Trade Routes are a powerful economic tool that can provide significant Energy, Food, Production, or Science. Don't underestimate their value. Build Trade Depots in your cities and construct Trade Convoys or Cargo Ships. Prioritize sending trade routes to cities that offer the resources you need most. For example, if your capital is low on Food, send a trade route to a city with high Food output. Trade routes with other Sponsors also generate diplomatic points, improving relations. Consider building multiple Trade Depots in your high-production cities to maximize your trade output. The Polystralia Sponsor, with their +1 Production from Trade Routes, can particularly exploit this mechanic. Protect your trade routes from alien attacks or rival Sponsor raids, as their disruption can be costly.
