Auto Attacking is a standing order for your fleet. In the fleet navigation menu you can configure your fleet to automatically attack others based on diplomacy, empire or faction. If your fleet is on a mission, it will suspend this mission and engage the enemy. These commands can also be used to guard worlds, colonies, or a system entrance.

The scanner level of your fleet determines its response range, though it is generally small. It may only feasible to enact some orders at choke points, i.e. in orbit or at a system entrance.

Keep in mind that a standing attack order may drag you into a conflict you did not intend to participate in. Supporting and defending neutrals is especially risky.

See also: Orders