Welcome to our comprehensive Surviving Mars Walkthrough! Whether you're a seasoned space explorer or a newcomer to the Red Planet, this guide is your ultimate companion for building a successful colony. In this walkthrough, you'll discover essential tips and strategies for Starting Your Colony from scratch, learn about Key Buildings and Their Uses, and master the art of Managing Resources and Budget. We'll also delve into Balancing Growth and Sustainability to ensure your colony thrives for generations. Finally, we'll share Strategies for a Thriving Colony that will set you up for long-term success. Ready to conquer the challenges of extraterrestrial colonization? Let's get started on your journey to Surviving Mars!

Starting Your Colony

Alright, space explorer, it’s time to kick off your Martian adventure! Starting your colony in Surviving Mars can be daunting, but follow these steps, and you’ll have a thriving settlement in no time.

Choosing Your Landing Spot

First things first, you need to pick a good landing spot for your colony. Scout the map for an area with a mix of the following resources:

• Concrete: This is super important as you’ll need it for almost all of your early structures.
• Water: Look for water deposits. They’re essential for survival.
• Metals: Both surface and underground metals are vital for building and maintenance.
• Flat terrain: Avoid rough landscapes. Building on flat ground will save you loads of hassle.

Setting Up Basic Infrastructure

After you’ve found your ideal spot, it’s time to set up your initial infrastructure. Here’s a checklist of what you need:

• Drone Hub: Place this early on; it's the nucleus of your automation. Your drones need it to operate efficiently.
• Moisture Vaporators/Water Extractor: Depending on whether you've landed near a water deposit or not, you'll need water sources to keep everything working.
• Power Generators: Wind turbines or solar panels work great to get started. Don’t forget to include power accumulators to store energy.
• Concrete Extractor: Place this near a concrete deposit to start gathering essential building materials.

Building Your First Dome

Now that you have a basic setup, you need a dome to house your first colonists. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Placement: Make sure your dome is close to your resources and infrastructure.
• Life Support Systems: Connect your dome to water, oxygen, and power grids. Use pipes and cables to link everything up.
• Essential Buildings: You will need a Moxie (to produce oxygen), Water Tower, and Oxygen Tank. Don’t forget to have enough power to keep these running.

Landing Your First Colonists

You’re almost ready to bring in your first batch of brave settlers! Here’s what to do before their arrival:

1. Supply Rocket: Make sure you have a rocket loaded with food and additional drones.
2. Build Living Quarters: Before colonists arrive, set up Living Quarters inside the dome.
3. Essential Services: Build a Grocer, Diner, and Infirmary inside your dome. This keeps the colonists happy and healthy.
4. Research Tables: Add a Research Lab to give the colonists work and so you can speed up research progress.

Keeping Colonists Happy

Your first colonists have arrived! Now, it's time to keep them alive and happy:

• Food Production: Set up Hydroponic Farms or Fungal Farms to ensure a steady food supply.
• Health and Comfort: Maintain your service buildings and build a Park for relaxation.
• Work Assignments: Ensure all key jobs like research, resources extraction, and maintenance positions are filled.

Remember, the happier your colonists are, the more likely they’ll want to stay and make your colony grow. So keep an eye on their needs and adjust accordingly.

Expanding Slowly

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your colony won’t be either. Focus on gradually expanding your dome network, linking them with tunnels and expanding infrastructure. Make sure each new dome is fully supported before moving more colonists.

From picking the perfect landing spot to setting up your first dome and welcoming your brave pioneers, starting a colony on Mars requires planning and care. Stick to these basics, and you'll be well on your way to turning that barren red planet into your new home. Happy colonizing!

Surviving Mars Walkthrough: Key Buildings and Their Uses

Surviving Mars is a really cool game where you get to make a colony on Mars. But there’s a lot to keep track of, especially when it comes to the buildings you need. Here’s a breakdown of some key buildings and what they’re used for.

Basics First: Essential Buildings

Drone Hub

Think of this as your colony’s nerve center. Drone Hubs control drones that do pretty much everything - building, repairs, gathering resources. Keep them powered and supplied with drones!

MOXIE

MOXIE turns Mars’ carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere into oxygen. Oxygen is kind of a big deal for living colonies, so make sure you have enough MOXIES running, especially as your colony grows.

Water Extractor

Mars doesn’t have much water lying around, so you need a Water Extractor to pull it from underground. Place these on water deposits, and connect them to your power grid and pipes.

For Power: Keeping the Lights On

Solar Panels

These are your first power source. They’re cheap and reliable, but they only work during the day. Make sure you have enough batteries or other power sources to get through the Martian night.

Wind Turbines

Wind Turbines generate power day and night. They might cost a bit more than Solar Panels, but they don’t have the problem of shutting down at night.

Stirling Generators

Stirling Generators are compact and reliable. They also don’t require maintenance as often as the other power producers. However, they need to be unlocked through research.

Making It Home: Comfort and Survival

Living Quarters

These buildings give your colonists a place to stay. There are different types, from small Living Quarters to large Apartments and Smart Complexes. Each has different numbers of slots and comfort levels.

Research Lab

Research Labs generate research points, which lets you unlock better tech. More tech means better everything - from more efficient buildings to advanced resource extraction.

Grocer and Diner

Colonists need to eat and relax. Grocers and Diners offer food and a place for socializing. High comfort levels keep colonists happy and productive.

Producing Stuff: Factories and Refineries

Fuel Refinery

You need fuel for shuttles and other things. The Fuel Refinery turns water into fuel. Seriously, never run out of fuel, or your trade ships and rockets won’t be able to leave.

Machine Parts Factory

Machine Parts are critical for maintaining buildings and vehicles. This factory turns metals into machine parts. Lock this down early to avoid maintenance nightmares.

Electronics Factory

Another must-have for advanced tech, the Electronics Factory turns refined resources into electronics. These are vital for advanced buildings and research.

Additional Useful Buildings

Medical Center

Colonists get sick or hurt. Medical Centers keep them healthy, which is crucial for maintaining productivity - no one works well when they’re feeling terrible!

Security Station

Mars isn’t exactly crime-ridden, but a Security Station keeps discipline in check. Especially helpful when colonists start to feel stressed or understimulated.

Shuttle Hub

Shuttle Hubs deploy shuttles that transport resources and people around your colony. They’re great for large colonies where some resources are far away.

There you go! Starting your Mars colony can be pretty tricky, but knowing what buildings to use and when makes a big difference. Keep an eye on your resources and think ahead, and you’ll have a thriving Martian society in no time!

Managing Resources and Budget: A Stellar Strategy

Hey there, aspiring Martian! So, you've landed on the Red Planet. Now comes the hard part: making sure you and your colonists don't run out of the essentials - like water, oxygen, and, you know, money. Don't sweat it; we've got you covered. Let's break down how to keep everything running smoothly so your Mars colony doesn't turn into a scene from a sci-fi horror movie.

Start with the Basics: Water, Oxygen, and Power

Water

Water is life. Literally. And on Mars, it's a bit of a challenge. To find water, you’ll want to set up a Moisture Vaporator or look for underground water deposits using Probes.

• Moisture Vaporators: These suck moisture right out of the air. They’re useful, but they work better if you connect several of them together.
• Water Extractors: If you find underground water, these machines pump it up. They need regular maintenance, so don't forget to assign some Drones to keep them in tip-top shape.

Oxygen

You can't breathe without oxygen. Your first job is to make sure your colonists can, so build Moxies to produce oxygen.

• Moxies: These machines convert CO2 into breathable air. Just keep an eye on their maintenance. A broken Moxie can turn a cozy dome into a death trap.
• Storage Tanks: Always have a few Oxygen Tanks to store extra oxygen in case things go haywire.

Power

Everything on Mars needs power. Without it, you're toast.

• Solar Panels: They're cheap and effective during the day, but make sure to have Batteries to store energy for nighttime.
• Wind Turbines: These are more expensive but provide power all day. They’re especially useful during dust storms when solar panels won’t work.

Managing Materials: Metals, Concrete, and Polymers

Metals

You'll need metals for many things, from building structures to maintaining equipment. Metals can be extracted from surface deposits using Metal Extractors or collected by RC Transporters.

• Surface Metals: These are easy pickings early on. Send out RC Explorers to scan areas and flag deposits.
• Underground Metals: Once you've got the tech, set up Metal Extractors on underground deposits. You’ll see an increase in efficiency, but make sure your Drones keep up with the maintenance.

Concrete

Concrete is essential for constructing buildings. You can get concrete from concrete deposits using Concrete Extractors.

• Concrete Extractors: Place these on deposits and look out for dust accumulation--too much dust can slow them down.
• Dumping Sites: Extracting concrete leaves behind waste rock. Set up Dumping Sites to keep things neat and running smoothly.

Polymers, Machine Parts, and Electronics

These advanced materials are the backbone of your high-tech operations but are harder to come by on Mars.

• Polymer Factories: Build these once you’ve researched the tech. They use Water and Fuel, which you can manufacture with Fuel Refineries.
• Machine Parts Factories and Electronics Factories: These come later but are vital. They require specific base resources, so keep an eye on your supply line.

Budget Alert: Funding and Spending Wisely

Initial Funding

You start with a budget granted by your sponsor, but blowing through it too fast will leave you in a lurch. Be smart about what you subsidize.

• Colonists: Early colonists should have a mix of skills that benefit your budding colony, like engineers and botanists.
• Cargo Rockets: Fill these with essential materials you can’t produce yet like Polymers, Machine Parts, and Electronics.

Milestones and Research

You can earn extra funding by hitting milestones and doing research.

• Milestones: Completing tasks like growing your first crop or building your first dome can score you more cash.
• Research: Unlock technologies that improve resource extraction, production, and colonist welfare. You can even find Sponsor-specific techs that boost funding.

Efficiency is Key

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is a must. Nothing ruins a day on Mars like a power outage or failing life support.

• Drones: Assign Drones to handle more mundane tasks. They’re the unsung heroes of your Martian homestead.
• Depots and Storage: Keep your depots stocked. Nothing says "bad day" like running out of machine parts and not having a replacement ready.

Trade and Outsourcing

Once you're on your feet, start looking into trading with Earth or other colonies.

• Outsourcing Research: Throw some money at research to increase your tech. It’s pricey but can pay off big.
• Trade Routes: Set up routes with other colonies to balance what you produce and what you need.

Managing resources and your budget might sound super serious, but if you keep an eye on the essentials and plan smartly, you'll have a thriving Martian colony in no time. Happy terraforming!

Balancing Growth and Sustainability

Surviving Mars is all about striking the right balance between growth and sustainability. Expand too fast, and you might find yourself without resources. Go too slow, and your colonists won't thrive. Let's dive into some tips that'll help you keep your colony humming smoothly, without crashing into disaster.

Manage Your Resources Wisely

First things first, keep an eye on your resources. Metals, concrete, water, oxygen, and food are your lifelines.

Metals and Concrete: These are your basic building blocks. New buildings, domes, and infrastructure all need a steady supply of these. Scout the terrain early on for metal deposits and concrete patches. Set up Extractors and make sure to maintain them regularly.

Water and Oxygen: Your colonists kinda need these to survive. Moisture vaporators and water extractors will be your go-tos for water. Make sure to store enough water in tanks, just in case of emergencies. For oxygen, build Moxies and keep a few oxygen tanks filled up. Always plan a bit ahead - build more than you currently need to cover future growth.

Food: Hungry colonists are unhappy colonists. Start with Hydroponic Farms or Outdoor Farms if you're feeling adventurous. Keep an eye on the food supply; if it starts to drop, ramp up production. Eventually, you might want to invest in bigger farms or even a ranch.

Dome Placement and Specialization

Domes are your colonists' homes, so place them wisely. Don't scatter them too far apart - that’ll make maintenance a nightmare and waste precious resources on long pipes and cables.

Specialize Your Domes: Focus domes on specific functions. One dome could handle research with all the labs and scientists, another could house production buildings, and another could be residential-focused. This helps in efficient resource allocation and keeps your colony well-organized.

Energy Management

Your colony runs on power, so keep the lights on! Use a mix of power sources - solar panels for the day and wind turbines for the night. Make sure to store energy in batteries to get you through Mars' long nights and dust storms.

Maintenance: Don't forget to maintain your energy sources. Regularly check for wear and tear, and be prepared with spare parts. Keep a drone hub nearby to quickly dispatch drones for repairs.

Research and Development

Investing in research is like planting seeds for future growth. Prioritize technologies that boost production efficiency, unlock new resources, or enhance colonist comfort. Early research should focus on basics like improved energy efficiency, new building types, and better resource management. As you progress, target advanced techs that make your colony more self-sufficient.

Dealing with Disasters

Mars can throw curveballs at you - from meteor showers to dust storms. Always be prepared for the unexpected.

Build Redundancies: Have backup systems for water, oxygen, and power. Keep extra supplies of food and medicine. Make sure you have enough drones and resources to quickly repair any damage.

Emergency Shelters: Consider setting up emergency shelters stocked with essentials, located close to high-risk areas. These can provide temporary safety and supplies while you scramble to fix the main infrastructure.

Keep Colonists Happy

Lastly, don't forget your colonists! Their happiness affects productivity and growth.

Comfort and Morale: Build a mix of comfort buildings like parks, bars, diners, and medical centers. Keep homes well-maintained and provide good employment opportunities.

Education: Schools and universities are crucial for training the next generation of colonists. Focus on providing education to fill vital roles and improve overall colony skills.

Balancing growth and sustainability is a juggling act, but with these tips, you should be able to keep your colony thriving on the Red Planet. Happy colonizing! 🚀

Strategies for a Thriving Colony

Landing on Mars and building a successful colony is no small feat. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back with some killer strategies to make sure your colony not only survives but thrives. Here’s how:

Start Smart with the Landing Site

Choosing the right landing site for your rocket is the first crucial step. Look for areas with high levels of metal, concrete, and water. These resources are vital for your early development. Also, make sure the site isn't prone to too many disasters like dust storms or meteor showers. A balanced site ensures you don’t run into unexpected issues early on.

Prioritize Your Research

Research is your best friend on Mars. Start with technologies that will make your colonists' lives easier, like the Life Support systems and faster construction techs. Early breakthroughs can give your colony a significant advantage. Always have an eye on upgrades that improve resource extraction and storage efficiency.

Efficient Resource Management

Resources are everything on Mars. Keep a close eye on your supply chains. Metals, concrete, and water are essential in the early game, but later on, you’ll need rare metals, polymers, and electronics. Build storage depots close to production buildings to minimize travel time for your drones.

Balanced Colony Growth

Balance is key when it comes to expanding your colony. Make sure you have enough living space for your colonists and enough jobs to keep everyone busy. Building too many homes without the jobs to match will lead to a lazy and unproductive colony. Similarly, having too many jobs and not enough colonists will leave essential tasks undone.

Keep Colonists Happy

A happy colonist is a productive colonist. Build entertainment and utility structures like parks, bars, and medical buildings. Remember to provide a variety of services to cater to different needs. Don't forget to keep domes connected or close to each other to make traveling between facilities easy.

Regular Maintenance and Repairs

Maintenance is mandatory in Surviving Mars, especially since the harsh environment can break down your tech quickly. Make sure you have a steady flow of maintenance supplies like machine parts and electronics. Keep an eye on your infrastructure and repair issues as soon as they appear to prevent bigger problems down the line.

Drone Management

Your drones are your backbone on Mars. Use them wisely. Build drone hubs in strategic locations to cover your entire colony and make sure they aren’t overwhelmed by too many tasks at once. Regularly upgrade and create more drones to keep up with your expanding colony.

Optimal Power Management

Power is vital to keep everything in your colony running. Use a mix of solar panels, wind turbines, and later on, fusion reactors. Solar panels are great during the day but useless at night, while wind turbines work all day long but require more resources. Always have more power generation than your current needs to handle surges and add batteries for power storage.

Expand Carefully

Once your initial colony is stable, start looking for opportunities to expand. New domes will allow you to grow more food, extract more resources, and house more colonists. However, expanding too fast can strain your resources and leave your outposts vulnerable. Plan each new dome carefully and make sure you have the resources to support it.

Adapt and Overcome

Mars will throw curveballs at you - from random dust storms to mysterious phenomena. Be ready to adapt. Having backup power, spare parts, and emergency protocols will keep your colony thriving even in the toughest times. Always keep a watchful eye on disaster warnings and act quickly when they appear.

With these strategies in your toolkit, your Mars colony is set to not only survive but thrive. Remember, managing a Mars colony is a marathon, not a sprint. Patience, planning, and efficient management will lead you to success.

Go forth and thrive on the red planet!