Ideology

Ideology defines whether an empire is, , or. Each of the three ideologies has twenty abilities or bonuses divided into four tiers of similar theme. Ideological traits are unlocked primarily by using points amassed through making event choices or building colony improvements.

Minor point sources
With, certain governments yield ideology points. The mercenary LL-88 yields points on every victory.

Benevolent
This ideology will generally improve, , , and colonization.

Pragmatic
This ideology will generally improve defense, Starbases, Trade, and Diplomacy.

Malevolent
This ideology will generally improve offense,, , and power projection.

Unlocking
Ideologies increase in power from left to right along each tier. Initially, only the first (leftmost) ideology in each tier is unlocked. To unlock the next ideology in a tier, it is necessary to purchase the preceding ideology. The first ideology adopted costs 10 points, and each subsequently adopted ideology costs 10 points more than the last (across all tiers). Thus, it usually makes sense to focus on a small number of tiers (potentially across alignments) before costs become prohibitive.

Galaxy Size and Density of Occupation
The primary means to gain ideology points is the colonization process and the building of ideology producing buildings (which need be unlocked in the ideology table before they can be used). If playing a small galaxy you may have few choices and they should be made with the understanding that you will be very unlikely to be able to unlock ideologies further into a particular section. On the other hand, in a not too densely populated immense galaxy you may be able to unlock an entire table. Plan accordingly. In any event a critical issue is whether you can unlock the buildings that give ideology points over time. If so you will get a steady, if slow stream of points; but if you cannot reach them to unlock you obtain nothing.

Time Dependent Value of Some Ideology Items
Some ideology features vary a great in value depending on when they are unlocked. For example, forces all colonies and starbases in your ZOC to convert to your faction. It is important to realize that this is a one-shot, one-time opportunity. Only enemy starbases and colonies in your ZOC at the time this bonus is unlocked will be affected. Thus, if there are few or no enemy starbases or colonies in your ZOC unlocking this trait is not helpful. On the other hand, unlocked at an appropriate time it can be a massive game-changer. If you have a few colonies that you are just beginning to influence and if there are major or minor mining or other starbases in your ZOC the balance of power in the galaxy can change instantly. Thus full awareness of the ideology table and its consequences at a particular point in the game is potentially vital.