Dark Matter is one of the positive expedition outcomes. Its default event weight is 10, or about 8.93% with the built-in total weight of 112.
How does this expedition outcome work?
The mechanic uses a structure similar to resource rewards, but with a base range of 50–200 instead of 500–2000. The result is then multiplied by ship count up to the 50-ship cap, a random factor and the expedition bonus.
What are the default parameters?
With default parameters, a single result can therefore vary widely. At 50+ ships, the pre-bonus base range is roughly 2,000–14,000 Dark Matter.
What determines the result?
Dark Matter is not normal fleet cargo; the expedition settlement adds it as account currency. Active events can also modify the final Dark Matter result.
How should you use this in practice?
Default event weights are only the built-in starting configuration. An administrator can change them, so the real frequency in your universe can differ from percentages calculated from the default total weight of 112.
What should you watch out for?
Do not treat a single expedition as a guaranteed return on investment. The outcome is random, and even a positive event can be limited by fleet parameters, bonuses or free cargo space.
Related FAQ: How many resources can an expedition find? · Does expedition reward use ship value or ship count?