Editing Survival

'''Survival''' is an alternate [[Gamemodes|gamemode]] that challenges players to survive, explore, and evacuate civilians from a galaxy threatened by an expanding [[Anomaly]]. It features a dynamic story, unique contracts known as '''Special Missions''', escalating difficulty, and a growing sense of urgency. Survival can be accessed from the main menu and operates separately from the campaign.

== Objective ==
The ultimate goal in Survival is to rescue and evacuate as many civilians as possible through a functioning [[Stargate]], before it too is destroyed by the anomaly.

== Getting Started ==
Before starting a Survival run, the player selects a starting ship from the library. Ships may cost up to $1.5M and must contain at least one [[Docking Port]] and one [[Habitation Deck|Cabin]].

Alternatively, players can choose the '''Build New Ship''' option and begin at a [[Shipyard]] with $1.5M in budget to construct their own vessel.

All starting configurations receive a "starter kit" with essential components and supplies not already included in the chosen hull — such as [[Reactor]]s, [[FTL Drive]]s, [[Airduct]]s, [[Engine]]s, [[Loader]]s, [[Crew Member|Crew]], and consumables.

A short, guided tutorial introduces the player to basic ship operations and initiates the first [[FTL Jump]].

== New Sector and Special Missions ==
After the first jump, three '''[[Contract#Special Missions|Special Missions]]''' become available. These narrative-driven contracts resemble [[Contract#Story Contracts|Story Contract]]s and persist throughout the playthrough.

=== Analysis: Anomaly ===
The [[Institute]] tasks the player with collecting scientific data on the moving anomaly. Upon accepting this mission, the player receives two [[Hyperspace Sensor]]s to install.

* Data is gathered automatically during FTL jumps.
* Jumps closer to the anomaly yield more data.
* The Institute contacts the player with goals and rewards:
** 10 data → $10,000  
** 100 data → $100,000  
** 1,000 data → $1,000,000  
** 10,000 data → $10,000,000

Further thresholds may exist but are currently unknown.

=== Evacuation ===
The player must help evacuate civilians from endangered systems before they are lost to the anomaly.

* Each completed [[Contract#Urgent passenger transport request|Urgent passenger transport request]] counts toward mission progress.
** 10 passengers → $10,000  
** 100 passengers → $200,000  
** 1,000 passengers → $2,000,000

Evacuation totals are cumulative and do not require passengers to remain on board.

Further thresholds may exist but are currently unknown.

=== Nomad ===
This mission challenges the player to develop a self-sufficient mobile fleet capable of long-term survival.

* Rewards are based on the fleet’s concurrent total population (including crew, civilians, and temporary passengers):
** 10 population → $10,000  
** 100 population → $100,000  
** 1,000 population → $1,000,000

To succeed, players must expand life support systems, housing, and infrastructure.

Further thresholds may exist but are currently unknown.

== Civilians and Fleet Expansion ==
Civilians may be collected from any [[Colony]] or [[Shipyard]] in exchange for payment and will remain aboard as long-term residents. The number of available civilians — and their offered payment — increases as the anomaly expands. The total number of civilians rescued will eventually count as the player's final score.

== Jump Gates and Sector Progression ==
The final [[Star System]] in each sector contains a [[Jump Gate]], usually located in the system farthest from the start. This gate provides access to the next sector.

* The gate may be damaged, demand a fee, or be under pirate control.
* To use it, move your fleet into range and activate it via the FTL tab.
* The jump screen displays the number of civilians in your fleet — this will become your final score.

== Contracts ==
Alongside Special Missions, players can accept the usual [[Contract#Procedural Contracts|Procedural Contracts]] as well as a sector-wide [[Hostile]] clearance mission and a protect mission.

=== Sector-wide Hostile Clearance ===
A sector may also include a mission to destroy all hostile ships:

* Defeating all enemies in the sector grants a large cash bonus.
* Destroyed hostiles do not respawn.
* These missions are dangerous but highly profitable.

=== Protect Mission ===
Up to once per sector, a [[Distress Call]] may appear. A civilian ship is under pirate attack and must be rescued quickly.

* If the player succeeds, they must choose between:
** A monetary reward  
** Adding the rescued ship to their [[Fleet]]

These encounters offer both risk and permanent fleet expansion.

== Anomaly Proximity Effects ==
The anomaly affects trade and availability of goods:

* High-tech items become significantly discounted.
* Basic consumables ([[Food]], [[Water]], [[Fuel]], [[Oxygen]], [[FTL Charge]]s, [[Ammo]]) become more expensive.
* Near the anomaly’s edge, critical resources may disappear entirely from markets.

Smart timing and stockpiling are essential for survival.

== Resource Scarcity and Recycling ==
Beyond sector 5, trade stations stop offering vital supplies. From this point on, survival depends on internal fleet production:

* Produce all consumables on board
* Harvest and refine [[Ore]], [[Gas]], and [[Ice]]
* Rely on [[Recycling]] systems for sustainability

All recycling starts at 66% efficiency and can be upgraded to 100% via [[Research]]. [[Hydroponics]], [[Water Purifier]]s, and fuel production through [[Metreon Gas]] are also more efficient in Survival Mode.

Ships that are capable of sustaining themselves with little or no external trade will thrive. Those that aren’t will quickly fail.

== Logistics Drones ==
[[Logistics Drone]]s are vital for autonomous operations:

* Mining, salvaging, and gas collection
* Cargo transport, repair, and logistics
* Scaling up large, modular ships

Players should acquire and maintain a fleet of drones early and invest in enough [[Drone Bay]]s and spares.

== Notes ==
* The [[Stargate Project]] storyline and associated [[Research]] are disabled in Survival.
* [[Ice Comet]]s are more common and yield 5× more water ice per shot.
* Hostile systems are permanently cleared — enemies do not respawn.
* [[Hydroponic Garden]]s can now be manufactured via [[Assembly Table]] with proper research.

== See Also ==
* [[Contract]]
* [[Anomaly]]
* [[Stargate]]
* [[Fleet]]
* [[Recycling]]
* [[Hydroponics]]
* [[Shipyard]]

[[Category:Game Modes]]