Planetary loot is calculated only after an attacker victory. Dealing more losses is not enough: a draw or defender victory gives zero resources. The final amount depends on the planet’s stocks, surviving fleet cargo capacity and cargo already carried before the battle.
How much can be taken?
For each resource separately, the upper limit is half of the planet stock: max metal = floor(metal / 2), with the same rule for crystal and deuterium. The fleet can never exceed its free cargo capacity. A planet with 1,000,000 of each resource therefore has a theoretical cap of 500,000 of each, but actual loot may be much lower.
In what order is cargo filled?
Free cargo is assigned in the order metal → crystal → deuterium. Metal is taken first up to the 50% cap or until cargo runs out, then crystal, and finally deuterium. A small cargo fleet may therefore return mostly with metal even when the target stores a lot of other resources.
Does existing cargo reduce loot?
Yes. During final settlement the game calculates the capacity of surviving ships and subtracts metal, crystal and deuterium already carried by the mission. Only the remaining capacity can receive loot. Sending an attack with loaded transports therefore directly reduces how much can be plundered.
How is loot shared in ACS?
With several attacking fleets, total surviving cargo capacity is calculated first. Global loot is distributed between attacker groups proportionally to their capacities. Rounding leftovers are assigned one resource unit at a time among groups with capacity. Each mission is then still capped by its real free cargo.
Example
A planet has 800,000 metal, 400,000 crystal and 200,000 deuterium. The 50% caps are 400,000 / 200,000 / 100,000. If the winning fleet has only 450,000 free cargo, it takes 400,000 metal and then 50,000 crystal. No deuterium fits.
FAQ — attack loot
Do I loot resources after a draw?
No. Loot is settled only when the battle result is an attacker victory.
Is the 50% cap calculated on all resources together?
No. Half is calculated separately for metal, crystal and deuterium and then limited by cargo.
Related FAQ: How do combat and battle rounds work? · How do you collect a debris field with recyclers? · How are flight time and deuterium consumption calculated?
How should these values be interpreted?
The formulas and limits above describe the current Inter-War logic. Some parameters are universe configuration values, so a balance update can change a number without changing the underlying rule. If the live game panel displays a different configurable value, that value should be treated as authoritative for the current universe. The formulas are useful for planning, while the final settlement and validation are always performed by the server.
What should be checked before using the mechanic?
Check the current account, planet and fleet state, active bonuses and any validation message shown when the action is attempted. Many Inter-War systems combine several layers: requirements, daily limits, free slots, resources and modifiers from technologies, Resorts, Avatar talents or events. Correctly calculating one formula therefore does not automatically guarantee that an action is available; the other conditions are validated independently.