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Vacation Mode (known as “VM” in player slang) is a protection feature for players who won’t be able to log in for a few days. While it’s enabled, your base cannot be attacked or spied on: you won’t lose your fleet or resources while you’re away. However, this means you’ll have to “freeze” your development: resource gathering stops. Below is a guide on how to enable Vacation Mode, what conditions must be met, and how to exit it. Everything is described using the game’s code; the numbers are taken from the game settings.
Where did this guide come from? The terms and conditions of the vacation mode are described in the Xterium War of Alliances game rules. Tips on how to use it were compiled by the player community—on the player wiki and in the forum thread.
What Are the Benefits of Vacation Leave?
When vacation mode is enabled:
- Your base cannot be attacked—you are under protection.
- Resource extraction stops: Mines and production come to a standstill while you're on vacation.
- This is a safe way to take a break from the game for a few days without risking your fleet or your accumulated resources.
Use it before you leave, if you get sick, or during any long break—it's more reliable than just "hiding" the fleet.
Step 1. Check the login requirements
According to the game's code, you can only enable vacation mode if all conditions are met at the same time. If even one condition is not met, the game will not let you go on vacation and will tell you what's preventing it:
- Level 25 or higher. Vacation mode is not available before level 25.
- There are no ongoing studies. If the lab is studying something, wait until it's finished.
- No construction projects. No buildings should be built, and no production should take place at the shipyard.
- There are no fleets in flight. All your fleets must be at home (with the exception of a fleet on standby for an expedition).
Step 2. Turn on Vacation Mode in the settings
Vacation Mode is enabled in the game settings—there’s a “Vacation Mode” toggle there. Turn it on. If all the conditions from Step 1 are met, the mode will activate: your base will be placed under protection, and resource gathering will stop. If something is wrong, the toggle will return to its original position, and the game will display the reason (you need to be at Level 25, complete research, finish construction, or have active fleets).
Step 3. Wait for the minimum period to elapse
⏳ The minimum duration of vacation mode, as specified by the game code, is 129,600 seconds, which is 36 hours (one and a half days). You cannot exit vacation mode early: even if you return to the game in an hour, the vacation will continue until the end of the minimum duration. Keep this in mind before enabling it—this mode is not intended for short breaks.
Step 4. Exit vacation mode
Once the minimum time has elapsed, open the settings again and turn off the "Vacation Mode" toggle. The base will return to its normal state, and resource collection will resume.
⏳ After logging out—there’s a pause before you can log back in. According to the game’s rules, once you’ve logged out of vacation mode, you won’t be able to turn it back on for another 36 hours. This prevents players from hiding in vacation mode “over and over again.” If you try to turn it on sooner, the toggle simply won’t work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enable vacation mode in Xterium? In the game settings, turn on the "Vacation Mode" toggle. Before doing so, you must meet the following conditions: be at Level 25, have no ongoing research or construction projects, and have all fleets back at base.
At what level does vacation mode become available? Starting at Level 25. Before that, the game won't let you enable it and will tell you that you need to reach Level 25.
How long does vacation mode last? A minimum of 36 hours (one and a half days)—this is set in the game settings. You cannot log out before this time has elapsed, even if you've returned to the game.
Why won't vacation mode turn on? One of the conditions has not been met: the level is below 25, research is in progress, a building or shipyard is under construction, or fleets are in flight. The game will indicate the specific reason.
Can I start my vacation again right after I return from it? No. After exiting vacation mode, you must wait 36 hours before re-enabling it.
What to Read Next
If you’re stepping away for a short while and the vacation mode is too restrictive—check out how not to lose your fleet (hiding your fleet before logging out). Newcomers will find first steps and how to develop your economy. If you’re unfamiliar with any abbreviations (RO, save), check the glossary.
