My bud and I started a new map. Large galaxy, random type, occasional everything except I think habitable planets were uncommon. It looks like it was a cluster map as there were large gaps through the middle and a few other spots. We both spawned on the lower half and found almost nothing worth much to colonize. I had 7 including 2 4 stars, he had something like 8 with 1/2 below 10. This was about one habitable planet per 5ish stars we explored.

I teched up and got across the rift to the north. I created special explorers using cargo hulls, lots of range mods and fairly fast engines as well as many sensors.

I was able to scout a lot of the Altarian's area ae the Terrans apparently blew up most of their fleets and starports. With a starbase, I was able to take out ports the Terrans couldn't reach. I was able to out run and dodge any remaining ai ships because of my range and speed.

What I found was their area of space had a habitable planet on almost every star! Both Terran AND Altarian had many planets, most size 10 or higher! Several were double planet systems with many of over 10 each! All in a much smaller area than my bid and I explored.

Perhaps it was just a fluke, but I was bitching over teamspeak every time I went to a new star and there was yet another colonized nice planet. It was probably 75% stars with habitable planets vs our 20%.

So my question is, does the AI get a bonus or able to ignore the rules of the galaxy in their area? Is there something that says there will be this many habitable planets in each cluster?

Whatever the answer, I am building up my military tech. Time to take advantage of the Altarian weakness while the Terrans are messing with them!