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Your first few days in Xterium determine how quickly you’ll grow in strength. Below is a guide for new players: what to build and in what order to ensure your economy grows and your base doesn’t become easy prey. These steps are based on the game’s mechanics (verified against the code) and advice from the community.
Before you start, you should select a [](/universes) universe—Xterium takes place in three parallel worlds, and your choice will determine the game's pace and environment. Once you've made your choice, proceed to the steps below.
Where did this guide come from? The Xterium War of Alliances player community has compiled step-by-step guides and tips for beginners—on the player wiki and in the forum thread (authors include players Storm22073, Shatayev, Kara, and others). These are player recommendations, not official instructions; for exact numbers and mechanics, see the encyclopedia.
Step 1. Build mines
The entire economy relies on three resources. First, build a metal mine and a crystal mine—they provide the main resources for buildings, ships, and defense. A little later, activate the deuterium synthesizer: deuterium is the fuel for your fleet. Keep the mines at roughly the same level, though you’ll need slightly more metal.
Step 2. Address the issue of energy
Mines run on energy. Build a power plant] alongside your mines: if there’s not enough energy, production drops, and the mines sit idle. Make sure your energy balance doesn’t go into the red. For more details about this resource, see the Resources section.
Step 3. Launch your first studies
Research (known as “techs” in player slang—see glossary) unlocks new buildings, ships, and permanent bonuses. At the start, focus on technologies that boost your economy and unlock your first fleet and defenses. Science accumulates in the lab and isn’t wasted—the higher the level, the faster research progresses.
Step 4. Defend the base and protect the fleet
Don't stockpile resources and your fleet "in plain sight"—it's a trap for attackers. Set up basic defense and don’t keep a large stockpile of resources on the planet. Before logging out, experienced players “save” their fleet—sending it on a flight or an expedition—to avoid losing it during an attack (see the term “save”).
Step 5. Fly on expeditions and take on contracts
[](/knowledge/encyclopedia/expedition) Expedition (Endless Distances, “ED”) is a great source of resources, dark matter, and parts. At the same time, complete [](/knowledge/encyclopedia/contracts) contracts: these are reward-based missions that also earn you points in tournaments. Both methods are safer than attacking others in the early days.
Step 6. Join an alliance
It's hard to survive on your own. The alliance offers protection, resources, a group tournament, and experienced players who can offer advice. This is one of the most important steps for a new player—don't put it off.
Common Mistakes Made by Beginners
- Don't focus too much on just one branch. Don't put all your resources into mining while neglecting defense and research—balance is more important.
- Energy is in the red. If you don't have enough energy, production drops—build a power plant in time.
- A fleet without a save. A large fleet left on a planet overnight can easily be lost. Make sure to hide it.
- Playing solo. Without an alliance, you're an easy target and lose access to team rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should a beginner start in Xterium? First, build the metal and crystal mines and the power plant; then unlock the first research upgrades, set up your basic defenses, and move on to expeditions and alliances. The key is to develop in a balanced way, without focusing too much on any one branch.
What should be built first? Build a metal mine and a crystal mine, and at the same time, build a power plant to ensure there’s enough energy for mining. A little later, connect a deuterium synthesizer: deuterium is needed as fuel for the fleet.
How can you avoid losing resources and your fleet in the early days? Set up basic defenses, don't keep a large stockpile of resources on the planet, and "save" your fleet before logging out—send it on a flight or an expedition so it won't be damaged in an attack.
Should a new player join an alliance? Yes. An alliance provides protection, resources, a group tournament, and advice from experienced players—this is one of the most important steps for a new player, so don't put it off.
What to Read Next
Once you get the hang of it, check out the arsenal at (parts and cores to upgrade your fleet), tournaments at (rewards for activity), and the glossary at to understand player slang.
