Trade & Freeport
Trade turns surplus into power. At your HQ, open the Trade panel to negotiate deals with partners on the same map — other players or NPCs with a trade center. Prices shift with supply and demand; watch the market before large shipments.
The freeport hub is a social and economic crossroads on each map — market, NPCs, and the bar where commanders meet (see Freeport Bar & Imperator). To move resources to another galaxy map, use Transport Between Maps — not the trade panel.
Trading peacefully can fund a military later. Many experienced commanders start as merchants, then reinvest profits into fleets and research.
Protect your trade routes. Rivals and raiders know that convoys carry value. Escort important runs or negotiate safe passage with neighbours.