When you start a new game, you’ll spawn into the galaxy at a random location.
Start by moving your ship around using the AWDS keys and the mouse, (or use a gamepad).
The tutorial will ask you to do basic tasks to guide you through the first steps.
Start by using the left-mouse button to fire your main weapon. Hold the right-mouse button to fire your missiles.
To fire at an enemy, you need to mouse-over the target. You’ll see a red indicator highlighting your current target.
Unlock base points
Your first task should be to unlock the base points in your immediate area. These reward Credits (C) which you’ll use to upgrade your ship.
Fly close to a base point (highlighted on your radar) and wait for the blue indicator to fill up. Once complete, you’ll be rewarded with a load of Credits and the game may attempt to build a friendly base at that spot.
Some base points will be guarded by enemies. If they are too strong for you, avoid them for now.
Credits – C
Switch to the Upgrade screen were you can spend your Credits (C).
You need C for two things — unlocking new blocks, and increasing the maximum Points (P) that your ships can equip.
Go ahead and spend your C, then switch back to piloting your ship.
Fly around the immediate area and unlock as many of the nearby base points as you can. Don’t worry too much about dying as you’ll respawn, however you will lose whatever R you were carrying and some C.
Resources – R
Another way to get Credits is to collect Resources (R).
R is used to build new ships. Your allies will happily pay you Credits for any R you can bring them.
R shows up in the galaxy as purple bubbles. They will drop from dead enemies and can be harvested from plants. Your ship will automatically pick-up any R nearby. Keep in mind your ship has limited storage capacity.
Once your ship has a load of R, fly back to a nearby base. Your allied bases will automatically take any R you have and pay you Credits in return.
Fleet Palette
As you collect R and accumulate C, keep unlocking new blocks and upgrade the maximum Points (P) your ship can handle. Pretty soon you’ll want a bigger and better ship.
Head to the Fleet Palette. Here you can see all your current ship designs.
The large box in the upper left indicates the current ship you’re flying. Click on that to enter the Constructor.
Constructor
This is were you build and upgrade your ship.
On the right-hand side, you have all your available blocks.
Go ahead and add more armor, weapons, and thrusters to your ship. Then Save and Exit.
In the Fleet Palette, you can see that your ship design is updated.
Exit to the galaxy, and your ship will morph into the revised design you’ve built.
Continue collecting, upgrading, and following the Tutorial messages. You’re on your way to conquering the galaxy.