Every commander chooses a race when they create a character. Each race gives one permanent ability. Six races are open to every new player; the other eleven unlock through play.
Aerlen30% extra ship defense
Inergon10% extra max energy
Konqul20% extra ship attack
Sillixx10% extra ship size
Human10% bonus to experience gains
Vygoid20% bonus to research
Zolazin40% bonus to cloaking
Drannik40% extra ship attack against non-player enemies
Lazuli50% bonus to hull strength
GenetarrMind Influence (lowers non-player enemy attack)
TaltherianUrbanize (increases planetary artifact production)
MylaraiEnrich (increases planetary mining production)
KronynErudition (increases planetary research production)
Xecti40% bonus to ship attack and defense while being attacked, and 40% bonus to all attack and defense on your planet colonies
LitheorDeep-Phase Probe (builds a special structure on one of your planets)
UldrinanUldrinan Quota (provides special currency for items)
BahreenLuminate (transforms common planets)Your race pairs with a profession, which adds a second permanent bonus. The player wiki keeps a longer races article with unlock details.