How Do I Enslave Enemy/Hostile Empires?

[Xenomnipotent]

Hello! Sorry if this question is really noobish. I just started playing as a Militaristic Xenophobe and was wondering how to enslave other empires. I'm aware that I can demand vassalization and if they refuse I can claim subjectation casus belli, but to even demand vassaliztion that I need to be liked by that empire. Is there something I am overlooking?

EDIT: I'm a massive idiot that didn't realise that just because the "Demand Vassalage" had a red X next to it didn't mean I couldn't select it.

[Auton_Baz]

You can only demand vassalage from inferior/pathetic empires.

[Xenomnipotent]

Originally posted by Auton_Baz:

You can only demand vassalage from inferior/pathetic empires.

I’m aware of that, yet when I open communications and try to vassal an inferior empire there is a red “X” next to the button.

[Auton_Baz]

There was an update last week with some diplomacy changes, so they probably put an opinion lock on the demand. If thats the case, just send them an envoy with the 'positive relation' option and you should be able to ask them.

[Xenomnipotent]

That’s pretty lame if there is no way to be a tyrannical slaver, oh well

[Kardo]

All you need to do is capture their planets, and their population will become enslaved.

[Bazmodin]

If you only care about enslaving pops, there is the Barbaric Despoliers civic. They get a raiding orbital bombardment stance that captures pops.

[Cryten]

Conquer territory with aliens in it and set their default rights to enslavement.

You conquer by issueing claims against their space and fighting for it. Make sure any planets you claim are occupied by troops or during the war it wont count as conquered.

[Big [REDACTED] Marty]

the x means they wont accept your rule, once they refuse your demand you can then declare war on them to subjugate them, the option would be green if they were willing to accept your rule outright

[Captain Conundrum]

Admiral Dugaul is right. You can absolutely be a tyrannical slaver by doing it that way.

There are other options too. Barbaric Despoilers civic or Nihilistic Acquisition ascension perk let you kidnap pops from orbit. You can also buy slaves directly from other empires on the market once that is established.

One of my favorite things to do is kidnap slaves and turn them into livestock. Feed your people by farming your neighbors!

[Knight.R]

you could just eat them.

[TwoTonTuna]

Originally posted by Xenomnipotent:

Originally posted by Auton_Baz:

You can only demand vassalage from inferior/pathetic empires.

I’m aware of that, yet when I open communications and try to vassal an inferior empire there is a red “X” next to the button.

Mouse over the button until you get a tooltip. It will tell you why you can't vassalize your target or why the target rejects your demand for vassalization.