Game Mechanics

Astroneer makes use of a variety of common survival game mechanics with a focus on creating a base from which the player can branch out and explore.

Starting Out
Astroneer's standard gamemode starts the player on a procedurally-generated following character creation and a landing sequence in the. Upon exiting the Dropship, a and a  are spawned on top of a circle of indestructible black terrain which cannot be destroyed without the use of  or any level of Drill mod

The Landing Pad provides a Startup Package which supplies the player with one, one (Also known as a Starting Medium Platform), and one. All of these items can be deployed and used as the Player sees fit, though the ingame tutorial will suggest the Player place the Oxygenator on the appropriate Shelter socket so that it can supply Oxygen to nearby Tethers and connected Platforms.

Oxygen
is a primary resource in Astroneer, and the most critical. Players require oxygen to live, and if they run out, they will eventually die. Fortunately, the early game provides two options to mitigate the risk posed by oxygen deprivation:, and. Additionally, the more permanent can be used to enable oxygen distribution across an entire base.

Tethers
are a key exploration tool throughout the course of gameplay. When adjacent to a platform connected to an Oxygenator, they will provide Oxygen to any nearby players and create a connection with adjacent Tethers. They are especially useful earlier on as players have a limited Oxygen supply, and key resources, such as and, will always be a significant distance away from the player's starting position.

Tethers are crafted in packs of eleven and are, by default, placed using. One pack takes up one Tier-1 slot.

Oxygen Filters
are a consumable item that can be crafted for 1 in the player's Backpack Printer. They provide a temporary supply of oxygen whenever the player is not actively tethered to an oxygen source. A single set of Oxygen Filters takes up one Tier-1 slot.

Power
Power is distributed across a network using a system of cables that extend from, and snap into, red sockets on and Vehicles. will also distribute power when connected to oxygenated platforms, but only to nearby Players.

A placed platform with a cable connection will be "pinned" to terrain, making it immovable until disconnected; vehicles, on the other hand, can move, and will remain connected until they reach maximum distance. Vehicles also use this system to connect to one another.

Typically, a cable connection is bi-directional and will attempt to equally distribute power. However, by using or a, power can be forced to travel one way.

Power Generation
Power can be generated with a variety of items and modules. Astroneer offers a challenge by having players adapt to different Planets' environments; for example, Desolo, the moon of Sylva, has a very limited atmosphere, making it less than ideal for a.

Renewable Power
Renewable power includes Wind and Solar energy, and is the primary power source in the early- and mid-game. These forms of power are temperamental as they are dependent on environmental conditions.

An alternative in the lategame is the, an infinite power source that produces a significant amount of energy. A low-power version can be found mounted on the starting.

Non-Renewable Power
Non-renewable power requires fuel to run and is limited to the and. When activated, a generator will produce a continuous flow of power until its fuel source runs out. This makes them ideal in the early-game where power is limited, and in the mid- and late-game as an emergency power source.

Power Storage
Power storage in Astroneer is done using Batteries. The is ideal for providing a consistent flow of power in a base when there is a shortfall in power generation, while the  is better used in the player's Backpack where it can provide power for their Terrain Tool's Augments.

Spaceflight
Once a player has constructed a Shuttle, they can activate liftoff and be boosted into orbit of the world they are on. From there they can either select the same or a new Landing Zone on the same planet or try to reach another planet within the system that is in range. Care should be taken to not prematurely venture into space until you and your space vehicle are properly equipped. If you travel elsewhere with insufficient Hydrazine, you may be unable to return until you find more. Not all Landing Zones are guaranteed to be a possible place to setup a base or be free of hostile flora either.

Deform Tool
The deform tool has three main modes of use. The [E] key pulls it off your Backpack or puts it back. Left clicking with it will cause it to dig the area its pointed at out. Holding [CTRL] key down then left clicking with the tool will cause it to try and flatten Terrain to the same plane of 3-dimensional place as the polygon where the tool started. Holding [ALT] down while using the tool can be used to fill in holes or build structures.

Mecánicas del Juego 游戏机制