Anomalies in Xterium — How They Work and What to Download

Anomalies are permanent bonuses placed on planets and moons that boost the economy, defense, fleet, or production. A well-chosen set of anomalies can significantly speed up development, but you need to upgrade them wisely: at high levels, you can lose an anomaly. Below is an explanation of how they work and which ones to prioritize.

Where did this guide come from? The information on anomalies was compiled by experienced player Storm22073 (War of Alliances universe, alliance [MrC]) on the player wiki and this forum thread. These are player recommendations; for exact names, values, and a list of anomalies, see the encyclopedia.

How Anomalies Work

Each anomaly functions independently on the planet (or moon) where it is located. This is important: for example, “Ancient Technology” provides a science bonus only to the laboratory on its own planet—it does not boost laboratories on all planets at once. Therefore, anomalies are placed according to the specific role of each planet, rather than as a “one-size-fits-all” solution.

Anomalies are divided into planetary (special, mining, combat, and production) and lunar (also special, mining, combat, and production) types. A detailed list of effects can be found in the Anomalies section of the encyclopedia.

The planet and the moon are added together

The anomalies of the planet and its moon combine with one another. For example, two “tachyon storm” anomalies (one on the planet, one on the moon) together provide a 12% bonus to the planet’s defense against espionage. This unlocks “planet + moon” combinations for a single objective—defense, resource gathering, or combat.

Leveling Up with Star Ore—and the Risks

Anomalies can be upgraded using Star Ore (SO). The key rule is:

• Up to 4 stars (100 ZR), the anomaly improves without any risk.
• Above that, you can lose the anomaly: if you fail, it drops to level 0.

So level up wisely: up to 4 stars—go for it; beyond that—only do so deliberately, knowing that you could lose the ore you’ve invested.

What to Download First

Experienced players recommend investing starlore ore primarily in two anomalies:

1. Ancient technology provides a significant bonus to science, which means less dark matter (DM) is required for research.
2. Quantum gravity—provides a bonus to DM production: more dark matter means more possibilities.

Both approaches are geared toward the "long-term" economy: research costs less, and there are more resources available for everything else.

Optimal Configurations

Homeworld. The goal is to build and develop quickly: rapid construction of a fleet and defenses (lower TM cost per batch), protection against espionage, plenty of energy from the thermonuclear power plant, and more fields via the terraformer, plus research (the homeworld usually has a high-level laboratory).

The other planets are role-specific. If you’re a miner, choose anomalies that boost ore extraction and power plant output. If you’re frequently under attack, prioritize attack, armor, and shields. Choose what best suits your playstyle.

Moon. It is calculated using the same logic and added to the planet's value—use this to enhance your chosen target.

In Brief

• Anomalies are permanent bonuses that apply individually to their respective planet or moon.
• The planet and the moon align—work together toward a common goal.
• Up to 4 stars (100 ZR) — no risk; above that — you could lose up to 0.
• The priorities are Ancient Technology (science) and Quantum Gravity (TM).
• The main planet focuses on speed and science; the others are assigned specific roles (resource gathering or combat).

Next, learn how to develop your economy and how bonuses work so you can get the most out of anomalies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Up to what level can you increase the anomaly without risk? Up to 4 stars (100 star ore), the anomaly improves safely. Above that, if you fail, the anomaly can drop to level 0, so proceed with caution when leveling it further.

Does the anomaly from that planet boost all my planets? No. Each anomaly functions independently on the planet or moon where it is located. For example, “Ancient Technology” provides a science bonus only to the laboratories on its own planet.

Which anomalies should you download first? Experienced players recommend investing star ore primarily in “Ancient Technology” (science bonus) and “Quantum Gravity” (dark matter production bonus).

Do the anomalies of the planet and the moon add up? Yes. The anomalies of the planet and its moons add up—for example, two “tachyon storms” together provide a 12% bonus to espionage defense.