Frontier worlds

When you start a new game you choose the planet type. Earthlike worlds are forgiving. Frontier worlds add survival pressure.

Upkeep goods

On a Frontier world every staffed building consumes water, oxygen and food from your stores each day. You start with ten days' worth.

Shortages

If a good runs out, the buildings that need it work at reduced output, then stop, and your reputation falls.

Supply runs

A scheduled supply ship arrives every few days with standing orders of upkeep goods, at market price plus a premium. Storms and news can delay it — don't rely on it alone.

Local production

Make your own instead of importing:

Importing is flexible; producing is reliable but costs power and upkeep. Most ports end up doing a bit of both.