diff --git a/src/game-v4.js b/src/game-v4.js
index 6a012b6..ff48fae 100644
--- a/src/game-v4.js
+++ b/src/game-v4.js
@@ -433,13 +433,10 @@ class GameScene extends Phaser.Scene {
 
     const rawDamage = Number(shot.getData('damage'));
     const damage = clamp(Number.isFinite(rawDamage) ? rawDamage : PIRATE_SHOT_DAMAGE, 1, 25);
-    const { x, y } = shot;
 
-    // Mirror the proven player-shot collision path: remove the projectile
-    // immediately, render impact feedback, then rate-limit hull damage only.
+    // Keep enemy -> player collision deliberately side-effect-light until the
+    // freeze is isolated. Projectile removal and hull mutation only.
     shot.destroy();
-    this.spawnExplosion(x, y, 0.32);
-    this.flashShip(this.player, 0xffcccc);
 
     if (this.time.now - this.lastPlayerHitAt < PLAYER_HIT_COOLDOWN_MS) return;
     this.lastPlayerHitAt = this.time.now;