Revision 3

The Protectorate is the human faction of ZeroSpace and the force you command throughout the Campaign. It represents humanity's military during the seventh phase of expansion into the Orion Sector, fielding advanced war technology, seasoned shock troopers, and specialist crew.

In play, the Protectorate leans toward a defensive, supportive style rather than early aggression and harassment. Its strength is staying power: well-defended positions, steady upgrades, and forces that grow tougher the longer they survive.

Ahead of Early Access, the Protectorate was the first faction to receive a studio-wide visual overhaul, giving its units a grittier, more realistic look.

Faction Traits

• Production and base structures come with a healing bot that automatically repairs and heals nearby friendly units.

• Supply structures can be upgraded, including into turrets, so the economy and defense overlap.

• Like all factions, Protectorate units gain veterancy, growing stronger the longer they stay alive.

• Hero units lead Protectorate armies and provide ability support without overpowering the rest of the force.

Role in the Story

Because the Campaign casts you as a Protectorate commander, this faction frames the whole single-player experience. You upgrade your Mothership, build relationships with your crew, and recruit an army under the Protectorate banner. The choices you make determine which of the sector's other Factions become allies or rivals.

The Protectorate is one of four base Factions in ZeroSpace and is playable across the Campaign, the Galactic War, and Skirmish. Its supportive identity makes it a natural starting point in Getting Started for players learning the systems behind Resources and Economy and Heroes and Commanders.

Identity and Motto

The Protectorate carry the motto "A Caelo Ad Terram" and are described by the studio as the military arm of humanity in the Orion Sector. For centuries they have been the stalwart defenders of humanity's ventures through the Orion Arm, guarding against enemies foreign and domestic of the United Earth Spheres. With humanity's galactic infrastructure teetering on the brink of collapse over a deficit of flux, they bring honed tactics and heavy firepower to bear.

How They Fight

Commanders

Sample Forces

The studio lists a sample of the Protectorate roster rather than the full one. Named Protectorate units include the Titan, the Commando, the Strider and Sol Invictus. Balance updates during Early Access have also named the Hauler, the Predator, the Griffin, the Ironwing and the Prospector, the faction's harvester unit.