The galaxy is not empty. Scattered across uncharted star systems, dangerous creatures and outlaw factions have claimed territory. These space hazards must be cleared before you can settle new worlds.
Space Monsters
Enormous alien organisms inhabit certain star systems. From drifting Void Amoebas to fearsome Space Dragons, these creatures will attack any fleet that enters their territory. Defeating them earns a credit bounty and bonus experience for your surviving ships.
- Void Amoeba Swarm: Slow but resilient organisms. Low threat.
- Crystal Swarm: Fast crystalline shards that overwhelm with numbers. Low threat.
- Shadow Lurker Pack: Phase-shifting predators that hunt in packs. Medium threat.
- Space Dragon Lair: A powerful draconic predator with plasma breath. Medium threat.
- Stellar Phoenix Nest: Blazing avian entities born from stellar flares. High threat.
- Void Kraken Den: A colossal tentacled horror. High threat.
Space Pirates
Outlaw factions have established hidden bases throughout the galaxy. Pirate enclaves range from small outposts with a few raider ships to heavily fortified strongholds. Destroying a pirate base yields valuable plunder: credits and a chance to recover technology fragments that accelerate your research.
- Pirate Outpost: A small hideout with light escort. Low threat, modest loot.
- Pirate Enclave: A fortified station with combat escorts. Medium threat, good loot.
- Pirate Fortress: A major stronghold with a sizable fleet. High threat, rich loot.
Colonization Blocking
You cannot colonize any planet in a star system that contains hostile forces. This includes space monsters, pirates, and enemy faction fleets. Clear all threats from the system before attempting to settle.
Combat Tips
- Check the threat level and power rating before engaging.
- Low-threat hazards near your homeworld can be cleared with a few frigates.
- Higher-tier hazards deep in the galaxy require destroyers, cruisers, or larger fleets.
- Pirate bases often yield enough credits to fund further expansion.
- Surviving ships earn bonus XP from hazard combat.