Delay is a special expedition outcome that gives no direct reward or ship loss but extends the return journey. Its default event weight is 8, or about 7.14% with a total weight of 112.
How does this expedition outcome work?
Under the default configuration, roughly 30 minutes to 6 hours are added to the return. The delay affects that mission and pushes back the time when the flight is fully completed.
What are the default parameters?
Because the fleet stays active longer, it continues occupying a normal fleet slot until it actually returns. This can restrict later missions even though no ships were lost.
What determines the result?
Delay matters most when your fleet schedule is tight. If every slot is heavily used, even a non-destructive outcome can disrupt the next expeditions or transports you planned.
How should you use this in practice?
Negative expedition outcomes are drawn from the same event system as rewards. Sending a larger fleet can improve the potential of some rewards, but it also puts more units at risk when a damaging event occurs.
What should you watch out for?
An expedition should therefore balance potential reward against exposure. Do not send ships whose loss would cripple your account solely to maximize one reward parameter.
Related FAQ: How does a black hole work on an expedition? · Can an expedition find nothing?