Choose how to deal with a pirate

Pirates may patrol systems, attack planets and harass merchants. Their strength can grow over time. Check their profile for category, ships and status before you act.

In a regular encounter, you can choose from these options:

Option	What to consider
Pay tribute	Buys temporary protection from that pirate for the period shown.
Threaten	The pirate ignores your threat and does not grant protection.
Hire	Pays for an attack on an eligible planet belonging to another player in the same system.
Attack	Send your own fleet to fight, allowing for travel time and possible losses.

Screenshot pending

If you pay tribute, check which planet pays, the balance in the dialogue, the price and the duration. Protection applies only to that pirate. It does not cancel an attack that is already in progress.

Hiring an attack requires an eligible target and follows the rules for hostile actions. Read the Foundational Shield warning before confirming. Pirates tied to missions may offer different options. Follow the instructions for that encounter.