Genesis Ark -explain?

[Ulthar]

The system says I cannot build a colony ship, and only a genesis ark.

However, when I sent one with my primary species to a new planet, I was able to colonize it.
Is that intentional?

What am I missing? it functions just like a colony ship?

[PlutonArioch]

It replaces your colony ship, with a special colony ship, so yes it functions as one, but it does other stuff as well, that a normal colony ship does not do.
The genesis ark as far as I know also spawns some presapients, in addition to your colonists. I have not played with it yet though, so I am not sure.

[Carog the Fat]

yes you get presapients and a genesis preserve. The colony gives a boost to culture and influence when created and a further boost when uplifted, plus the preserve turns into a monument that gives bonuses to culture. Genesis start is very strong culture growth at the expense of alloys and research.

[CrUsHeR]

Biggest problem, especially for some origins like Void Dwellers -

The preserve planetary feature actually reduces the max districts by 1.

[arronax06]

Originally posted by CrUsHeR:

Biggest problem, especially for some origins like Void Dwellers -

The preserve planetary feature actually reduces the max districts by 1.

Unless it changed recently, it even reduces it by 2, and at least it won't happen on new habitats, so you'll only have to deal with that on your capital if you're void dweller :) . But you get those districts back after uplifting that species :)