How to play Game of Planets
A practical primer for your first season: what to prioritize early, how the midgame shifts, and how diplomacy and logistics decide wars. If you want the raw numbers, the Game Tips page is the reference library.
The shape of a season
Most players experience a season in four phases. Here’s what matters in each.
1) Opening: secure a foothold
- Scout your nearest systems and identify strong colonization targets
- Start a “core economy” backbone before you spread too wide
- Choose tech paths that match your plan (mobility / industry / science / military)
2) Midgame: networks & neighbors
- Specialize planets (don’t build everything everywhere)
- Build the logistics that let fleets respond quickly
- Meet neighbors and negotiate borders before they negotiate you
3) Conflict: wars reshape the map
- Fight for gates, chokepoints, and high-value systems
- Coordinate with allies — coalitions beat isolated empires
- Win the supply war: keep your fleets fueled and replaced
4) Endgame: decisive operations
- Pick fights that matter — avoid endless skirmish loops
- Cut enemies off: blockades, interdiction, and “no escape” zones
- Use diplomacy to create (or break) kingmaker coalitions
A strong first-hour checklist
This isn’t the only opening — but it’s a stable baseline for new players.
Survey with intent
Don’t survey randomly. Build a short list of targets you actually plan to hold.
- Look for resource value and strategic position
- Mark chokepoints and “bridge systems”
Specialize early
A focused economy beats a scattered one. Pick roles for your first colonies.
- One production world
- One research / development push
- One defensive anchor (when needed)
Talk to neighbors
Diplomacy isn’t optional in an MMO-scale 4X. Even “neutral” is a stance.
- Establish borders
- Find early allies
- Prevent surprise coalitions
The Game Tips page has costs, effects, and prerequisites in one place.
FAQ
Common “new player” questions.