ASTRONEER is a colorful yet mechanically deep sandbox survival game developed by System Era Softworks. While it looks relaxing on the surface, efficient progression requires structured planning, smart resource routing, and an understanding of its power economy and planetary logistics.

This guide walks through ASTRONEER step-by-step — from your first landing to late-game automation networks — arranged chronologically for optimal progression. Whether you're new or returning after a break, this strategy guide will help you minimize grind and maximize efficiency.

Early Game – Understanding Oxygen and Tether Discipline

When you first land on Sylva, your priority is survival infrastructure. Oxygen is your only immediate survival constraint.

Oxygen management determines how far you can explore. Early deaths usually happen because players push beyond tether range without proper planning. Establish disciplined tether lines from your Shelter outward toward resource clusters and cave entrances.

Avoid random expansion. Instead, build directional corridors toward compound and resin deposits. These two materials form the backbone of early progression.

Oxygen Flow Mechanics

Oxygen travels through:

Shelter
Oxygenator
Tether lines
Vehicles (when connected)

Keep tether lines straight and avoid excessive branching early on to prevent clutter.

Early Resource Priority

Focus on:

Compound (Tethers, Small Printer)
Resin (Platforms, Canisters)
Laterite (Aluminum unlock)
Quartz (Oxygen Filters)

Establishing Your First Functional Base

Once oxygen stability is secured, you need a structured base layout.

Random platform placement causes inefficiency later. Instead, create zones:

Printing Zone
Smelting Zone
Research Zone
Storage Area

Organize platforms linearly. Leave walking space between modules. Think ahead for automation expansion.

Platform Prioritization

Build in this order:

Small Printer
Medium Printer
Smelting Furnace
Research Chamber

Avoid Early Mistakes

Don’t overprint small generators
Don’t scatter storage
Don’t ignore power balance

Research and Bytes Optimization Strategy

Bytes unlock everything in ASTRONEER. Efficient research separates slow players from optimized ones.

Research small artifacts early for quick bytes. Later transition into large research objects from caves.

Avoid unlocking everything immediately. Prioritize:

Smelting Furnace
Tractor
Large Printer
Medium Storage

Byte Farming Locations

Best sources:

Cave flora
Debris sites
Large research nodes underground

Strategic Unlock Path

Unlock mobility and power efficiency before cosmetic or niche items.

Power Management Fundamentals

Power is the backbone of automation.

In early game, rely on Small Generators (organic fuel). Transition into:

Solar Panels
Wind Turbines
Batteries

Balance production and consumption. If machines flicker, your grid is unstable.

Stable Grid Design

Use:

One Battery per major production chain
Mix solar and wind for consistent output

Monitoring Power Flow

Observe cable indicators:

Solid green = stable
Flashing = insufficient power

Vehicle Progression and Mobility Expansion

Mobility increases efficiency dramatically.

Start with:

Tractor + Trailer
Medium Rover
Later Shuttle

Vehicles reduce tether dependency and accelerate cave exploration.

Tractor Setup

Attach:

Medium Storage
Oxygenator
Power source

Shuttle Planning

Before leaving Sylva:

Carry Solid Fuel Thruster
Pack Oxygenator
Bring power modules

Mid-Game Resource Refinement and Automation Entry

This is where the game shifts from survival to systems management.

You’ll refine:

Aluminum
Copper
Iron
Titanium

Start creating automated resource pipelines using Auto Arms and Storage Sensors.

Smelting Workflow

Create:

Input Storage
Furnace
Output Storage
Overflow management

First Automation Chain

Example:

Auto Arm → Smelter → Storage

Planetary Progression Strategy

Each planet offers unique materials.

Recommended order:

Sylva
Desolo
Calidor
Glacio
Vesania
Atrox

Plan interplanetary logistics before departure.

Planet Selection Criteria

Choose based on:

Needed material
Hazard level
Power efficiency

Interplanetary Cargo Tips

Always carry:

Beacon
Packagers
Spare Thruster

Core Activation and Gateway Chambers

Activating planetary cores unlocks late-game progression.

Each Gateway requires specific power input. Bring portable generators or battery banks.

Underground navigation requires drill upgrades.

Drill Mod Strategy

Unlock:

Drill Mod 1 (early rock)
Drill Mod 2 (harder layers)
Drill Mod 3 (core access)

Core Activation Essentials

Carry:

Required resource (planet-specific)
Oxygen buffer
Portable power

Large-Scale Automation and Production Optimization

Late-game is about efficiency and scalability.

Automate:

Resource extraction
Smelting
Printing

Use:

Auto Extractors
Rail systems
Resource Canisters

Automation Blueprint

Extraction → Auto Arm → Smelter → Storage → Printer

Rail Integration

Rails reduce transport friction. Use them for:

Cave extraction
Long-distance hauling

Endgame Goals and Long-Term Projects

After mastering automation, goals shift toward:

Full Gateway Network
Interplanetary production hubs
Aesthetic megabases

At this stage, optimization becomes personal preference.

Advanced Base Planning

Consider:

Symmetry
Modular expansion
Dedicated power farms

Completionist Objectives

Unlock all schematics
Activate all cores
Complete achievements

Conclusion

ASTRONEER rewards structured planning, resource discipline, and progressive automation. The early game is about oxygen stability and organized base construction. The mid-game introduces mobility, interplanetary logistics, and efficient power management. The late game transforms into a sandbox automation experience where optimization and scale define success.

By following a chronological strategy — from tether discipline to rail automation networks — you dramatically reduce wasted effort and unlock the full depth of the game’s mechanics.

Master oxygen early. Stabilize power. Prioritize mobility. Automate aggressively. Expand intelligently.

That is the optimal path to conquering ASTRONEER.