Juckto/IGH/The point of the game

The objective of the game is simple: destroy all enemy tech bases.

Both teams start in a single sector with the map unexplored. The first stage of the game is a land-grab, with both teams scouting the map and then sending out constructors to build bases. Once the map is divided up both teams send miners out to harvest helium (which is converted into credits), which they then invest in new technology, ship types, or more constructors. Eventually you have the neccesary tools to defeat your enemy, and you begin destroying or capturing his bases.

At any and all stages of the game players will launch attacks on each other to destroy their constructors before they can build, kill miners before they mine, shoot down enemy scouts before they explore, or destroy enemy bases to claim the sector for yourself. The overriding objective is to hamper your opponent's ability to get better technology, while protecting your own assets so you can afford tech yourself.

Each team is led by a veteran pilot who is known as the team's Commander. The commander receives all the money generated by miners and is in charge of buying bases and technology, as well as coordinating the team around specific objectives. Most small-class ships are free and you can fly them as much as you like, but some of the more mission-critical ones are not. To pilot these ships, you must request money from the commander and he may deny that request if, for example, he is saving to buy something else, wants a more skilled player to fly it, or doesn't believe that ship will be effective at this stage of the game.

As a new player you should stick to flying free ships for the first few weeks.