Hull
Hull is one of ten basic ship statistics that define your capabilities in the game. Together with Shields it represents the durability of your ship. Your current Hull integrity is represented by a red bar in the upper left portion of your screen (below Energy, and above Shield).
Benefits
Damage to your ship first reduces your Shield. Once your shield reaches 0 further damage reduces your Hull. Once your Hull is reduced to 0 your ship is disabled.
Comparison vs. Shields
Pros
- Hull modules provide more durability per space than shield modules. Generally about double the durability at similar research levels.
- Hull module upkeep costs are much lower than for shield modules.
Cons
- While shields regenerate over time, hull damage must be repaired manually. Repairs can be done using Credits (this cost rises exponentially with your rank and can eventually become quite large), with the right artifact, or by achieving a new rank level.
- Hull damage can only be repaired once every five minutes (without the help of Artifacts or Legion members).
Improvements
Hull durability can be improved by installing Hull Modules on your ship. A ship can have up to 5 standard hull modules (platings).
Special artifacts from resource gathering, NPC battles and missions can be used to supplement your hull.