Core Fragments Guide for Pax Autocratica (Aug 2026)

Choose temporary expedition upgrades, understand when they reset, and compare confirmed missile and damage effects. Numeric rules and mistakes to avoid.

Core Fragments are temporary combat upgrades for the current expedition. Build around effects that help the weapon or squad you are actually using, because the collected fragments reset when you land and return to base.

What it is

Core Fragments are rare items found during battle events that boost combat power. They are the roguelite layer of a run: they can change weapons, boost soldiers, and alter how a single expedition plays.

How to unlock it

The opening combat tutorial introduces Core Fragment storage pods. Opening a pod lets you choose a fragment. There is no separate permanent unlock cost for the first pod.

How to operate it

Open a fragment source during an expedition, read the available effects, and choose the one that reinforces the rest of the current build. Recheck later choices for interactions: a chance to launch a missile is more useful when later fragments also increase missile count, slow targets, or increase missile damage.

Do not plan to carry the same selected fragments home. Landing and returning to base resets the fragments you collected.

Numeric rules

Confirmed fragment effects from the Early Access launch build include:

25% chance to launch tracking missiles.
One additional missile per missile wave.
Missiles that slow enemy movement.
5% damage for 5 seconds on reload, stacking 10 times.
300% missile damage against shielded enemies.
25% increased missile damage.
5% increased damage on hitting an enemy.

These are real examples, not a complete fragment database.

Common mistakes

Choosing one effect without checking whether later choices support it.
Treating a temporary fragment as a permanent character upgrade.
Copying the listed percentages to an effect with a different name.
Assuming this short list includes every possible fragment.

When to use it or avoid it

Use fragments immediately within the expedition; saving a choice for a later run has no benefit. Favor a coherent set when several effects clearly share missiles, reloads, shields, or allied soldiers. Avoid declaring a "best build" from this list alone, because these effects have not been compared under equal conditions.

Return to the Beginner Guide. Learn when a run becomes harder in Bosses, and keep the permanent base loop moving with Command Center.

FAQ

Do Core Fragments survive a return to base?

No. Collected fragments reset when you land and return to base.

Is the 25% tracking-missile effect real?

Yes. It appears on the fragment selection screen in the Early Access launch build.

Is this a complete list of fragments?

No. It is a short list of effects confirmed by their exact in-game wording.

Core Fragments Guide for Pax Autocratica