The Sensor Module (formerly the Phalanx) is a structure on the Moon that scans other planets and shows which fleets have departed from them and which are heading toward them. It’s indispensable for detecting an attack in advance. Below is how it works. All data is taken from the game code.
Where the data comes from. Range, consumption, and limitations are taken directly from the game engine (the War of Alliances universe). Some of the figures in the in-game help section are outdated—we present how the code actually works and note any discrepancies. The building card can be found in the Buildings section of the encyclopedia.
What Is It and How Does It Work?
- It can only be built on the Moon. The Sensor Module is a lunar building located next to the lunar base and the teleport.
- Displays enemy fleets. When you scan an enemy planet, you can see the fleets that have departed from it and those heading toward it—along with their estimated arrival times.
- Each scan costs Dark Matter. One scan uses 100 units of Dark Matter.
The in-game help mentions a cost of “5,000 Deuterium”—this text is outdated. In the game code, the scan costs 100 Dark Matter.
Scanning Range
The higher the Sensor Module level, the farther it “sees” (in both directions along the systems within your galaxy):
| Sensor Module level | Range (systems in each direction) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1 |
| 5 | 5 |
| 10 | 10 |
| 15 | 15 |
| 20 | 25 |
| 25 | 35 |
| 30 | 45 |
Up to level 15, the range increases by +1 per level (for example, level 7 covers 7 systems), and after that, it increases more rapidly (by +2). At its maximum (level 30), the Sensor Module covers 45 systems in each direction.
The in-game help mentions the formula “level² − 1”—this is a different, outdated calculation. The actual code uses the table above.
Restrictions
- Only within your own galaxy. The target must be in the same galaxy as your moon.
- The target is only the planet, not the moon. You can't scan an alien moon with the Sensor Module.
- You cannot scan your own planet.
- I need Dark Matter. If you have less than 100 DM, the scan won't go through.
- Vacation mode disables scanning (this is a security measure to protect your account while you're away for an extended period).
- The Sensor Module cannot see a fleet that has taken off from the moon itself—this is a well-known method of sending a fleet covertly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should we build a Sensor Module? Only on the moon. First, you need the moon and a lunar base.
How much does a single scan cost? 100 units of Dark Matter per scan.
How far can it see? It depends on your level: Level 1 — 1 system; Level 30 — 45 systems in each direction (within your galaxy).
Is it possible to scan someone else's moon? No, the Sensor Module only scans planets, not moons. And only within its own galaxy.
How can I hide from it? A fleet taking off directly from the moon isn't shown by the Sensor Module.
