To ensure a fair and enjoyable gaming experience for new players, Astro Empires has implemented a set of rules known as "newbie protection".

Players with level<10: Player bases can’t be attacked.
Players with level>=10 and Level<20: Bases can only be attacked by players within 5 levels difference.
Players with level>=20 and level<30: Bases can only be attacked by a player within 10 levels difference.

These restrictions are hard-forced, meaning the game prevents such attacks.

Jump Gate bases are not protected in game version 3.5 or higher.

Protections apply only to player bases, not to his fleets outside of his bases or to unguarded trade routes.

These protections don't apply in occupied bases if the attack is executed by the occupier or their guild members.

Protected players attacking others above the protection level outside their bases lose newbie protection status for 48 hours. However, if the attack occurs at their base, protection status is not lost.

There is also a reduction in the pillage/trade route plunder/occupation income if you attack/occupy a player with less than 65% of your level

To calculate the percentage of income (x%) earned from pillaging, trade route plundering, or occupying a player below 65% of your level, use the following formula:
x% = (Defender_level / Attacker_level) x 100%