⚔️ Combat Tactics & Fleet Warfare
In Nova Horizon, fleet battles are calculated authoritatively on the game server when armadas engage or strike enemy outposts. Victory depends on understanding fleet synergy and targeting priorities.
⏱️ Battle Rounds
- Battles are simulated in turns called rounds (up to 30 rounds maximum).
- In each round, every operational squadron fires in order of priority.
- If neither fleet is wiped out after 30 rounds, victory is awarded to the Defender (the attacker retreats).
⚡ Speed & Initiative
Firing order within each round is determined by unit Speed:
- Fast interceptors and light scout drones fire first.
- Heavy dreadnoughts and siege bombers fire later, but pack catastrophic firepower.
🎯 Targeting Rules & Counter-Targets
- Counter-Targets (Pursuer Priority): Most ship classes have designated counter-targets against which they deal double (2x) damage. Units prioritize firing on their counter-target until that enemy wing is eliminated.
- Backline Protection (Support Units): Support crafts (such as repair drones) are shielded behind combat lines. Enemies cannot target support craft as long as at least one combat unit remains alive.
- The "Meatshield" Trap: Swarming hundreds of cheap units to soak damage is a deadly tactical mistake:
- Heavy weapons feature Splash Damage (area of effect).
- Excess damage (Overkill) rolls over into subsequent wings. A cheap swarm will vaporize in one volley, and the remaining overkill damage will instantly obliterate your expensive capital ships.
🛡️ Fleet Shields & Armor
- Shared Fleet Energy Shield: Shield generators pool into a single combined barrier for the whole armada.
- All incoming damage is first absorbed by this barrier.
- Ships do not suffer hull damage until the energy shield is fully depleted.
- Armor Mitigation: Once shields collapse, ship armor absorbs a percentage of direct hull damage.
- Critical Hits & Misses:
- Critical Hit (5% chance): Deals 2x damage.
- Miss (10% chance): Shot fails to hit the target.