Editing Low Rations

{{Choice
| name      = Low Rations
| category  = Choice
| lock      = 1 day
| exclusive = [[Normal Rations]], [[Lavish Rations]]
| effects   = <table class="rb-ib-subtable"><tr><th>Effect</th><th>Value</th></tr><tr><td>{{Icon|Food}} consumption</td><td class="rb-ib-buff">×0.8</td></tr><tr><td>[[Happiness]]</td><td class="rb-ib-nerf">-20%</td></tr></table>
}}
'''Low Rations''' is a [[Choices|choice]] that reduces {{Icon|Food}} consumption by 20% at the cost of -20% happiness. It is one of three mutually exclusive ration policies, alongside [[Normal Rations]] and [[Lavish Rations]].

== Effects ==
{| class="wikitable"
! Effect !! Value !! Description
|-
| {{Icon|Food}} consumption || ×0.8 || Reduces food consumption by 20%
|-
| [[Happiness]] || -20% || Reduces settlement happiness by 20%
|}
Low Rations decreases the amount of {{Icon|Food}} consumed by all housing buildings by 20%. The trade-off is a -20% happiness penalty, reflecting the population's dissatisfaction with reduced food portions.

== Details ==
Low Rations has no resource cost to enact and has a '''1-day lock''' period. It is mutually exclusive with [[Normal Rations]] and [[Lavish Rations]]. Only one ration policy can be active at any time. [[Normal Rations]] is the default ration policy for all settlements.

== Strategy ==
Low Rations is an emergency measure for settlements experiencing {{Icon|Food}} shortages. The 20% reduction in food consumption can be the difference between a stable food supply and a [[Food Shortage]] event, which carries a devastating -50% happiness penalty.

The -20% happiness penalty is significant but manageable compared to the alternatives. A Food Shortage is far worse (-50% happiness), so enabling Low Rations before food runs out is usually the better option. Players can offset the happiness penalty with choices like [[Worker Safety]] (+10%) or by joining a [[Science League]] (+10%).

Low Rations pairs poorly with other happiness-reducing choices. Combining it with [[Taxation]] (-30%) or [[Cramped Quarters]] (-30%) creates a steep combined happiness drop that may trigger [[Strike|strikes]]. Use Low Rations as a temporary measure while expanding food production, then switch back to [[Normal Rations]] once supply is stable.

== Changelog ==
{{Changelog}}

== See also ==
* [[Normal Rations]]
* [[Lavish Rations]]
* [[Choices]]
* [[Food]]
* [[Happiness]]

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[[Category:Choices]]