In Stellaris, an ecumenopolis is a type of planet that has been entirely transformed into a vast cityscape, covering its entire surface with urban development. Ecumenopolises are one of the most advanced and populous types of planets in the game, representing the pinnacle of a civilization’s technological and industrial achievements.
Key Features of Ecumenopolises
- Urban Development: Ecumenopolises are covered in city districts, representing massive urban areas where billions or even trillions of beings live and work. These districts provide a significant amount of housing and jobs for the population.
- Population Density: Due to their highly concentrated urban development, ecumenopolises can support an enormous population. They are ideal for civilizations with large populations or those facing overpopulation issues on their other planets.
- Resource Output: Ecumenopolises have unique buildings like alloy foundries, civilian industries, and research complexes that can significantly boost your empire’s production of alloys, consumer goods, and research points. This makes them valuable for resource-intensive empires.
- Limited Districts: Ecumenopolises have a limited number of districts, so players must manage their space wisely. Balancing city districts with resource-producing districts is essential for optimizing the planet’s output.
- Ecumenopolis Origin: In the game, players can start with an Ecumenopolis as their homeworld if they select the “Shattered Ring” origin. This origin starts the player with a partially destroyed ecumenopolis ringworld, providing a unique and challenging starting point.
- Ecological Impact: Transforming a planet into an ecumenopolis represents a significant ecological impact, often depicted in the game’s events and flavor texts. It symbolizes the transformation of natural habitats into sprawling urban areas.
How to Create an Ecumenopolis in Stellaris
Creating an ecumenopolis involves a multi-step process:
- Acquire the Ecumenopolis Planet: You can find planets suitable for transformation into ecumenopolises through various means, such as terraforming or special events. Certain planets, like tomb worlds or devastated worlds, can also be turned into ecumenopolises.
- Research the Ecumenopolis Technology: To convert a planet into an ecumenopolis, you need to research the appropriate technology. This technology unlocks the planetary decision to convert the planet into an ecumenopolis.
- Decision to Convert: Once the technology is researched, you can make the decision to transform the planet into an ecumenopolis. This decision consumes resources and takes time to complete, reflecting the massive undertaking of urbanizing an entire world.
Ecumenopolises offer unique gameplay opportunities and challenges, making them a sought-after goal for many players aiming to maximize their empire’s potential in Stellaris.