Hangar feint is a strategy pattern derived from documented Riftborne mechanics and should be evaluated against the active world state. Evidence
Only stationed ships defend. A base can appear wealthy but weak because hulls are hangared—or can invite an attack and station them before arrival.
Counter: refresh intel near impact and model enemy reaction time.
Why it works
Because only stationed ships defend, the visible defensive state can change when stored hulls are reassigned. The tactic exploits the delay between an attacker’s observation and impact.
Execution
- Measure the attacker’s travel time and likely last intelligence refresh.
- Keep the intended defenders available rather than committed elsewhere.
- Station them only when doing so will not create an upkeep crisis.
- Prepare a second response in case the attacker recalls.
Risks and counterplay
- Fresh espionage can expose the change.
- Astra limitations can make the apparent reserve unusable.
- Holding too much in reserve sacrifices pressure elsewhere.
Assumptions and ruleset
This is strategic analysis, not a guaranteed outcome. It assumes the linked mechanic pages still match the active build and that current-world roster, modifiers, travel times, intelligence age, and opponent response have been checked before commitment.