Fans of sci-fi skirmish strategy have much to celebrate with the latest release of NEBULOUS: Fleet Command. The development team has released the highly anticipated Carrier Update, ushering in an entirely new dimension of fleet tactics. This expansion sees the debut of Carrier-class ships, flexible new spaceframes, and a full suite of specialized craft to command in battle.
Carriers and Spaceframes
Central to this update are the carrier hulls and carrier modules that players can now outfit on their capital ships. Each of the two main factions—Alliance and Protectorate—receives three unique new spaceframes, one each for fighters, bombers, and scouts, plus a seventh utility skiff design that both sides share. These small craft provide a nimble edge to the battlefield, darting between massive capital ships, performing reconnaissance, delivering pinpoint torpedo strikes, and engaging in hectic dogfights.
Customizable Loadouts
One of the most exciting additions for fleet commanders is the ability to tailor small craft for multiple missions on the fly. Each new spaceframe can be equipped with various weapons and modules through the in-game editor, and you can reconfigure loadouts mid-battle to adapt to changing tactics. Whether you need missile bombers, Top Gun-style fighters, or specialized recon craft, the new loadout matrix ensures flexible, ever-evolving strategies.
Carrier Hulls & Modules
To accommodate these new spacecraft, the development team has introduced two brand-new carrier hulls: the Alliance’s Levy-class and the Protectorate’s Journeyman-class. For even larger fleets, the Moorline container liner serves as a carrier with expansive container hangars. Beyond these dedicated carriers, three new mounted hangar types allow you to retrofit existing ships with C4 and C5 mounts to launch your own squadron of fighter and bomber craft.
Bombs, Missiles & Submunitions
As if new carriers and fighters weren’t enough, the Carrier Update also packs in a wide array of rocket weapons and, for the first time, unguided bombs. Players can now deploy specialized two-stage missiles—the SDM-1 and SDM-2—designed to counter enemy spacecraft. The update also replaces older rocket and mine containers with a new Submunition Dispenser warhead, offering a more complex system to design and customize submunition weapons. Additionally, a swath of missile tweaks, seeker improvements, and bug fixes rounds out the robust suite of new and overhauled armaments.
AI Overhaul
Another standout feature of the update is the complete rewrite of the AI opponent. This new AI is designed to challenge even veteran players with advanced tactics such as bow tanking, cruise missile strikes, and strategic map maneuvers. Moreover, the updated AI integrates seamlessly with NEBULOUS: Fleet Command’s mod-friendly architecture, allowing the community to experiment and push the AI to its limits. While there are still some areas for future improvement—like using jammers for missile countermeasures—the AI upgrade marks a remarkable leap forward.
New Tutorials
To help commanders master these fresh mechanics, the development team has added two new tutorials dedicated to carrier operations. These lessons guide players through launching and refitting craft mid-battle, as well as providing valuable tips on tactically deploying bombers and fighters. Additionally, a seventh mission has been added to the basic tutorial lineup, titled “Final Battle Problem,” which pits players in a fully fleshed-out skirmish scenario against the newly refined AI.
With the Carrier Update now live, NEBULOUS: Fleet Command is more dynamic and challenging than ever. Personally, I feel moved to give it another try after a long break, and see how the game has developed since.
