World Design

Two-Tier Structure in Space is Hell

Space is Hell features a two-tier system structure, balancing accessibility for new players with challenges for seasoned veterans. This streamlined approach ensures competitive gameplay, meaningful progression, and opportunities for both PvP and PvE enthusiasts.

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1. The Star Map Structure

The Star Map is divided into four system types, providing a structured progression path for players:

1.1 Home Systems (Basic Tier)

Definition: Core systems for each faction, completely secure from PvP or enemy incursions. Key Features:

• Crelyte Mining: Small, low-yield deposits for beginners.

• Training Droids: Non-hostile targets for practicing combat mechanics (no XP or loot).

• Faction Exclusivity: Accessible only by the owning faction; enemies cannot enter.

Activities:

• Crafting, trading, ship repairs, and resource gathering.

Purpose:

• Provides a risk-free zone for new players to learn and prepare for higher-tier zones.

• Acts as a fallback hub for upgrades and regrouping.

1.2 Faction Safe Zones (Intermediate Tier)

Definition: Secure systems permanently owned by factions, with no PvP or enemy incursions. Key Features:

• Crelyte Mining: Moderate-yield deposits for consistent resource gathering.

• NPC Hunting: Mid-level hostile NPCs offering loot and XP rewards.

• Faction Exclusivity: Accessible only by the owning faction, ensuring complete safety.

Activities:

• PvE-focused gameplay for resource farming and progression.

Purpose:

• Provides a safe, intermediate zone for consistent resource and XP farming.

• Serves as a stepping stone toward higher-risk zones.

1.3 Free PvP Systems (Advanced Tier)

Definition: Lawless zones with no faction control, fostering risk-reward gameplay and organic PvP encounters. Key Features:

• Crelyte Mining: High-yield deposits but with significant PvP risk.

• NPC Hunting: High-level enemies offering valuable loot and XP.

• Telemetry Farming: Earn Telemetry from PvP kills, with higher rewards for defeating stronger opponents or groups.

• PvP Combat: Open to all factions, enabling piracy, ambushes, and organic skirmishes.

Purpose:

• High-risk, high-reward gameplay for advanced players.

• Encourages small-scale PvP for resource competition and Telemetry farming.

1.4 Oblivion Rift Systems (Advanced Tier + Faction PvP)

Definition: Temporary systems containing Oblivion Core deposits, accessible only during active Rift events. Key Features:

• Dynamic Spawn Events:

  • Rifts spawn randomly and are announced globally with travel instructions.

  • Example: “An Oblivion Rift has opened in [System Name]! Deploy your fleet to secure resources!”

• Faction Warfare:

  • Factions deploy Warp Disruptors to secure the system.

  • PvP-focused gameplay with large-scale battles for control.

• Telemetry Farming:

  • Earn Telemetry from PvP kills during Rift battles, incentivizing active PvP engagement.

• Oblivion Core Mining:

  • High-value resource for advanced crafting and faction treasury contributions.

• Expiration:

  • Systems disappear after all Oblivion Core deposits are mined or the event timer ends (e.g., 24 hours).

Purpose:

• Centralizes high-value PvP combat and resource farming.

• Rewards factions with premium resources and boosts faction-wide contributions.

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2. Oblivion Rift Gameplay and Hybrid Warp Disruptor System

2.1 Oblivion Rift Gameplay

Spawn Phase:

• A Rift system spawns randomly and appears on the Star Map with a global alert.

• Factions mobilize fleets to secure the Rift system.

Warp Disruptor Deployment:

• Factions deploy Warp Disruptors to lock the system for their team.

• Once activated, the system is secured for the controlling faction, preventing enemy reinforcements.

PvP Combat and Telemetry Farming:

• PvP is a central focus during Rift battles.

• Players earn Telemetry for each PvP kill, with higher rewards for defeating advanced opponents or larger groups.

Mining Phase:

• Controlling factions mine Oblivion Core deposits while setting up logistics to move the cores safely.

• Mining requires teamwork to protect the loot in parties.

System Expiry:

• The system disappears once all Oblivion Core is mined or the event timer ends.

2.2 Hybrid Warp Disruptor Deployment

Deployment Type	Resource Cost (Crelyte)	Activation Time	Strategic Value
Support Ships	50	15 minutes	Optimal: Efficient and fast deployment.
Fallback (Other Ships)	75	25–30 minutes	Backup: Costly and slower, but flexible.

Primary Deployment by Support Ships:

• Support ships deploy disruptors at reduced costs and faster activation times.

• Encourages fleet diversity and highlights the tactical importance of support ships.

Fallback Deployment by Other Ships:

• Any ship can deploy disruptors as a backup, but with penalties (higher costs and slower times).

• Ensures factions can compete even without support ships.

Strategic Impact:

• Protecting support ships becomes critical for efficient deployment.

• Enemy players are incentivized to target support ships to disrupt the opposing faction's plans.

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3. Resource Opportunities

3.1 Crelyte Mining

Available in: Home Systems, Faction Safe Zones, Free PvP Systems. Risk-Reward:

• Low yield in Home Systems (safe).

• Moderate yield in Faction Safe Zones (safe).

• High yield in Free PvP Systems (risky).

3.2 NPC Hunting

Available in: Faction Safe Zones, Free PvP Systems. Risk-Reward:

• Moderate rewards in Faction Safe Zones.

• High rewards with PvP risk in Free PvP Systems.

3.3 Telemetry Farming

Available in: Free PvP Systems, Oblivion Rift Systems. Mechanics:

• Earn Telemetry for each PvP kill.

• Larger rewards for:

  • Defeating higher-tier ships.

  • Engaging in group PvP and winning skirmishes.

Purpose:

• Drives active PvP participation.

• Encourages skilled play and risk-taking in PvP zones and Rifts.

3.4 Oblivion Core Mining

Available in: Oblivion Rift Systems. Purpose:

• Premium resource for crafting advanced gear and contributing to faction treasuries. Risk-Reward:

• High stakes due to the PvP-heavy environment.

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4. Player Progression Loops

1. Basic Tier (Home Systems):

   • Practice combat with training droids.

   • Gather initial resources through low-yield mining.

2. Intermediate Tier (Faction Safe Zones):

   • Mine moderate deposits and fight mid-level NPCs for better rewards.

3. Advanced Tier (Free PvP Systems):

   • Mine high-yield deposits while farming Telemetry through PvP kills.

   • Engage in opportunistic PvP or piracy.

4. Advanced + Faction PvP (Oblivion Rifts):

   • Participate in large-scale faction PvP for control of Rift systems.

   • Farm Telemetry and mine Oblivion Core for faction progression and personal rewards.

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5. Scalability and Balance

• Dynamic Rift Spawning: Adjust spawn frequency and deposit sizes based on Daily Active Users (DAU).

• Telemetry Economy: Scale Telemetry rewards based on kill difficulty to prevent inflation while rewarding skill.

• Underdog Buffs: Balance faction competition by boosting weaker factions’ PvP rewards and resource efficiency.

This system ensures meaningful PvP incentives in both Free PvP Zones and Oblivion Rifts, driving player engagement and creating a dynamic, risk-reward gameplay loop.