transport ships play a crucial role in planetary invasions and ground warfare. These ships are specifically designed to carry ground armies and are used to transport your armies from space to the surface of enemy planets. Here’s what you need to know about transport ships in Stellaris:
Army Embarkation:
- Ground armies are stationed on planets and can be embarked onto transport ships when you’re preparing for an invasion. To embark armies, select your fleet containing the transport ships, then right-click on the planet where your armies are stationed. This action embarks the armies onto the transports.
Planetary Invasions:
- Once your armies are embarked, you can move your transport fleet to the enemy planet you want to invade. When the transport ships enter the orbit of the target planet, you’ll have the option to land your armies and initiate a ground invasion. Ground invasions are a critical aspect of warfare, as successfully capturing enemy planets contributes to your war score and helps you achieve your war goals.
Army Capacity:
- Each transport ship has a limited carrying capacity, which determines how many armies it can transport. You need to consider the size of your invasion force and ensure that you have enough transport ships to carry all your ground armies. If you have more armies than your transport ships can carry in one go, you may need to conduct multiple invasion waves.
Defensive Armies:
- Planets in Stellaris can have defensive armies stationed on them, which will resist your ground invasion. These defensive armies may include both regular troops and specialized defense units, depending on the technology and traditions of the defending empire. It’s essential to consider the strength of the enemy’s defensive forces when planning your ground invasion.
Occupation and Conquest:
- Successfully landing your armies and occupying enemy planets is a key objective in wars. Occupied planets generate war exhaustion for the enemy, bringing them closer to surrender. Conquering planets may also allow you to achieve specific war goals, such as seizing valuable systems or forcing the enemy to change their government type.
Ground Combat:
- Ground combat occurs automatically when your armies engage the enemy’s defensive forces. The outcome of ground battles is influenced by the strength and composition of the participating armies, as well as certain leader traits and technologies. Ground combat continues until one side is victorious or both armies are completely eliminated.
Transport ships are essential tools for expanding your empire through military means in Stellaris. Properly managing your ground armies and coordinating ground invasions with space battles are vital strategies for achieving success in warfare and conquest within the game.