and cannot be used by empires without modding or save editing.

References[edit | edit source]