Short answer
A planet colonization game lets you settle new worlds and grow an empire from them. In Xterium, colonization is core gameplay: you send colony ships to new planets, each with its own conditions, build mines and structures, research technology and defend your colonies from rivals. It is a free browser space 4X strategy with alliance wars, three universes on one account and native mobile apps — colonize, expand and fight across the galaxy.
See the game
Real in-game screens: your empire, fleet, galaxy map and alliance.
Colonization in Xterium
How settling planets works — and why it is the heart of the game.
Settle new worlds
Send colony ships to claim planets across the galaxy — each new colony expands your production and reach.
Develop each colony
Build mines, power and structures; every planet has its own conditions and growth path.
Research and expand
Unlock technology that lets you settle farther, build bigger fleets and grow your empire.
Defend your colonies
Other players want your planets too — fleets, defense and alliances keep your colonies safe.
Mechanics in the open
Every formula for colonies, economy and combat is public in the knowledge base.
Free, on any device
Play free in the browser or with native iOS and Android apps — no pay-to-win.
Xterium as a colonization game
What colonization looks like here.
| Aspect | In Xterium | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Open galaxy of planets | Settle and expand freely |
| Colonies | Multiple planets per empire | Each grown and defended |
| Progression | Research + economy | Unlock farther colonization |
| Conflict | Fleets + alliance wars | Protect and contest worlds |
| Platforms | Browser + iOS + Android | Play anywhere, one account |
| Price | Free, no pay-to-win | Premium is convenience only |
If you want a game built around colonizing planets, Xterium puts colonization at the centre — free, persistent and mobile-ready.
How to colonize a planet — step by step
1. Build a colony ship
Construct a colony ship at your shipyard — it carries the founders to a new world.
2. Pick a free slot
Each position has its own temperature and size: temperature shifts energy and deuterium output, size sets how many building fields you get.
3. Send and found the colony
Fly the colony ship to the empty slot; on arrival a new colony appears under your empire.
4. Develop and expand
Build mines, energy and defense on the colony, then repeat — the number of colonies you can hold grows as you level up expansion research.
Starter guides
How to Found and Develop a Colony in Xterium — A Step-by-Step Guide
A Guide to Colonization in Xterium: what to use for colonization, how to choose a location and temperature, how many fields a planet provides, and what the planet limit is (up to 18). Numbers taken from the game's code.
OpenOrbits and Galaxies in Xterium — Coordinates and Colonization
A Guide to Coordinates and Colonization in Xterium: Galaxy, System, Orbit, Planetary Temperature and Fields, How to Choose a Colony, and Why Nearby Targets Are More Advantageous.
OpenWhere to Start as a Beginner in Xterium — First Steps
A Step-by-Step Guide for Xterium Newcomers: Mines, Energy, First Explorations, Base Defense, Expeditions, and Alliances. Covering game mechanics and community tips.
Open
