Astroneer (Video Game)

Astroneer is an open world exploration and survival game developed by System Era Softworks, with its full version released in 2019. The game offers an "Open World" experience in which players explore distant planets, gather resources, build their own bases, and embark on space adventures.

_{Game Logo}

Astroneer takes place during the "Age of Exploration" in the 25th century. Humanity is making a major leap to discover and colonize new planets. The company the player works for, EXO Dynamics, is at the forefront of this exploration effort. EXO Dynamics dispatches Astroneers—players—to unknown planets to perform tasks such as resource gathering, base construction, and development of new technologies.

EXO Dynamics appears to be a mega-corporation with advanced space technology, assigning Astroneers to explore new worlds. However, there is very little information about the company’s true purpose. This lack of clarity leads players to wonder whether EXO Dynamics is truly working for the benefit of humanity or if it has some other hidden agenda.

In the game world, Interplanetary Exploration Logs and mysterious structures scattered across various locations provide clues that other civilizations once inhabited these planets.

Geometric stones and massive monumental structures discovered on the planets indicate that another civilization existed here before humans. Many of these structures are called "Gateway Chambers" and "Gateway Engines" and appear to be connected to a galaxy-wide teleportation network. Although the exact nature of this system is never fully explained, some players believe it was built by a previously advanced alien civilization. However, the game provides no definitive information about the identity of this civilization or why it vanished.

The Gateway Engines located at the cores of the planets are among the greatest mysteries in the game. It is possible to reach and activate these structures on every planet; when activated, they transport players into a system known as the Galactic Network. Once all planetary cores are activated, a structure called the Gateway Portal opens. This portal leads to the final planet, the "Unidentified Satellite." Here, a mysterious sphere (the Gateway Catalyst) is found, and when activated, it offers the player a form of "Ascension" through a burst of light energy.

This event suggests that the player has been "recalled" by EXO Dynamics for a greater purpose—or transported by an unknown entity to a different plane of existence.

The game does not provide a clear explanation of EXO Dynamics’ true intentions. However, some theories suggest the company is researching the technology of previous civilizations or attempting to harness ancient structures to obtain new energy sources. EXO Dynamics may be sending Astroneers to discover these lost technologies and structures. Yet, the ethical implications remain uncertain. It is unknown how EXO Dynamics intends to use the discoveries made by the player.

_{A Gateway Engine}

• Know Your Starting Point: When you begin the game, you find yourself on the planet Sylva. Look around immediately to observe which resources are nearby and begin your exploration.
• Short-Range Exploration: Your first step should be to examine the terrain around you. Seeing what lies on the horizon helps with both resource discovery and avoiding hazards.

• Use Your Tools: At the start of the game, begin digging into the soil using your Terrain Tool. Initially, you will collect basic resources such as resin.
• Store Your Resources: Keep collected materials in your inventory. These resources will be used later to construct structures and modules.

• Create a Platform: Choose a suitable, open area nearby to establish your first base. Place your platform and make it the center of your operations.
• Modular Expansion: After establishing your base, you can later add energy generators, storage units, and other production facilities as you progress.
• Safe Location: It is advisable to build your base away from hazardous areas of the planet, such as regions prone to collapses or other environmental dangers.

• Research Cabin: Using collected materials to conduct research unlocks new technologies and production blueprints. Therefore, activate your Research Cabin as early as possible.
• New Recipes: Through research, you will be able to produce advanced tools, base modules, and vehicles. This enables you to reach more distant and dangerous regions.

_{Table of Resources in Astroneer}

• - Soil
• - Organic
• - Compound
• - Resin
• - Clay
• - Quartz
• - Ammonium
• - Graphite
• - Laterite
• - Astronium
• - Sphalerite
• - Malachite
• - Titanite
• - Lithium
• - Tungsten
• - Hematite

• - Laterite : Aluminum
• - Organic : Carbon
• - Clay : Ceramic
• - Malachite : Copper
• - Quartz : Glass
• - Tungsten : Tungsten
• - Hematite : Iron
• - Titanite : Titanium

• - Hydrogen
• - Argon
• - Methane
• - Nitrogen
• - Sulfur
• - Helium

• - Organic + Carbon = Rubber
• - Carbon + Compound = Plastic
• - Aluminum + Copper = Aluminum Alloy
• - Tungsten + Carbon = Tungsten Carbide
• - Graphite + Hydrazine = Graphene
• - Graphene + Graphene = Diamond
• - Ammonium + Ammonium + Hydrogen = Hydrazine
• - Resin + Quartz + Methane = Silicon
• - Carbon + Carbon + Sulfur = Explosive Powder
• - Iron + Carbon + Argon = Steel
• - Titanium + Graphene + Nitrogen = Titanium Alloy
• - Titanium Alloy + Steel + Helium = Nanocarbon Alloy

In Astroneer, there are a total of five planets and two natural moons. Each planet offers unique resources and a distinct experience for the player.

_{A Representation of the Game’s Solar System}

Atrox, the most distant planet in the Sun system, is known for its harsh conditions. Its toxic atmosphere and dangerous vegetation make survival difficult. Wind and solar energy potential are low, further complicating energy production. However, the atmosphere contains rare gases, making it a compelling target for gas collection. The surface, covered in hazardous plants and rugged terrain, demands extreme caution from players during exploration. The hardness of the soil and presence of toxic gases make excavation and resource gathering even more challenging.

_{Atrox Planet}

Calidor, a desert-like planet, is known for its vast sand plains and mountainous regions. Its high solar energy potential makes solar panels highly efficient for power generation. However, wind energy production is low, rendering wind turbines largely ineffective here. The surface contains abundant resin and compound, while valuable minerals lie deeper underground. Calidor’s hot and dry climate requires players to be cautious during exploration. Additionally, its thin atmosphere limits gas collection operations.

_{Calidor Planet}

Sylva is a balanced and welcoming planet where players begin their adventure in Astroneer. With moderate solar and wind energy potential, Sylva provides a stable environment for power generation. Its surface, covered in forests, mountains, and plains, is ideal for exploration and base building. The soft soil structure facilitates excavation and accelerates resource access. Sylva’s atmosphere supports not only basic gases but also diverse vegetation and biomes, offering players a wide range of exploration opportunities.

_{Sylva Planet}

Desolo, a moon of Sylva, stands out due to its small size and low gravity. It has no atmosphere, so no atmospheric resources are available, but its surface contains abundant valuable resources. Solar energy production is high, meaning solar panels can be used effectively to meet energy needs. Wind energy potential is low. Desolo’s surface, covered in craters and flatlands, offers intriguing landscapes during exploration. The soil structure is hard, which can make excavation slightly more difficult.

_{Desolo Planet}

Vesania, distinguished by its dense vegetation and colorful biomes, offers a rich environment for exploration. With moderate solar and wind energy potential, this planet provides versatility in power generation. Its surface, covered in forests, mountains, and valleys, offers players multiple options for both exploration and base construction. The complexity of the soil structure can make excavation slightly more difficult, but these challenges are rewarded with valuable resources. Vesania’s atmosphere allows for the collection of various gases, giving players access to a wide range of materials.

_{Vesania Planet}

Novus, a moon of Vesania, is known for its small size and low gravity. Its high wind energy potential makes wind turbines highly efficient for power generation. Solar energy production is moderate. Novus’s surface, covered in craters and mountainous regions, presents players with various challenges and opportunities during exploration. Its atmosphere contains hydrogen and methane gases, providing an advantage for gas collection. The soil structure is moderately hard, facilitating excavation.

_{Novus Planet}

Glacio is a cold planet covered in glaciers and, despite its harsh environmental conditions, is notable for its valuable resources. Its high wind energy potential enables efficient power generation using wind turbines. However, solar energy production is low, making solar panels largely ineffective here. Glacio’s surface, covered in icy mountains and valleys, presents a hazardous environment requiring caution during exploration. The hardness of the soil can make excavation difficult, requiring more advanced equipment. Its thin atmosphere limits gas collection operations.

_{Glacio Planet}