Hiya folks. I was wondering if there is a guide or manual anywhere that has a comprehensive breakdown of game mechanics, and if so could you link me to it please. 

For example im struggling to find good information on influence and zones of control. I know that sphere of influence increases as my influence increases, but read somewhere recently that population plays a part too. Ive also noticed that as I launch succesful ground invasions against an enemy there sphere of influence seems to gradually shrink. 

Id be intersted to know what the relationship is between pop and influence. 

Whilst the tool tips are fantastic and provide most of the info you need. Every now and then I find myself wishing I had sonething more substantial to read. 

Thanks for helping 

David. 

I learned the game by watching Let's Plays on YouTube I recommend 4X Alchemist - just search them up! They do Turn 1-30 guides for every race - some are a little outdated but I think its still relelvant for the most part and I just checked it out - they're updating some of them now (aww yeah!). While it might be an "expert" guide so I usually have my game open while I watch them to follow along their strategy turn by turn (lots of micromanaging xD), but the plus side is that you'll also learn more about the mechanics of the game that you probably didn't know about as well as race specific mechanics and strategies.

Hahaha. So I take it there is no such resource then? 

Thanks for the answers guys. I do watch some of those channels already and will check out the ones I was unaware of. 

Some info isnt readily available in these vids though. Like for example what are the bonuses for the Game Play and Visual affinity's 

This info must exist somewhere surely? 

Hello ellerby! in case you are finding difficulties whit the game mechanics, you could add me on steam and maybe i could help you whit teaching some of them if you want :) 

My steam name is the same as my G2G name! hope it helps :D

While video guides and third party resources exist, I can confirm that distinct changes have happened since many of those videos have been posted; this can lead to a lot of frustration when trying to figure the game out and the game is in no hurry to clarify things beyond the wordy (and in several cases, outdated and incorrect) tooltips.

So as far as anyone is aware there is no way to tell what the faction specific bonuses are for certain techs?