Capturing hexes — how to claim territory

After you discover a hex, you can capture it. Capture lets you build, expand your faction territory, and earn sector points.

What capture is

Capture is the transition of a hex under the control of your faction.

  • The hex becomes yours. After capture it joins your territory and is marked as belonging to the faction.
  • You can build. Buildings are only erected on captured hexes.
  • Sector points. Captured hexes help you compete for sector rating and the mayor title.
  • Border expansion. The denser your faction territory is, the easier it is to move forward.

How much capture costs

Capturing a hex is paid for with materia.

  • A neutral hex — 1 unit of materia.
  • Any other land — 3 units of materia.

The price depends on the land, not on what is located on the hex.

How to capture enemy territory

Often you will see a message about insufficient influence. This is because contested territory can only be captured from the edge. Usually several hexes of your faction must be adjacent to capture such a hex; the exact number depends on the land or object type.

This rule often applies to fire, ice, sand, grass, and forest grass lands. Neutral and some special lands can be captured without surrounding them.

Why capture may fail

  • Not enough materia. Check your balance before capturing.
  • The hex is too far away. Move closer or use a suitable outpost.
  • Not enough influence. There are not enough hexes of your faction nearby.
  • There is an obstacle on the hex. Sometimes you need to do another action first, such as a battle.

How to defend your territory from capture

To defend the borders of your territory, build towers on the borders — the cost of destroying them is high, and this holds the enemy back. Try to keep your border dense: the more adjacent hexes your faction has, the harder it is for an enemy to push farther.

Monthly shrink of the discovered map

Once a month the discovered map shrinks from the outer edges. Capture helps you hold important places and avoid turning your territory into a long thin line.

See also