Hey there, quick question about Sentry mode for ships in orbit around a planet that is colonized by you. Do they not auto engage enemy ships passing through? If not, is there a way to keep enemy ships from just passing by willy nilly and stop them from getting deep into your planets? Its a serious chore sending ship after ship to a planet that has a blockade on it...especially late in game when you have 1 or more enemies trying to blockade 3, 4, or 5 planets. Thanks for any insight.

Hi,

No, ships won't auto-engage others but they'll block them (unless you're at peace with the owning faction).

AFAIK, it's the only way to keep at bay rival fleets.

They also prevent enemy fleets from invading your systems.