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The economy is the foundation of everything in Xterium: resources are used to build structures, a fleet, and defenses, and to fund research. The more stable your income, the faster you grow. Below is a guide on how to develop your economy without imbalances or losses.
Where did this guide come from? The build order and economic tips were compiled by the player community on the game's wiki and this forum thread (authors: Storm22073, Shatayev, Kara, and others). Building names and mechanics have been verified against the game code.
Step 1. Build three mines
The main source of income comes from three resource buildings: Metal Mine, Crystal Mine, and Deuterium Synthesizer. Keep them at roughly the same level: you need the most metal, slightly less crystal, and deuterium serves as fuel for your fleet. For more details on resources, see the [Resources] section](/knowledge/encyclopedia/resources).
Step 2. Maintain your energy balance
Mines run on energy. Build a power plant] alongside your mines: if there’s a shortage of energy, production drops, and the mines operate at half capacity. Make sure your energy balance doesn’t go into the negative—otherwise, high-level mines won’t operate at full capacity.
Step 3. Build storage facilities on time
If you extract more resources than your warehouse can hold, the excess will be lost. Upgrade your Metal Storage, Crystal Storage, and Deuterium Storage as your mines grow, especially if you plan to be away from the game for a long time.
Step 4. Don't keep resources "in plain sight"
A large stockpile of resources on your planet is a magnet for attackers. Spend your accumulated resources on buildings, research, and your fleet, rather than hoarding mountains of metal that aren't being put to use. If you're saving up for something big, build defenses or hide your resources by spending some of them.
Step 5. Develop evenly
Don't put all your eggs in one basket. The economy, [](/knowledge/encyclopedia/research) research, defense, and the navy must all grow together. Too much imbalance (for example, bare mines without any defense) makes you an easy target and slows down your overall development.
Common Mistakes
- Energy is in the red. With the power plant out of commission, the mines are idle and resources are not being extracted.
- Overflowing warehouses. Without storage facilities, excess production goes to waste.
- A mountain of resources on the planet. An unprotected resource is a gift to an attacker.
- A shift toward mining. Without defense and research, the economy alone won't save you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which buildings generate the most revenue? Three resource buildings: a metal mine, a crystal mine, and a deuterium synthesizer. Keep them roughly balanced—you'll need the most metal.
What will happen if there is an energy shortage? When there's a power shortage, production drops, and the mines operate at half capacity. Build a power plant alongside the mines and make sure you don't run out of power.
Why is it important to build storage facilities in a timely manner? If you extract more resources than your warehouse can hold, the excess will be lost. Expand your storage capacity as your mines grow.
Is it worth investing everything just in mines? No. The economy, research, defense, and the navy must grow together. A significant imbalance makes you an easy target.
What to Read Next
Once the economy is stable, move on to “How to Farm an Expedition” (resources and dark matter), and consult Research and Glossary for unfamiliar terms.
