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_intel looks up any entity via its query mode (pass the entity in the Check column) and 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 planetary shield value
Planet shield structs_intel Low shield = faster raid proof (timer), not “HP”
Stored ore player gridAttributes.ore via structs_intel / scout 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). An idle/inactive owner is not automatically a raid opportunity — a powered Command Ship keeps defending regardless of how long the owner has been away, so verify the live shield predicate rather than reading raidability off inactivity. If the owner is shielded but holds ore, it’s a siege decision (destroy their Command Ship), weighed against the fleet engagement and your own exposed home — not an opportunistic raid.

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_intel Rate, duration, availability
Allocation availability structs_intel 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_intel Low count, recruiting
Guild power stats structs_intel Capacity, growth trajectory
Player guild status structs_intel 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_intel Low health, destroyed structs
Player resources structs_intel 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_intel 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