Overview: Spies in Ikariam
Spies are the units for covert operations in Ikariam. They are trained in the hideout and cost 150 Gold and 80 Crystal Glass per unit with a training time of 12 minutes. Unlike troops and ships, spies do not incur maintenance costs.
Every espionage mission begins with infiltrating an enemy city. Once infiltration is successful, the spies remain on location and can carry out various missions there, such as scouting the garrison, checking supplies, or monitoring research progress.
Training in the Hideout
Spies are trained in the hideout. Multiple spies can be commissioned simultaneously; however, they are not available individually, but only once the complete order has been processed. Up to 3 orders can be queued per hideout.
One spy can be trained per level of the hideout. The higher the building level, the shorter the training time.
Espionage Missions and Costs
After successful infiltration, various missions are available. Each mission costs Gold:
| Mission | Gold | Result on Success |
|---|---|---|
| Scout Treasury | 45 | Owner's gold balance is displayed |
| Scout Warehouse | 75 | All resources in the city are displayed |
| Scout Research | 90 | Owner's research is displayed |
| Scout Garrison | 150 | All troops in the city are displayed |
| Online Status | 240 | Shows whether the owner is currently online |
| Message Traffic | 360 | Up to 15 latest messages: subject, time, involved players |
| Fleet and Troop Movements | 750 | Origin/destination, total number of units and transport ships, arrival time |
| Withdraw Spy | Free | Spy returns to their home city |
The success rate and discovery risk can be influenced by a higher number of spies and possible decoys.
Risk Calculation
The risk of an espionage mission is calculated using the formula:
R = A + B + 5s + 2vf − 2t − 2va
- A: current risk
- B: base risk
- s: risk from enemy spies in defence
- vf: building level of enemy hideout
- va: building level of attacking hideout
- t: town hall level of enemy city (larger city reduces risk)
Although R can mathematically be between −255 % and 255 %, the actual risk is always 5 % ≤ Rtot ≤ 95 %.
Protection Against Enemy Espionage
A hideout only protects the city in which it is built. Therefore, a separate hideout should be constructed in every city that needs protection. The higher the level, the more spies can be trained and the better the city is protected.
To protect yourself against most players, the hideout should be upgraded to at least the same level as the city. A level of city upgrade +5 or higher is recommended. Additional security is provided by your own spies stationed in the city.
FAQ
What does a spy cost?
150 Gold and 80 Crystal Glass. The training time is 12 minutes, and spies incur no maintenance costs.
How many spies can I train per city?
One spy can be trained per level of the hideout.
Does a hideout also protect other cities?
No, a hideout protects only the city in which it is built. Each city therefore requires its own hideout.