The Combat Phase consists of six steps:

Determine Battles

Identify all Sectors containing opposing Ships.

Resolve Battles

Resolve battles by Sector Number in descending numerical order.

Attack Population

Ships attack opponent Population Cubes in their Sector.

Influence Sectors

Players may take Control of Uncontrolled Sectors where they have Ships.

Discovery Tiles

Undefended Discovery Tiles are claimed.

Repair Damage

All Ship damage is reset by returning Damage Cubes to the supply.

Inner Sectors are numbered 101–110, Middle Sectors 201–211, 214, 281; Outer Sectors 301–318, 381–382; Starting Sectors 221–232, Guardian Sectors 271–274; and the Galactic Center 001.