Recent encounters in the California Nebula have confirmed that Thargoid Interceptors will only exhibit hostile behavior if provoked. However, in AX Conflict zones, where both Humans and Thargoids have engaged, evidence of hostility can be seen. This behavior is consistent with the Thargoids' behavior prior to the invasion, and is likely a defensive measure to Meta Alloy farming. Barnacles sites within the affected area have been reported depleted.
As I was traveling towards California Sector BA-A e6, a trio of non-hostile Interceptors hyperdicted me.
As I checked out each system, I began scanning the planets which contained human settlements. I was anticipating a couple of barnacle forests, since most of the colonies out here were designed to research the Thargoids, but it seems like there are many more than I thought.
I used to come out here in my early days to farm Meta Alloys, before I realized the impact of it all.
The California Nebula was one of the rare spots where the Barnacles weren't constantly depleted… However, it seems that most of the surrounding sites are depleted now. Surprisingly, is controlled by the .
From my time in the Coalsack nebula, I can say with high confidence that these sites are very important to the Thargoids. Prior to the Invasion, I was getting encounters nearly every visit at the sites located there. If the pirate group depleted a vital resource, for practically zero purpose other than to pillage, it would make sense for the Thargoids to launch a counter-offensive against the region.
Here are some more screenshots from the encounters today:
