Boldly Go: Difference between revisions

Players take 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, players 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.

Players begin aboard the [[Procyon Cruiser]], a versatile early-game vessel designed for exploration and initial resource gathering. The ship arrives partially outfitted and provisioned, with the following starting resources and crew:

* 5 [[Crew Member#Basic|Basic Crew]] members

* 5 [[Spacesuit]]s for EVA operations

* 59 [[Habitation Deck#Cabin|Cabin]]s providing accommodation and workspaces

* 5,000 [[Fuel]] units for sub-light propulsion

* 300 [[Food]] units for crew sustenance

* 3,000 [[Water]] units for life support

* 4,000 [[Oxygen]] units to maintain breathable atmosphere

* $300,000 in starting funds for procurement and upgrades

Essential ship systems pre-installed include:

* 2 [[Engine]] modules for propulsion

* 1 [[Ladder]] for deck access

* Several [[Door]]s controlling internal access

* 1 [[Docking Port]] for station and ship interface

Additionally, several critical components are provided in inventory but require installation by the player as part of the tutorial:

* 1 [[Small Tank]] and 1 [[Medium Tank]] for resource storage

* 1 [[Reactor]] to supply power once online

* 1 [[Fuel Loader]] and 1 [[Oxygen Loader]] to manage resource transfer

* 1 [[Air Duct]] system for atmospheric circulation

The guided tutorial eases players into the complex systems and interface of ''The Last Starship''. It covers:

* Camera controls and UI overview for situational awareness

* Installing loaders, tanks, and air ducts to complete basic life support

* Connecting the [[Powergrid]] and activating the reactor to energize the ship

* Using the [[Tactical Screen]] for ship movement and route planning

* Accessing the [[Trade]] screen to purchase an [[FTL Drive]] and [[FTL Charge]]

* Installing and charging the FTL drive to enable faster-than-light travel

* Navigating the [[Sector Map]] to view nearby star systems and select destinations

* Performing the first FTL jump, demonstrating interstellar travel mechanics

* Accepting and fulfilling the first procedural [[Contract]], often an [[Contract#Urgent passenger transport request|Urgent passenger transport request]]. Once the contract is successfully completed, players receive rewards and experience their first full mission cycle.

With these final lessons complete, the tutorial ends.

Shortly after the tutorial concludes, the player is contacted by Commander Harken. She introduces herself as the chief of security for the sector and explains that she needs help. People across the sector are in trouble and require urgent assistance, but her resources are stretched too thin. She believes the player is more than capable of handling these situations and assures that she will provide guidance when needed.

This marks the introduction of the game's first golden-highlighted [[Contract#Special Mission|Special Mission]]s. These missions appear prominently in select systems and offer unique scenarios with narrative elements, moral choices, and variable rewards. Each mission is tied to a specific system on the Sector Map and is labeled by name. The initial three are:

* ''Black Hole Sun''

* ''The Trouble with Tiddlets''

* ''A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing''

Until the player travels to one of these systems and begins a special mission, the storyline does not progress further. The campaign effectively pauses, allowing time for preparation, exploration, or free play until a narrative path is chosen.

When entering a system for the first time that involves rescuing people from another ship, a brief docking tutorial is triggered. This mini-tutorial guides the player through the process of docking with another vessel.

 

The player is instructed to:

* Locate the target ship and identify its docking port

* Align their ship’s own docking port using the tactical screen

* Approach slowly and initiate the docking maneuver

* Wait for the docking clamps to engage

Once docked, [[Civilian]]s from the other ship will enter the player's ship. This tutorial introduces a key mechanic used in many rescue missions throughout the campaign.

Docking is also used for [[Logistics]] purposes, allowing the transfer of people, equipment, resources, and items between ships. Mastering docking is essential for fleet operations and multi-vessel support scenarios.

As the story progresses, players gain access to a unique set of research options that are exclusive to ''Boldly Go''. These become visible in the [[Research]] screen after completing early story missions.

* 1 [[Research#Points|Research Point]] (RP)

* 1 [[Crew#Scientist|Scientist]]

Completing this research unlocks the blueprint for the [[Stargate Frame]] and enables access to the '''Andromeda Phase 1''' and '''Andromeda Phase 2''' contracts. It also opens the path to research '''Andromeda Project Part 2'''.

In addition, researching Part 1 permanently unlocks the stargate tab in the main interface. This tab allows players to monitor the construction phases, view material requirements, and track overall progress toward completing the Andromeda Project.

These entries do not appear in sandbox or other modes and are specific to the Boldly Go campaign. They represent the gateway to the multi-phase Stargate storyline and the eventual construction of humanity’s intergalactic gateway.

Once the tutorial completes, players gain full freedom to explore star systems, upgrade their ship, recruit new crew, and engage with procedural contracts and story-driven missions. Gameplay focuses on balancing resource management, ship construction, and strategic decision-making.

 

Key gameplay systems include:

* [[Mining]] for gathering [[Raw Materials]] from [[Asteroid]]s and [[Comet]]s

* [[Scavenging]] for collecting [[Salvage]] from [[Derelict Ship]]s

* [[Research]] to unlock new technologies and [[Equipment]]

* [[Construction]] for customizing and expanding the ship’s layout

* Fleet management with additional vessels

* Combat encounters with hostiles

* Interactions that influence relationships and future contracts

The campaign narrative unfolds through a series of linked story contracts. While the Stargate Project is the long-term goal of the story mode, it is not visible at the start. The Stargate tab and project objectives will only appear after specific story conditions are met.

* Prioritize life support and power systems early to maintain crew health

* Utilize [[Recycling]] and [[Hydroponics]] to become self sufficient

* Use procedural contracts to earn credits

* [[Contract]]

* [[Procyon Cruiser]]

* [[Stargate Project]]

* [[Trade]]

* [[Black Hole Sun]]

* [[The Trouble with Tiddlets]]

[[Category:Game Modes]]