The Trader converts one basic resource into another without sending a fleet to another player. The current Inter-War catalog uses the base ratio Metal : Crystal : Deuterium = 3 : 2 : 1, and direct exchange results are rounded down to whole resource units.
What exchange rate is used?
The resource weights are metal = 3, crystal = 2, deuterium = 1. Direct exchange follows received = floor(amount given × target rate / source rate).
Examples: 300 metal → 200 crystal, 300 metal → 100 deuterium, 200 crystal → 300 metal, and 100 deuterium → 300 metal or 200 crystal.
How does rounding work?
A normal conversion rounds the received amount down, so fractional resources are never created. When the interface calculates how much must be spent to obtain a requested target amount, the required source amount is rounded up so the target can actually be reached.
Can all resources be converted at once?
Yes. A convert-all operation can transform the other two basic resources into the selected target using the common rate. The source resource balances are then reduced to zero and the calculated total is added to the chosen resource.
What restrictions apply?
You cannot exchange a resource into itself, the amount must be greater than zero, and you cannot spend more than the planet currently holds. The present logic does not add a separate percentage Trader fee; the effective cost comes from the ratio and integer rounding.
Is 3:2:1 permanently fixed?
It is the current catalog value. Rates are loaded from universe/catalog configuration, so server balance changes can replace them. The values displayed in the live Trader panel are therefore authoritative for that universe.
When is the Trader useful?
It is most useful when one resource blocks progress—for example deuterium for fleet activity or crystal for research—while the planet has a large surplus of another resource. Check the ratio before converting because converting back may lose value through the ratio and rounding.
Common questions
Does 300 metal always give 200 crystal?
With the current 3:2:1 rate, yes. A universe configuration change would change the result.
Is there an extra percentage fee?
The current direct exchange logic does not apply a separate percentage Trader fee.
Can I exchange more than the planet owns?
No. The operation is rejected if the source amount exceeds the current planet balance.
Related FAQ: How does the bank and withdrawal fee work? · How does the ship and defense scrapyard work? · How do research and the research queue work?
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.