Rather a dumb question I guess, but - what's the point of non-inhabitable planets?

Eye candy!

This is one special event that will make inhabitable planets habitable. I, personally, have never seen it.

just wonder if they're there only to take up space?

Mostly. They will sometimes become habitable. Minor races will spawn from time to time, and use one, as will the Dread Lords when/if they appear. There is at least one event that causes one to become usable to the player or one of the other major races. (voted on in the UP)

My last game had a really kewl twist. ALL of the non-inhabitable planets within 2 SECTORS of one system became size 14 inhabitable planets!!!! It was rather late in the game, so I managed to colonize all of them, but none were able to develop because I was too close to winning. Think what would have happened had it been early on in the game!

So the non-inhabitables are (1) eye candy, (2) voted on by the UP to be used when they become habitable, (3) taken over by minor race, (4) taken over by a Dark Lord, and (5) able to become fantastic planets due to some rare quirk of radiation.

One of the really nice things about that event (all PQ0 planets within 2 sectors) is that, while they may not have time to develop fully, they sure can add to your influence in a particular area. If it happens far enough away, and if you can snag enough of them, it makes an influence victory much easier.

I had that happen once, there is an added advantage if it happens earlier in the game, assuming its in relatively neutral territory, you get a total galactic war going over these new places to colonize. Its a real game-intensifier.

To anouy you!

"(4) taken over by a Dark Lord"

Actually it's The Dread Lords.

Why? Because not every planet is habitable.

Whoops, double post, sorry about that!

The 2 sector event has been commented on by Frogboy in other posts. It is intentionally placed near a race that appears to be behind others as a potential game equalizer.

Based on the number of posts I have seen on it over time, I think it only occurs fairly far into the game as well.

So.... if im playing a game and im getting my ass kicked and well, want some more planets... i just have to make myself the worst in the galaxy and really far behind, look like a noob and stockpile transports (confusing the AI coz i should be building warships) and I have the posobility of getting a shitload more planets right next to me? SWEET!!!

i just have to make myself the worst in the galaxy and really far behind

The AI's have a habit of declaring war on you, if you appear to be an easy target.

I know, its good fun! Make your millitary weak but leave yourself with huge cash reserves and a masive industry untill they decide that your an easy target and well, let the fun begin

That's downright evil. Brilliant!   

i just have to make myself the worst in the galaxy and really far behind, look like a noob and stockpile transports

Somehow this doesn't sound like a winning strategy...

I like it!