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.

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 and narration, providing rich lore and setting the tone for the campaign's epic scope.

Starting Setup

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 Basic Crew members
• 5 Spacesuits for EVA operations
• 59 Cabins 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 Doors 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

Tutorial

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 Urgent passenger transport request. Once the contract is successfully completed, players receive rewards and experience their first full mission cycle.
• The tutorial then introduces the Sector Map’s special points of interest: special systems, which are marked with three question marks (???). These systems contain unique missions — specifically:
  • Black Hole Sun
  • The Trouble with Tiddlets
  • A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

The tutorial notes that players never know what to expect in these systems, encouraging exploration and curiosity.

With these final lessons complete, the tutorial ends.

Introduction to Special Missions

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 Special Missions. 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.

Docking Tutorial

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 and confirm connection

Once docked, crew members can board the other vessel, access its systems, and extract survivors or resources. This tutorial introduces a key mechanic used in many rescue and salvage missions throughout the campaign.

Andromeda Project Research

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.

The first unlockable item is Andromeda Project Part 1. It requires:

• 1 Research Point (RP)
• 1 Scientist
• 1 Science Station

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.

Gameplay Progression

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 Asteroids and Comets
• Scavenging for collecting Salvage from Derelict Ships
• 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.

Tips and Strategies

• 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

See Also

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