Every colonized star system automatically deploys orbital defense platforms. These platforms fight alongside any stationed fleets when hostile forces enter the system. The number of platforms scales with your faction's technological advancement.
Baseline Defense
Your faction's average tech tier determines how many defense platforms each system receives. The average is computed across all researched technologies. Every system gets at least 1 platform.
- Average tech tier 1: 1 defense platform per system.
- Average tech tier 2: 2 defense platforms per system.
- Average tech tier 3: 3 defense platforms per system.
- Each platform uses your best available weapons, armor, and shields.
Defense Buildings
Defensive buildings add additional firepower on top of your baseline platforms.
- Barracks (+3 defense) - Basic garrison with minor orbital support.
- Missile Battery (+12 defense) - Surface-to-orbit launchers.
- Fighter Base (+8 defense) - Atmospheric interceptors engage orbital threats.
- Command Bunker (+5 defense) - Hardened fortifications with targeting systems.
- Planetary Shield (+15 defense, +30% bombardment resist) - Energy shield barrier.
- Orbital Cannon (+20 defense) - Heavy orbital weapons platform.
- Starbase (+25 defense) - Orbital station with heavy firepower.
- Defense Grid (+30 defense, +50% bombardment resist) - Integrated defense network.
After Combat
Winning a battle preserves your system defenses — platforms remain active. If building-based defenses take heavy damage, they may need time to repair before contributing again. Baseline platforms are always available.
Fortifications
The Fortify command orders your fleet to dig in and prepare for assault. Fortification builds over time: +2% defense per turn, up to a maximum of +10% after 5 turns. A fully fortified fleet has a meaningful advantage over attackers, but it takes time to prepare. Moving a fortified fleet resets the bonus.