Combat is the violent conflict between fleets. Often times a colony is also involved.

Combat is initiated when a fleet is given a mission to assault or conquer. When the fleet reaches its destination combat will begin.

If a fleet is given standing orders to attack enemy fleets, it will automatically initiate combat with any enemy fleets that it encounters.

When they are in combat, the names of all fleets and colonies that are currently in combat will turn red. Also, your fleet command will send you a link to the battle log in your starlog. The log will be updated over time as combat progresses, showing what fleets are doing and which ships have been destroyed.


Different ship classes will try to find targets most suitable for their capabilities. How well they can do that depends on the effectiveness of the flagship. In general, fighters will try to find small and fast targets, i.e. other small vessels, whereas bombers and capital ships with direct firepower will aim for the largest threats first. Due to space constraints, the number of vessels than can target a single other, is limited depending on the target's size.

Batteries return fire opportunistically at attackers.

See also: Forward Gun Cluster, Cannon, Single Barrel, Battery, Armor Plating, Shield Generator