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The Moon is a separate object near the planet where special buildings are constructed. It’s not easy to get it: your chances are limited, and you’ll need to fight a major battle. Let’s break down, step by step, how to actually obtain the Moon. The numbers are taken from the game’s code.
Where did this guide come from? The shard rates and the moon chance formula are taken directly from the game’s code. The tactics are based on the community’s experience (wiki, forum). Detailed mechanics can be found in the article “Shards and Moon Chance”.
Step 1. Understand where the moon comes from
A moon forms from a field of debris immediately after a battle above the planet. The more debris there is, the higher the chance. From the code:
- Only a destroyed fleet yields scrap (50% of its value); defending scrap yields nothing;
- Chance of getting the Moon = 1% for every 1,000 units of debris, capped at 20%;
- So, for a maximum chance of 20%, you need a field of about 20,000 fragments (metal + crystal).
The chance check is a one-time roll, made immediately after the battle. If you fail, you won't get the moon, no matter how many fragments are left.
Step 2. Organize a large-scale battle
Since debris is only generated by the fleet, we need a battle with heavy ship losses—whether our own or the enemy’s. Options:
- attack a target with a strong fleet or defense, resulting in heavy fleet losses;
- Reach an agreement within the alliance and bring the fleets together for one big battle (but this is costly—the fleet actually gets destroyed).
20,000 pieces of debris—that’s tens of thousands of units of metal and crystal lost from the ships. The Moon is never “free.”
Step 3. Calculate the odds in advance
Before the battle, estimate how much scrap will be generated (roughly half the value of the ships that will be destroyed), and convert that into a probability:
| Debris in the field | The Moon's Chance |
|---|---|
| 5,000 | 5% |
| 10,000 | 10% |
| 15,000 | 15% |
| 20,000 or more | 20% (maximum) |
Even at best, that's only a 1 in 5 chance—be prepared to try again.
Step 4. Don't give the moon (and its debris) to the enemy
The same mechanic works against you: if you lose a large fleet in enemy airspace, the enemy gets both the debris field and a chance to capture your target’s moon. Therefore, approach large-scale battles with caution and save your fleet when you’re not fighting.
Why Do We Need the Moon?
Special structures are being built on the moon—for long-range reconnaissance and fleet teleportation. Because of the 20% chance bonus, the moon is highly valued, and major battles are fought specifically for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum chance of getting a moon in Xterium? 20%. This is achieved when there are approximately 20,000 fragments; the probability does not increase beyond that.
Does the defense give us a chance to reach the moon? No. Only a destroyed fleet drops wreckage (50% of its value). Wreckage does not provide any defense.
Is there a guaranteed way to get the moon? No, just a chance (at most 20%). It's a one-time check after the battle—you often have to repeat major battles.
