Defense Systems

Status: Partially Implemented - Ship shields and basic combat exist. Station defense and advanced PvP mechanics are planned features.

In Low-Sec and Null-Sec, defense isn't optional. Even in safer zones, having some protection can mean the difference between losing cargo and keeping it.

Defense Philosophy

ECON Galaxy's defense system follows realistic principles:

Deterrence > Destruction - Make attacking unprofitable
Layered defense - Multiple systems working together
Cost vs. Risk - Match defense spending to actual threat

You're not trying to be invincible. You're trying to make attacking you a bad idea.

Ship Defense

Shield Systems

Module	Capacity	Recharge	Best For
Light Shield	100	5/tick	Small ships, Low-Sec
Medium Shield	250	10/tick	Medium ships, regular threats
Heavy Shield	500	20/tick	Large ships, High-risk ops
Capital Shield	1000+	40/tick	Capital ships

Shields regenerate. If they break, damage goes to hull. Hull doesn't regenerate easily.

Armor Systems

Type	HP Bonus	Effect
Light Plating	+50	Minimal weight
Reinforced Hull	+150	Some weight penalty
Heavy Armor	+300	Significant speed reduction

Armor is backup when shields fail. Heavy armor makes you slow but hard to kill.

Weapons

Weapon	Damage	Range	Notes
Light Pulse	25	1km	Cheap, fast, low power
Medium Blaster	50	500m	Close range, high damage
Heavy Cannon	75	2km	Expensive, effective
Torpedo	100	3km	Slow, devastating

Trading ships often skip weapons entirely. Combat ships specialize.

Electronic Warfare

System	Effect
ECM	Disrupts enemy targeting
Sensor Booster	Detect threats earlier
Cloak	Avoid detection (rare, expensive)

Sometimes the best defense is not being found.

Station Defense

Passive Defenses

System	Function
Station Shields	Absorb damage
Armor Plating	Backup protection
Redundant Systems	Keep operating when damaged

Passive defenses buy time. They don't win fights alone.

Active Defenses

System	Target	Notes
Point Defense	Missiles, fighters	Automated, always on
Weapons Battery	Ships	Manual or AI-controlled
Fighter Bay	Attackers	Requires pilots/AI

Active defenses shoot back. More expensive, more effective.

Defense Platforms

Separate structures that defend an area:

Sentry Gun - Basic automated weapon
Missile Platform - Long-range, high damage
Fighter Base - Deploys combat drones

Platforms extend your defensive perimeter beyond the station.

Security Zones & Defense

High-Sec

ECON protects you
Attackers face severe penalties
Recommended: Minimal shields, no weapons
Risk: Very low

Mid-Sec

ECON responds, but slowly
Some piracy exists
Recommended: Medium shields, basic weapons or ECM
Risk: Moderate

Low-Sec

ECON presence minimal
Pirates actively hunt
Recommended: Full combat fit or fast escape fit
Risk: High

Null-Sec

No ECON presence
Player-controlled territory
Recommended: Maximum defense, travel in groups
Risk: Maximum

Defense Strategies

The Hauler Strategy

"Too fast to catch, too cheap to bother"

Fast ship with afterburners
Minimal cargo (don't be worth attacking)
ECM to break targeting
No weapons (save power for speed)

If you can't fight, don't. Just leave.

The Deterrence Strategy

"Attacking me will cost more than you'll gain"

Visible weapons
Good shields
Escort ships on valuable runs
Reputation for defending yourself

Pirates prefer easy targets. Don't be one.

The Turtle Strategy

"I can take anything you throw"

Heavy shields and armor
Point defense against small threats
Slow but nearly invincible
Used for high-value cargo

When the cargo is worth it, make the ship a fortress.

The Swarm Strategy

"Safety in numbers"

Multiple cheap ships
Spread cargo across fleet
Attack one, others escape
Pirates can't catch everything

Corporation fleets often use this - losing one ship of ten is acceptable.

Defense Economics

Cost vs. Risk Calculation

Expected Loss = Probability of Attack × Value at Risk

Defense Value = Expected Loss Avoided - Defense Cost

Example:

Running 100,000 credit cargo through Low-Sec
20% chance of attack, 80% loss rate if attacked
Expected loss: 0.2 × 0.8 × 100,000 = 16,000 credits

If defense costs less than 16,000 per trip, it's worth it.

Don't Over-Defend

Common mistake: spending more on defense than you could possibly lose.

A 500,000 credit defense fit on a ship carrying 50,000 in cargo makes no sense.

Insurance

Ships can be insured:

Pays out on ship loss
Doesn't cover cargo
Costs scale with ship value

Insurance + cheap ships + valuable cargo = the hauler's approach.

Threat Response

Attack Warning Signs

Unknown ships following you
Scanners being used on your cargo
Questions about your route/cargo
Ships positioning near jump points

During Attack

Assess: Can you fight? Can you run?
Decide fast: Every second matters
Execute: Commit to your choice
Call for help: If available

After Attack

Report to ECON (in appropriate zones)
Update route intelligence
Learn from the encounter
Adjust defenses if needed

Defense Tips

Know your zone - Defense needs vary dramatically
Don't advertise wealth - Flashy ships attract attention
Vary your routes - Predictable = vulnerable
Have an escape plan - Always know your out
Travel during busy hours - More witnesses = less piracy
Insurance is defense - Accept some losses