Boldly Go

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Boldly Go is the main 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 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 Basic Crew members
• 5 Spacesuits for EVA and survival aboard an unpressurized ship
• 59 Cabins 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 Doors
• 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 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 procedural contract, typically an 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 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 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

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, Civilians 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 (RP), a Scientist must operate a Science Station. To generate 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 Neubidium Ore Smelting.
• Zeleon Gas requires 1 RP and 2 CP. It unlocks Zeleon Gas Collection and 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 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 Asteroids and Comets
• Scavenging Salvage from Derelict Ships
• 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

See Also

• Contract
• Procyon Cruiser
• Stargate Project
• Trade
• Black Hole Sun
• The Trouble with Tiddlets
• [[A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing