Independent colonies

[nukkxx5058]

Let's imagine that I create a game with a huge galaxy and, say, only 3 empires in it but that I would allow independent colonies to emerge. Would it be then possible that one or several of these independent Empires to develop and become credible challengers ?

[cookie monster]

There is an option to allow independant colonies to become empires.

I think I play with it on but have never noticed anything happening.

[Gelatinous Cube]

Yes indeed. Especially if they have space and room to grow. Give it a try--two or three small empires and a 1400 Star Huge Galaxy full of Independants. About twenty years later, there'll be a few empires. But they'll never get as strong as the actual Empires, unless they win a war or two.

[martok]

I nearly always disable the option for independents to become empires.  They almost never amount to anything. 
 
 

[sbach2o]

I have to agree with martok. In previous game versions, independents were often quick to grow into empires, but without the battery of mining stations and a few ships they lag a long way behind. It'll take ages for them to even reach the point at which you have been starting.

A recent patch changed it so independents start with less population and grow more slowly. This means they'll have less chance to grow into empires and take longer doing so, not that this is a bad thing. You'll need to explore and expand extremely inefficiently to give an indy enough time to matter.

[Astax]

Do the new empires only arise once an old one is eliminated? Or can there be more than 20 empires in the game?

[2ndACR]

There can be more than the number set. I have seen a couple human or bugs become empires worthy of mention. Especially the bugs, since they populate so fast.