How to Farm Expeditions in Xterium — Database and Hostail

Expeditions are the main safe source of resources, dark matter, and arsenal parts. In player slang, they’re called “BD” (Endless Dales), and the enemies inside are known as “Hostile.” Below is a step-by-step guide to farming the Expedition: where to start, how to level up, and how to keep your fleet safe.

Where did this guide come from? These expedition tips were compiled by the Xterium War of Alliances player community (player wiki, forum thread, authors: Storm22073, Shatayev, Kara, and others). The numbers have been verified against the game code; detailed tables of strength progression and rewards can be found on the sector pages in the encyclopedia.

Step 1. Open "Endless Distances"

Expeditions unlock as you level up. Check out the [Expedition] section at](/knowledge/encyclopedia/expedition)—it explains how expeditions work and what you need to get started. In player slang, an expedition is called a “BD,” expeditions are called “caravans,” and groups within an expedition are called “camels” (see glossary).

Step 2. Start with Ruins—the easiest sector

"Hostail" consists of four sectors arranged in order of increasing difficulty. New players should start with Ruins—this is the weakest enemy, and it’s safest to gather resources and experience there. Don’t rush into the tougher sectors right away—you’ll lose your fleet.

Step 3. Grow step by step—from 1 to 50

Each sector has checkpoints numbered 1 through 50: the further along the checkpoint is, the stronger the enemy and the greater the reward. Progress gradually; don’t skip several checkpoints at once. To see how much strength is required for each point and what drops there, check the progression tables on the sector page ([](/knowledge/encyclopedia/expedition/ruins) Ruins).

Step 4. Move on to the Barbarians, Pirates, and Ravagers

Once the Ruins become easy, unlock the following sectors in order of strength: Barbarians → Pirates → Devastators. The Devastators (“Ops”) are the strongest sector and offer the most valuable rewards. Each new sector requires significantly more fleet strength than the previous one.

Step 5. Collect parts and cores for your arsenal

Hostail’s main value lies in the components and cores for the [](/knowledge/encyclopedia/arsenal) arsenal. Cores drop from sector bosses, while components (Control Module, Distributor, Reactor, etc.) drop from regular locations. The stronger the sector, the more valuable the part: each sector has its own “signature” part. These parts strengthen your fleet and defenses.

Step 6. Calculate your strength—don't lose your fleet

Before taking off, make sure your fleet is strong enough for the selected target—otherwise, you’ll lose ships for nothing. Refer to the strength progression tables on the sector pages. Level up carefully: it’s better to safely farm a weaker location than to lose your fleet on one that’s still too tough for you.

Common Mistakes

• Go straight to a strong sector. Jumping into the Pirates or the Ravagers without preparation = losing your fleet. Take it one step at a time.
• Jump through the dots. The enemy's strength is growing rapidly—move up through the dots gradually.
• Underestimating lift. Always check the lift chart before takeoff.
• Don't overlook the parts. Parts and cores from Hostail are the main way to upgrade your arsenal—don't miss out on them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which sector should a beginner start with? The Ruin is the weakest enemy; it's safest to farm resources and experience from it. Don't rush into the strong sectors right away, or you'll lose your fleet.

In what order should I open the Hostile sectors? In order of increasing strength: Ruins → Barbarians → Pirates → Ravagers. Each new sector requires significantly more fleet strength.

What drops during the expedition for the arsenal? Sector bosses drop cores, while regular spawn points drop components (Control Module, Distributor, Reactor). The stronger the sector, the more valuable the component.

How Can You Avoid Losing Your Fleet on an Expedition? Before taking off, make sure you have enough fleet strength to reach your chosen waypoint, and proceed from waypoint to waypoint gradually, without skipping several at once.

What to Read Next

Check out the arsenal at (where parts and cores go), the resources at (dark matter and starlore from expeditions), and the guide “Where to Start as a Newbie” if you’re just starting out.