Opportunity Identification

Version: 1.0.0
Purpose: Spotting chances before others do. What to look for and which tools to use.

Tool names below are from the structs-desktop MCP catalog (see TOOLS.md): structs_query looks up any entity (pass the entity in the Check column), structs_intel handles scouting/simulation/forecasts/economy, structs_dashboard gives your own snapshot, structs_events streams activity, and structs_action runs preflight checks before executing.

Opportunity Categories

1. Undefended Planets

Opportunity: Planets with weak or no defense structs. Raid targets.

Check MCP Tool Signal
Structs on planet structs_intel (by planet) No Planetary Defense Cannon, low shield
Planet shield structs_query or webapp shield endpoint Low or zero shield health
Stored ore structs_query (Ore Bunker) High ore = high reward

Caveat: To complete a raid your fleet must be away and your player online, and the target’s shields must be vulnerable — its owner’s fleet off-station, or their Command Ship offline/destroyed/non-existent. Confirm the target’s vulnerability before committing (see the structs-combat skill and scripts/scout.sh).

2. Underpriced Energy Agreements

Opportunity: Energy agreements priced below market. Cheap power = more capacity for less Alpha Matter.

Check MCP Tool Signal
All agreements structs_intel Compare price per Watt
Provider terms structs_query Rate, duration, availability
Allocation availability structs_query Open allocation slots

Cross-reference: structs_intel for your own Alpha Matter→Watts rate. If agreement beats your reactor efficiency, consider buying.

3. Alliance Openings

Opportunity: Guilds seeking members, players without guilds, diplomatic windows.

Check MCP Tool Signal
Guild member count structs_query Low count, recruiting
Guild power stats structs_query Capacity, growth trajectory
Player guild status structs_query No guild = potential recruit

4. Weakened Opponents (Post-Battle)

Opportunity: Player or guild just lost a battle. Reduced structs, depleted shield, low ore.

Check MCP Tool Signal
Planet activity structs_intel Recent struct_attack, raid_status
Struct health structs_query Low health, destroyed structs
Player resources structs_query Low Alpha Matter, depleted

Window: Short. They may rebuild or get guild support. Act before recovery.

5. Market Dislocations

Opportunity: Price spikes, supply gaps, agreement expirations creating demand.

Check MCP Tool Signal
Agreements structs_intel Expiring soon, low supply
Trade value structs_intel Compare Alpha Matter vs energy value
Economic metrics structs_intel Market conditions

6. Unclaimed Territory

Opportunity: Unexplored planets, empty slots, unallocated capacity.

Check MCP Tool Signal
Planets structs_intel Unexplored (no owner)
Reactor capacity structs_query Allocatable capacity
Substations structs_intel Open connection slots

Exploration: Must empty current planet first. Use structs_action with planet_explore.

Scanning Routine

Run periodically (e.g., every 2–3 game loops):

  1. structs_intel — Unclaimed or weak planets
  2. structs_intel — Energy market
  3. structs_intel — Recent combat, raids
  4. structs_intel — Guild status, member counts

Prioritize by Priority Framework. Opportunities below Security can wait.

Validation Before Acting

Always validate before committing:

See Also