The Last Starwiki - User contributions [en]

Research

2026-09-02T03:27:34Z

2607:FB91:1EEF:AB4C:1598:6338:6E5A:8AE3: /* Energy */

'''Research''' is a fundamental part of The Last Starship. This gives players the ability to craft objects with blueprints being researched. It also may give buffs to certain objects.

== Points ==
There are two types of points, '''Research Points''' (RP) and '''Computation Points''' (CP). Research Points are accumulated through the [[Science Station]] whereas Computation Points are generated by [[Super Computer]]s.

== Branches ==

=== Andromeda Project ===
* [[Andromeda Project Part 1]] (1 RP) Unlocks research necessary for [[Stargate Project#Phase 1: Certification|Stargate Phase 1]] and [[Stargate Project#Phase 2: Bulk Manufacturing & Partnership|Phase 2]] and [[Stargate Frame]] blueprint.
* [[Andromeda Project Part 2]] (2 RP + 1 CP) Unlocks [[Stargate Project#Phase 3: Advanced Components|Stargate Phase 3]] and blueprints for [[Stargate Actuator]] and [[Stargate Resin]]
* [[Andromeda Project Part 3]] (4 RP + 3 CP)

==== Neubidium ====
* [[Neubidium Processing]] (1 RP + 2 CP)
* [[Neubidium Fabrication]] (2 RP + 3 CP)

==== Zeleon ====
* [[Zeleon Gas (Research)|Zeleon Gas]] (1 RP + 2 CP)
* [[Zeleon Energy Containment]] (2 RP + 3 CP)

=== Drones ===
* [[Drone Speed 1]] (1 RP + 2 CP) Increases [[Logistics Drone]] speed by 50% above base.
* [[Drone Speed 2]] (2 RP + 3 CP) Increases drone speed to 100% above base.
* [[Drone Speed]] (2 RP + 2 CP + Research Credit) Increases drone speed +5% per research. (E.g. three repetitions would increase drone speed by 15% total.)
* [[Drone Assembly]] (4 RP + 4 CP) Unlocks blueprints for [[Logistics Drone|Logistics Drones]]
* [[Drone Intelligence]] (2 RP + 3 CP) Unlocks batch collection by drones. (Enables drones to collect up to three items per trip.)

=== Science ===
* [[Science (Research)|Science]] (1 RP) Unlocks advancements in all areas of advanced physics. ([[Reactor]] Efficiency +10%, [[Smelter]] Efficiency +25%)
* [[Deflector Beams]] (3 RP + 3 CP) Unlocks [[Deflector]] blueprint.
* [[Sector Surveying]] (3 RP + 3 CP) Unlocks surveying the current sector for new systems nearby. (Unlocks [[Hyperspace Sensor LR]] and Sector Surveying.)

==== Mining ====
* [[Mining Laser Precision]] (3 RP + 3 CP) [[Mining Laser|Mining lasers]] now extract twice as many minerals per shot.
* [[Mining Laser Precision 2]] (4 RP + 4 CP) [[Mining Laser|Mining lasers]] now extract three times as many minerals per shot.

==== Energy ====
* [[Reactor Efficiency]] (2 RP + 2 CP + Research Credit) +5% energy production by reactors

==== Metallurgy ====
* [[Metallurgy Level 1]] (2 RP + 1 CP) [[Smelter]] efficiency +50%
* [[Metallurgy Level 2]] (3 RP + 2 CP) [[Smelter]] efficiency +100%
* [[Metallurgy (Research)|Metallurgy]] (2 RP + 2 CP + Research Credit)

=== Automation ===
* [[Automation (Research)|Automation]] (1 RP + 1 CP) Unlocks schematics for [[Track|Tracks]] and Robotic Arms

==== Track ====
* [[Track Speed 1]] (2 RP + 2 CP) [[Track]] speed +100%
* [[Track Speed 2]] (4 RP + 4 CP) [[Track]] speed +200%
* [[Advanced Tracks]] (2 RP + 2 CP) Unlocks [[Track: '''Splitter'''|Splitter Tracks]]

==== Robot Arm ====
* [[Compact Robot Arm]] (2 RP + 2 CP) Unlocks [[Short Robot Arm]] blueprint.
* [[Smart Robot Arm (Research)|Smart Robot Arm]] (2 RP + 2 CP) Unlocks [[Smart Robot Arm]] blueprint.
* [[Robot Arm Speed 1]] (2 RP + 2 CP) [[Robot Arm|Robot arm]] speed +100%
* [[Robot Arm Speed]] (2 RP + 2 CP + Research Credit)

=== Logistics ===
* [[Logistics (Research)|Logistics]] (1 RP) Unlocks [[Drone Bay|Smart Drone Bay]], [[Interstellar Logistics]], and blueprints for [[Small Tank]], [[Storage|Small Storage Crate]], and [[Loader]]
* [[Logistics Level 2]] (2 RP) Unlocks [[Medium Tank]] and [[Storage|Storage Crate]] blueprints.
* [[Logistics Level 3]] (3 RP) Unlocks [[Huge Tank]] blueprint.

=== Habitation ===
* [[Habitation (Research)|Habitation]] (1 RP) Increases efficiency of [[Waste Treatment Machine|Waste]], [[Water Purifier|Water]], and [[Air Reprocessor|Air]] Recycling +10% each.

==== Recycling ====
* [[Recycling Efficiency 1]] (2 RP + 1 CP) Increases all life support recycling efficiency to 90%
* [[Recycling Efficiency 2]] (4 RP + 3 CP) Increases all life support recycling efficiency to 100%

==== Hydroponics ====
* [[Hydroponics 1]] (2 RP + 2 CP) +25% more crop yield per cycle.
* [[Hydroponics 2]] (3 RP + 3 CP) +50% more crop yield per cycle above base level.
* [[Hydroponics (Research)|Hydroponics]] (2 RP + 2 CP + Research Credit)

== Research Credit ==
[[Research Credit]] is a special resource used to unlock certain advanced or incremental research projects. These credits are primarily obtained by salvaging [[Derelict Ship]]s discovered during [[Sector Scan]]s.

Research Credits as well as 2 RP and 2 CP are required for the following research projects:

* [[Robot Arm Speed]] – an incremental improvement of the robot arm speed.
* [[Hydroponics (Research)|Hydroponics]] – enhances previously researched hydroponics systems with marginal gains.
* [[Drone Speed]] – increases the speed of drones slightly above the baseline performance unlocked in earlier research.
* [[Metallurgy (Research)|Metallurgy]] – improves smelter efficiency as an extension of the core metallurgy research branch.
* [[Reactor Efficiency]] – provides a small boost to reactor efficiency beyond the foundational reactor research.

These projects generally serve as small, incremental upgrades to existing technologies, allowing players to optimize performance without introducing entirely new systems. Research Credits are consumed upon initiating these projects and cannot be recovered.

== History ==
{{History|Alpha 5|Introduced.}}
{{History|Alpha 17|Research Credit introduced.}}

Contract

2026-09-02T03:23:22Z

2607:FB91:1EEF:AB4C:1598:6338:6E5A:8AE3: /* Make your new ship ready for flight */

[[File:ContractScreen.png|500px|thumb|right|alt=The Contract screen as seen in the game|The Contract screen as seen in the game]]
[[Contract]]s are jobs that players can accept to earn money. Aside from a few story missions, contracts are procedurally generated from a collection of mission types. Two contracts are automatically accepted at the start of the game - 'Make your new ship ready for flight' and a sector objective to destroy enemy forces somewhere in the first sector.

== Mandatory Contract ==

=== Make your new ship ready for flight ===
''This contract is automatically accepted at the start of every Survival or Free Mode game.''
* A [[Reactor]], generating power.
* [[Engines]] capable of propulsion.
* Test the engines from the [[Tactical Screen]]
* [[Life support]] to make the interior habitable
* An [[FTL Drive]] capable of Hyperspace jumps
* Jump to the marked destination

== Boldly Go Mode Story Contracts ==
''These contracts are optional, but double as low-risk guided tutorials in essential game mechanics.''

=== A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing ===
{{Main|A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing}}
A three-part story contract arc focused on neutralizing an elusive pirate vessel preying on merchant vessels in the sector. The story includes guided tutorials on salvage, rescue, and combat.

=== Black Hole Sun ===
{{Main|Black Hole Sun}}
A three-part story contract arc focused on helping a scientist rescue his brother, aboard a science vessel stranded close to the event horizon of a black hole. The story includes guided tutorials on isotope collection, gas/liquid storage, and mining.

=== The Trouble with Tiddlets ===
{{Main|The Trouble with Tiddlets}}
A four-part story contract arc centered around the discovery of the mysterious Tiddlets and ethical quandaries concerning their reproductive cycle. The story includes tutorials on "salvage", installing/dismantling equipment, and docking with a moving ship.

=== Deep Space Industrialists ===
{{Main|Deep Space Industrialists}}
An extended story contract arc focused on recommissioning an old factory station to produce goods for the [[Stargate Project]], in partnership with its owner. The first four parts of the story includes guided tutorials on smelting, manufacturing, trade, and collecting/refining nebula gases. Additionally, if the partnership is maintained via profit share through the first four parts, the station owner will continue to advise and aid the player in various ways through the rest of the playthrough.

== Survival Mode Story Contracts ==
=== Analyse Anomaly ===
[[File:ContractAnalyseMissionProgress.png|300px|thumb|right|alt=Analyse mission progress|Analyse mission progress]]
Collect data on the expanding [[void]]. You will be provided with [[Hyperspace Sensor]]s that must be installed on the ship's hull. During FTL jumps, these sensors collect data. You will receive $1000 per data at each magnitude of collection: 10, 100, 1000, etc.
=== Evacuation ===
Create a ship capable of holding planetary citizens looking to escape the void. Pick up as many evacuees as possible and bring them to new worlds in other sectors. You will receive money for each magnitude of evacuees picked up.
=== Nomad ===
Design a self-sufficient ship that will allow you to continue to run from the void forever. Bring as many people with you as possible and have them live permanently in your [[fleet]]. You will receive money for each magnitude of permanent residents in your fleet.
== Procedural Contracts ==
=== Courier mission ===
Cargo must be delivered to a specific system in a particular sector. This contract may or may not come with a time limit. The cargo is delivered via a cargo shuttle to the player's ship upon accepting the contract. The cargo is then retrieved via cargo shuttle when the contract is turned in.

Cargo lost, delivered late, or delivered to the wrong location will be deducted from the payment. The supply boxes from failed ''Delivery'' contracts will remain on your ship until the next cargo shuttle brings contract supplies.

''To abort a courier mission'': this can currently only be done by editing the [[Save file|save]] file. As always, make a backup copy first! Look for any mission where Type = Delivery and Accepted = true; cross-ref AssignedLayerId to figure out which layer (ship) it's assigned to. Use the Items list on the mission to find them in the Objects list on the assigned ship and delete them before deleting the Accepted, AssignedLayerId, and Items lines on the mission.
=== Urgent passenger transport request ===
Passengers must be transported to a specific system in a particular sector. This contract may or may not come with a time limit. The [[civilian]]s are delivered via a cargo shuttle to the player's ship upon accepting the contract. The passengers are then retrieved via cargo shuttle when the contract is turned in.

Passengers lost, delivered late, or delivered to the wrong location will be deducted from the payment. The passengers from failed ''Transport passengers'' contracts will remain on your ship until the next cargo shuttle brings contract supplies.
[[File:ContractDockingStrandedShip.png|300px|thumb|right|alt=A player docking with a Stranded Ship|A player docking with a Stranded Ship]]
=== Rescue civilians from wrecked ship ===
[[File:DockingDiagram.png|250px|thumb|right|The docking view]]
A ship has become stranded or damaged, and its crew must be rescued by docking with the ship. This contract may or may not come with a time limit. If it does, the engines on the damaged ship explode when the timer ends, killing the remaining crew onboard.

To dock with a ship, the player must be in [[Tactical]] view and must line up their [[Docking Port|docking port]] with the docking port of the stranded ship. A ship's docking port appears as two diamond-shaped indicators that must overlap the target ship's diamond-shaped indicators. When done correctly, the docking port extends and connects to the target ship.

Once the civilians are onboard, they must be delivered to a starbase or colony, where they will depart the ship via cargo shuttle. Any civilians not reaching the cargo shuttle safely will be deducted from the payment.
=== Eradicate armoured thugs ===
:''Also called "Neutralise pirate gang"''
Hostile ships are harassing civilian ships in a system and must be taken care of. The threat can be a small group of [[fighter]]s, a fleet of ships with fighters, or a large weapons platform.

Fighters are small and agile, dealing small amounts of damage very quickly. Ships have similar capabilities to average player ships. Weapons platforms are large and slow, with armor and heavy weaponry.

If overwhelmed, hostile forces may attempt to retreat. Ships that successfully retreat will be deducted from the payment.
=== Mining contract ===
Tilium is used to create the [[FTL Charge]]s for evacuation ships to travel away from the void. The [[Ore#Tilium Ore|Tilium Ore]] must be mined from an asteroid belt and, in some cases, smelted into [[Tilium Crystals]]. The Tilium Ore or Tilium Crystals must then be taken to a trading post for delivery via cargo shuttle.

Asteroid belts may contain hostiles or be in the path of a meteor shower, requiring ship defenses to perform the mining successfully. It is a good idea to review the available ''Combat'' contracts to see if any are in the same system, as that may indicate the level of hostile activity to expect.
===Clear dangerous minefield===
A dangerous minefield is present in a sector. You must travel to the system and destroy the minefield before pirate forces arrive.

Weapons are required to accept this contract.

== History==
{{Prehistory|Update 1.rc2|Introduced.}}
{{Prehistory|Update 2.rc1|Certain Contracts require a minimum [[Ratings|Rating]] in a particular category.}}
{{Prehistory|Update 2.rc1|Contracts in systems where you already have existing contracts are highlighted with a light blue diamond.}}
{{Prehistory|DEMO1|Removed "Provision the science vessel" and "OPEN CONTRACT: JUSTICE" contracts. Added "The trouble with Tiddlets" contract.}}
{{Prehistory|DEMO2B|Many changes. See [[Version History#DEMO2B|Version History]].}}
{{Prehistory|DEMO3A|Added "Clear dangerous minefield" contract.}}
{{Prehistory|Alpha1A|Added "Take permanent refugees into your care" and 2 "Sector Objective" contracts ("Destroy all hostile forces" and "Evacuate stranded civilians"). Renamed "Open Contracts" to "Special Missions."}}

[[Category:Contracts]]
[[Category:Game mechanics]]

Boldly Go

2026-09-02T03:19:50Z

2607:FB91:1EEF:AB4C:1598:6338:6E5A:8AE3: /* See Also */

{{WIP}}

'''Boldly Go''' is the main [[Gamemode|gamemode]] of ''The Last Starship''. It features a structured narrative introduction, a guided tutorial, and open-ended gameplay that evolves dynamically based on player choices. Accessed from the main menu, this mode serves as the game’s default campaign experience and provides the core storyline through multiple phases.

== Introduction ==
Set in the 23rd century, ''Boldly Go'' begins with humanity having expanded beyond the Solar System, colonizing distant star systems across the galaxy. Powerful corporations and factions compete fiercely to claim resources and influence in uncharted space, where new threats and opportunities constantly arise.

The player takes on the role of a commander hired by the CEO of the [[Interstellar Mining Corporation]], tasked with an ambitious goal: to construct a [[Stargate Project|Stargate]] capable of enabling faster-than-light travel to the nearest galaxy. Backed by trillions in funding, the player must manage shipbuilding, exploration, resource gathering, crew survival, and interstellar diplomacy to succeed.

The opening sequence is presented via cinematic text, providing lore and setting the tone for the campaign’s epic scope.

== Starting Setup ==
The player begins aboard the [[Procyon Cruiser]], a versatile early-game vessel designed for exploration and initial resource gathering. The ship is partially outfitted and provisioned with the following:

* 5 [[Crew Member#Basic|Basic Crew]] members
* 5 [[Spacesuit]]s for EVA and survival aboard an unpressurized ship
* 59 [[Habitation Deck#Cabin|Cabin]]s for accommodating crew and [[Passengers]]
* 5,000 [[Fuel]] units
* 300 [[Food]] units
* 3,000 [[Water]] units
* 4,000 [[Oxygen]] units
* $300,000 in starting funds

Essential systems are pre-installed:

* 2 [[Engine]] modules
* 1 [[Ladder]] for [[Habitation Deck]] access
* Several [[Door]]s
* 1 [[Docking Port]]

In addition, several important components are available in inventory and must be installed during the tutorial:

* 1 [[Small Tank]] and 1 [[Medium Tank]]
* 1 [[Reactor]]
* 1 [[Fuel Loader]] and 1 [[Oxygen Loader]]
* 1 [[Air Duct]] for enriching the [[Atmosphere]] with oxygen

== Tutorial ==
The guided tutorial introduces the core systems and interface of ''The Last Starship''. It covers:

* Camera movement and UI fundamentals
* Installing loaders, tanks, and ducts to complete life support
* Connecting the [[Powergrid]] and activating the reactor
* Navigating the ship using the [[Tactical Screen]]
* Purchasing an [[FTL Drive]] and [[FTL Charge|FTL Charges]] via the [[Trade]] screen
* Installing and charging the FTL system
* Using the [[Sector Map]] to plan interstellar travel
* Performing the first [[FTL Jump]]
* Accepting and completing a [[Contract#Procedural Contract|procedural contract]], typically an [[Contract#Urgent passenger transport request|urgent passenger transport request]]

Upon successful delivery, the player receives rewards and completes the first full gameplay cycle.

The tutorial then introduces the Sector Map’s special systems, marked by a golden diamond and three red question marks (???). These systems contain unique missions (see [[#Introduction to Special Missions|below]]), and players are told they may find anything there.

Once this is explained, the tutorial ends.

== Introduction to Special Missions ==
Shortly after the tutorial concludes, the player is contacted by Commander Harken. She introduces herself as chief of security for the sector and explains that many people are in need of help. Her resources are stretched thin, and she asks the player to assist where possible, offering advice and guidance when needed.

This marks the beginning of the game's [[Contract#Special Mission|Special Mission]] arcs. These appear as golden-highlighted systems on the Sector Map and offer narrative-driven scenarios, moral decisions, and unique rewards. Each arc begins at a named system. The first three are:

* ''[[Black Hole Sun]]''
* ''[[The Trouble with Tiddlets]]''
* ''[[A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing, Part 1|A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing]]''

The story will not progress until the player travels to one of these locations. Until then, gameplay remains open-ended.

== Docking Tutorial ==
When the player enters a system where civilians must be rescued from a disabled ship, a docking mini-tutorial is triggered. This tutorial covers the following steps:

* Locate the target vessel and its docking port
* Align the player ship’s port using the tactical screen
* Approach slowly and initiate docking
* Wait for clamps to engage and connection to be confirmed

Once docked, [[Civilian]]s will board the player’s ship. This mechanic is essential for many missions throughout the campaign.

Docking is also used for [[Logistics]] tasks, enabling transfer of people, resources, and equipment between ships. Mastery of docking is vital for fleet support operations.

== Combat Tutorial ==
The first time the player enters a [[Star System]] containing [[Hostile]] ships, the game pauses automatically and launches the combat tutorial.

This tutorial introduces the basic mechanics of ship combat, including:

* Switching to the [[Tactical Screen]]
* Activating [[Battlestations]] to prepare the crew
* Targeting enemy ships and ordering weapons to fire
* Unpausing the game to begin real-time engagement

Once completed, future hostile encounters proceed without further interruption.

== Andromeda Project Research ==
As the story progresses, the player gains access to unique, multi-stage research options exclusive to ''Boldly Go''. The first three stages are visible immediately in the [[Research]] screen, with further stages becoming available as the player advances through the storyline. These research entries and project stages are not available in sandbox or other game modes.

In general, to generate [[Research#Points|Research Points (RP)]], a [[Crew Member#Scientist|Scientist]] must operate a [[Science Station]]. To generate [[Research#Computation Points|Computation Points (CP)]], a powered [[Supercomputer]] is required.

The first research item, '''Andromeda Project Part 1''', requires 1 RP. It unlocks the [[Stargate Frame]] blueprint and enables Phases 1 and 2 of the '''Andromeda Project'''. It also unlocks access to '''Andromeda Project Part 2''' and permanently enables the [[Stargate]] tab in the interface, which tracks construction progress and requirements.

The second stage, '''Andromeda Project Part 2''', requires 2 RP and 1 CP. It unlocks the [[Stargate Actuator]] and [[Stargate Resin]] blueprints, and enables Phase 3 of the project. Completion of Part 1 is required to unlock this research.

The third stage, '''Andromeda Project Part 3''', requires 4 RP and 3 CP. It unlocks the [[Energy Transmitter]], [[Stargate Receiver]], and [[Stargate Capacitor]] blueprints, and enables Phases 4 and 5 of the project. Additionally, the '''Neubidium Processing''' and '''Zeleon Gas''' research entries become visible in the research screen. Completion of Part 2 is required before this research becomes available.

Both '''Neubidium Processing''' and '''Zeleon Gas''' can be researched immediately once visible, regardless of whether the player has discovered any [[Neubidium Ore]] or [[Zeleon Gas]]. However, unless the relevant resource has been found, their subsequent research entries will not appear. These two research items are independent of one another and can be completed in parallel. As noted above, completion of '''Andromeda Project Part 3''' is required before either becomes available.

* '''Neubidium Processing''' requires 1 RP and 2 CP. It unlocks [[Smelter#Neubidium Ore|Neubidium Ore Smelting]].
* '''Zeleon Gas''' requires 1 RP and 2 CP. It unlocks [[Gas Collector#Zeleon Gas|Zeleon Gas Collection]] and [[Refinery#Zeleon Gas|Zeleon Gas Refining]].

Once both '''Neubidium Processing''' and '''Zeleon Gas''' have been researched, '''Andromeda Project Phase 6'' as well as their respective follow-up research entries become available:

* '''Neubidium Fabrication''' requires 2 RP and 3 CP. It unlocks the [[Neubidium Capacitor]] and [[Zeleon Energy Cell|Energy Cell]] blueprints. It builds upon '''Neubidium Processing'''.
* '''Zeleon Energy Containment''' requires 2 RP and 3 CP. It unlocks the [[Shielded Canister]], [[Shielded Zeleon]], and [[Zeleon Energy Cell]] blueprints. It builds upon '''Zeleon Gas'''.

Once both '''Neubidium Fabrication''' and '''Zeleon Energy Containment''' have been researched, '''Andromeda Project Phase 7'' becomes available.

== Gameplay Progression ==
After completing the tutorial, the player can explore, upgrade the ship, hire crew, and complete procedural and story-driven contracts. Core gameplay includes:

* [[Mining]] [[Raw Materials]] from [[Asteroid]]s and [[Comet]]s
* [[Scavenging]] [[Salvage]] from [[Derelict Ship]]s
* [[Research]] to unlock advanced technologies
* [[Construction]] for customizing ship layout
* Fleet operations with multiple vessels
* Combat with hostile ships
* Narrative and faction-based decision-making

The overarching story progresses through linked contracts and culminates in the Stargate Project. This goal is not visible at the start and only becomes available once specific research and missions are completed.

== Tips and Strategies ==
* Prioritize life support and power infrastructure early
* Use [[Recycling]] and [[Hydroponics]] to reduce supply dependency
* Take procedural contracts to build reputation and earn credits
* The hostile systems in Boldly Go are spawning waves of hostile ships that never stop

== See Also ==
* [[Contract]]
* [[Procyon Cruiser]]
* [[Stargate Project]]
* [[Trade]]
* [[Black Hole Sun]]
* [[The Trouble with Tiddlets]]
* [[A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing, Part 1|A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing]]

[[Category:Game Modes]]
[[Category:Boldly Go]]