So ... Dyson Spheres

[nathelbiya]

Aren't a lot of people here missing the point, that a Dyson Sphere might be the only thing you can actually build in some systems?
Arguing about how a mining station is more efficient is all nice, but for the 400 energy that would be about 100 average star systems to fill with mining stations. So often the choice seems to be "Do I just waste this mineral surplus and leave some star systems unused or do I spend the minerals on a Dyson Sphere and generate 400 energy with that otherwise useless star?"

Of course, being able to build just one structure at a time is not so nice as you will still not be able to use all systems.

 

[Vahouth]

Not only that but if you have the technology to create dyson structures, ringworlds and spaceborn habitats, being able make a barren/frozen world in a living place is nothing.

I don't see why by that time, a completely artificial species wouldn't be able to colonize barren/frozen worlds.

 

[WiseGreen]

How early are people managing to unlock Dyson Spheres? With current numbers, depending on how you value energy compared to minerals, it might take from ~43 years (1E=1M) to ~88 (2E=1M) for a Sphere to pay for itself and start generating profit, after it's completed. From a pure cost/benefit perspective, you shouldn't be pursuing one unless you see the game lasting for ~150 years, at least, from the moment the tech pops up; if not, Trader Enclaves will probably be more efficient if there's one nearby.

 

[DreadLindwyrm]

How early are people managing to unlock Dyson Spheres? With current numbers, depending on how you value energy compared to minerals, it might take from ~43 years (1E=1M) to ~88 (2E=1M) for a Sphere to pay for itself and start generating profit, after it's completed. From a pure cost/benefit perspective, you shouldn't be pursuing one unless you see the game lasting for ~150 years, at least, from the moment the tech pops up; if not, Trader Enclaves will probably be more efficient if there's one nearby.

...or you're doing it for fun when you've got the other races essentially locked down.

 

[WiseGreen]

...or you're doing it for fun when you've got the other races essentially locked down.

Oh yeah, I'm arguing only about efficiency here, not coolness/roleplaying. I'm definitely building at least one sphere this weekend somehow, even if it's the last thing I do in said game : )

 

[DreadLindwyrm]

Oh yeah, I'm arguing only about efficiency here, not coolness/roleplaying. I'm definitely building at least one sphere this weekend somehow, even if it's the last thing I do in said game : )

It's on my list with my "finished" hive mind game.
I did a 1 other species start, just to get the hang of the patch... and I've got the 40% of planets thing easily.
Just need to see what achievements I can get out of it before I move on.

 

[Haltin]

Yes, you just successfully provided another argument to the already decided discussion about Merchant Enclaves being a completely broken system, because they, in theory, allow you to establish an empire not producing any energy at all.

How is that broken? Many countries import fuel or electricity today. It might be unwise, but it's certainly doable.