StarShip Orders

You can command a StarShip by clicking on it, or by dragging the mouse to select a group of StarShips on the map.  Once a StarShip is selected, click a destination space on the map to order the StarShip to Move to that location.  If you want to target an enemy StarShip or StarSystem, simply click on the target.

After you click a StarShip as described above, this puts you in "command mode", and the next click will issue an order for the selected StarShip(s).  If, however, you want to select a different object on the map without issuing an order, click the "Exit Command Mode" button (or press the Escape key) first.

Attacking Adjacent

If your StarShip is capable of attacking enemy StarShips, you will see a check-box allowing you to set the StarShip's "attack adjacent" mode.  If turned on, the StarShip will automatically attack adjacent enemy StarShips when they are next to it.  Skilled use of this command during game play can make the difference between winning and losing.

WarShips, DoppleShips, and Drones have this option turned on by default when they are built.  HijackShips default this option to off.  EMines always detonate when enemies are adjacent so the option does not apply.  And BeamShips require manual targeting, so the option does not apply to them either.

Special Orders

There are other special orders that some or all StarShip types can execute, available as buttons in the StarShip command interface.  Click a button, or press the shortcut key to execute these orders.

Escort

The Escort order is available to all StarShips.  It allows your StarShip to maintain a relative distance to any target StarShip.  As the target StarShip moves, any StarShips escorting will attempt to maintain their formation.

Patrol

The Patrol order is also available to all StarShips.  When you issue the Patrol command, you define a Patrol route by clicking a number of points on the map.  After your desired route is completed, click the "Complete Order" button, or press the enter key.

Additionally, you can click the first point in the Patrol route to complete the Patrol order.  Ending a Patrol order in this way creates a Patrol route that moves the StarShip in a continuous circuit (a "closed" Patrol), instead of a back and forth route (an "open" Patrol).

Defend

Any StarShip capable of attacking enemy StarShips can be ordered to Defend.  You can order your StarShips to defend another StarShip, a StarSystem, or any point on the map.  The StarShips will move close to the object or location they are guarding.  They will move to attack any enemy StarShips that come within range.

Release Order

The Release order will appear if you have a Tug that is tugging a StarShip, or a GravShip that is dragging a StarSystem.  Executing this order causes the StarShip to release the object it is tugging/dragging.

Create Gate

If you have a JumpGateShip on the map, issue this order to have the JumpGateShip create a JumpGate at its current location.  The order will not be available if you already created a JumpGate from the StarSystem where the JumpGateShip was built.