Hypersea Base

Space stations can be built not only in normal space, but also inside the Hypersea. Such places are called Hypersea Bases or Hyperbases and play an important role in controlling important sections or crossroads. As such, they often are the pivoting point of corporate wars, due to their immeasurable tactical value. However, they also require massive investments and a constant influx of dark matter.
Due to being far more expensive than Defense Stations, it is a big step to construct a Hyperbase. The main reason to do so, is to defend a crucial point. Where a Defense Station can defend a single planet, a Hyperbase can defend the chokepoint to an entire system, or sometimes even multiple. Their existence marks control and ownership of an area.
For some Corps, the biggest decision they face is whether to get a Leviathan or a Hypersea Base. Both require a massive investment and play a crucial role in defense. A Leviathan can move and pursue, but a Hyperbase is easier to expand. A wrong decision can cause the fall of a Corp.

Settlement Type

Hyperspace Space Station

Location

Hypersea Base

Population

1000~25.000

Defensive Strength

Significant to Immeasurable

Offensive Strength

Generally limited

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Composition

While one might imagine a single massive space station, most Hyperbases actually consist of multiple parts, each with their own hyperdrive. Both for tactical purposes and simply due to being too large to be covered by a single drive, these so-called distributed stations are the standard design.
Due to being inside stationary bubbles, it is relatively easy to renovate sections separately. This also makes it easier to construct one, as parts can be built and attached over time. As such, one does not depend on external shipyards, like with starships.

Location

Hyperbases are massive vessels. This applies even for the distributed stations. As such, they tend to be built in areas of low Relativity. On top of that, their more fragile nature means it's safest to build them in places with high Tranquility. Usually that is in the middle of Hypersea lanes.

Tactics

Due to being located in more peaceful waters, a Hyperbase tends to have a clean line of sight around it. This means defensive methods tend to focus on having large guns batteries at the ready.
Since an immobile base can support bigger guns than ships with equal drives can, a Hyperbase tends to outgun whatever can approach it. This means their primary weakness is sabotage, which is why gun batteries tend to have their own sections.

Usage

When located at a chokepoint, a Hyperbase can basically gatekeep one or multiple systems, so that only small ships can circumvent it. But they also are popular as trading stations that are harder for pirates to prey on. In normal space, pirates could just drop out of Hyperspace to raid you. In the Hypersea, you can see them coming. This is also why Hyperbases are popular as support for mining zones.