Use this guide to understand the most common causes of rule violations, misunderstandings, and recommended practices to avoid penalties or issues on the HWS servers.
1.1 Structure Seizure by HWS Faction
If your structures have been taken over by the HWS faction or appear to have disappeared, consider the following:
- Review possible causes on the previous documentation pages.
- You generally have two options:
Option 1: Get Support
Create a Get Help ticket if you’re unsure about why the structure is missing or seized.
Option 2: Reclaim Structure via Command
If the structure is still in-game but marked as owned by HWS:
egs:buyback:<ID>
- Cost Calculation:
(Blocks Ă— Devices) Ă· 2 credits + HWS DNA
(On Starter Planets: 1000 credits + HWS DNA)
HWS DNA = Class size of the structure
1.2 In-Game Warnings
Scenario:
“I visited a planet, was warped off, and lost my ship!”
Cause
- Failure to read the Map Description or heed audio/visual warnings before entering a playfield or leaving the cockpit.
Best Practice
Always read map descriptions and follow all on-screen and audio cues.
Consequence
Support is limited. Your best option is to ask for help from your faction members or the player community. Staff assistance is rare and not guaranteed.
1.3 How to Get a Structure ID
Method 1: Use the Console
- Press
F1> typedi> check the ID at the top center of your screen.
Tip:
Enable di during warp travel and take screenshots of your position. This info helps support resolve issues if something goes wrong.
Method 2: View Statistics
- Use the in-game Statistics tab for the structure.
Method 3: Use HWS Connect
- Visit the HWS Connect Structure Commander for advanced tracking and control.
1.4 Warp Camping
Rule
You have 3 minutes to move 1.5km away from the warp-in zone. No exceptions.
Consequence
Violators will lose their ship and may face additional penalties for repeat offenses.
1.5 Server Warnings
Important
Server messages—especially red warnings—contain crucial information. They are not always easy to read, but:
- You can re-read them by pressing
,or.and clicking the Server tab on the far right.
Consequence
For example, if you ignore the warning that Black Hole wipes every 24 hours, support will likely not be offered.
1.6 Faction Thief
Rule
Taking faction property when leaving a faction is considered theft and may be treated as griefing or sabotage, both of which are prohibited.
Tip
If you’re planning to leave a faction:
- Do not take items or ships that do not belong to you, even if they are accessible.