Before the first move
- Open the Flagship upgrade and perk screens; the developer says at least damage and XP improve from the starting choices.
- Use Quick Battle to inspect ship stats and hover actions before risking a campaign fleet.
- Read the chosen node’s mission, reward and modifier together—none is a complete risk estimate alone.
First-map priorities
- Use the Flagship’s early strength to displace smaller threats.
- Keep the Transport available to capture cities instead of exposing it in the first exchange.
- Capture productive cities early, but keep a clear route toward the yellow exit zone.
- Move valuable ships into the exit before the clock expires.
Know what failure means
- A failed optional objective is not automatically a lost campaign.
- A sunk ship is permanently gone from the persistent fleet.
- Losing the Flagship ends the run; preserving it overrides extra income or XP.
Evidence boundary
Exact starting resources and optimal perk choices can change with balance patches. This guide does not invent a universal opening build.