Population

From Guide

Population is the most important thing in your colony; they produce resources, can be turned into units, and are used to make outposts. At the beginning and while still under protection, it is suggested that you conserve your population and don't build any outposts as your economy is too young and will die.

The table on the left shows you the number of workers, units, spies, and nukes your colony has. The food bar displays the amount of food required for your next colony growth.

Your colony growth value is calculated by the following formula: Growth Value = Population * Population / 100

Whenever your food level reaches the growth value, it resets to 0 and your colony gains 20 new workers. Units do not produce resources, therefore a colony with many units and little number of workers will grow very slowly.

The maximum amount of workers you can have is 500 plus 100 more for each outpost you own, maxing out at 1000. Once maximum population has been reached, you will stop getting any new workers until you either use some of them (e.g building outposts or new units) or when you get more room (e.g take over or build an outpost).