Defenses Reference

Defenses are stationary combat structures that protect your planets from attacks. Unlike ships, defenses cannot move but have a 70% chance of being rebuilt for free after each battle. This reference covers all 8 defense structures plus missiles.

Basic Defenses

Basic defenses are cheap and effective in large numbers. They form the "wall" that absorbs enemy fire and protects your more valuable structures. Build hundreds of Rocket Launchers and Light Lasers as the foundation of every planet defense.

	Defense	Attack	Shield	Hull	Cost (Ti/Gr/Deut)
	Rocket Launcher	80	20	2,000	2,000/0/0
	Light Laser	100	25	2,000	1,500/500/0
	Heavy Laser	250	100	8,000	6,000/2,000/0

Advanced Defenses

Advanced defenses deal significantly more damage per unit but cost much more. Use them alongside basic defenses to add heavy firepower. A few Gauss Cannons and Plasma Turrets can deter mid-sized attacks.

	Defense	Attack	Shield	Hull	Cost (Ti/Gr/Deut)
	Gauss Cannon	1,100	200	35,000	20,000/15,000/2,000
	Ion Cannon	150	500	8,000	5,000/3,000/0
	Plasma Turret	3,000	300	100,000	50,000/50,000/30,000

Shield Domes

Shield Domes provide planet-wide shield protection. You can only build ONE of each type per planet. They are extremely cost-effective and should be the first defensive investment on every planet. They protect all other defenses by absorbing initial damage.

	Defense	Attack	Shield	Hull	Cost (Ti/Gr/Deut)
	Small Shield Dome	1	2,000	20,000	10,000/10,000/0
	Large Shield Dome	1	10,000	100,000	50,000/50,000/0

Missiles

Missiles are stored in the Missile Silo. Interceptors automatically defend against incoming Interplanetary Missiles (MIPs). MIPs can be launched at enemy planets to surgically destroy specific defense structures from a distance.

	Defense	guide/ref-defenses.th_description
	Interceptor Missile	Anti-ballistic missile that automatically intercepts incoming MIPs on a 1:1 ratio. One Interceptor destroys one incoming MIP before it reaches your defenses. Stock 10-20 per planet near hostile neighbors.
	Interplanetary Missile (MIP)	Offensive missile launched from your Missile Silo at enemy planets. Destroys defenses at the target based on your attack power. You choose the primary target defense type. Range depends on Impulse Drive level. Powerful for softening enemy defenses before an attack.

The 70% Rebuild Mechanic

After every battle, each destroyed defense has a 70% chance of being automatically repaired at no cost. This makes defenses extremely cost-effective over time. Attackers permanently lose ships, but your defenses keep coming back.

Optimal Defense Ratios