We already have some of the answers to that question:
- We have a spawn mechanic that ensures that new players get a guaranteed number of unexplored fields.
- New players spawn in new regions close to similar aged players as we spawn them in regions based on signup time.
- We have the Bunker building that allows to prevent complete shutdown.
- Space is very big and travel costs time. This reduces the amount of influence stronger players can have. They can't be everywhere all the time.
- Mission control will soft cap the farming capability of strong players too.
We will also address this topic with some of the features in the upcoming battle release:
- We will likely bring one of the buildings that didn't make it into the last release to give more defensive options to players which don't have own ships yet.
- Buildings and planets can't be destroyed by attacks.
- You can evade attacks as defender to preserve your ships against much stronger opponents.
- You will be able to help each to defend your planets. So alliances will very likely offer protection to new joiners sooner or later to strengthen their ranks.
- We will make sure that you can't be permanently locked down if you actively play.
We are monitoring the balance and we will adjust accordingly to make sure that active players can recover from losses.