From the creators of Green Hell comes StarRupture, a sci-fi survival builder that drops you on Arcadia-7—a planet that periodically wipes everything on its surface. After dozens of hours surviving the alien landscape, here's everything you need to know to build your first base and start thriving.
Table of Contents
- Quick Survival Tips
- Understanding Characters
- The Rupture Cycle
- Best Base Locations
- Technology Priorities
- Corporations Guide
- Base Building Tips
- Combat and Defense
- FAQ
Quick Survival Tips
- Unlock the Map first — Reach Level 2 with Moon Energy corporation to get the map; exploration is pointless without it
- Watch the Rupture meter — The bar at the top of your HUD shows when the next planet-wide wipe is coming
- Build on flat terrain — Rails can connect distant resource nodes to your base, so prioritize flat building space over proximity
- Climb for perspective — Get to high ground when placing buildings for a clearer view of the terrain
- Build four OCLs early — Orbital Cargo Launchers let you fulfill contracts; having four means you can work on two corporations simultaneously
- Stay near shelter during Ruptures — Being caught outside during a Rupture means instant death
Understanding Characters
StarRupture offers four character classes: Scientist, Soldier, Medic, and Engineer. Here's the important part: all characters can do everything. The classes matter primarily for co-op role distribution.
Class Specializations
- Scientist: Technology discovery focus
- Soldier: Combat-oriented gameplay
- Medic: Healing and support
- Engineer: Building specialist
In solo play, pick whoever you like—the voice lines and personality are the main differences. In co-op, divide roles to maximize efficiency. Each character has unique voiceovers that add personality to the experience.
The Rupture Cycle
The Rupture is StarRupture's signature mechanic—a planet-wide cataclysmic event that destroys everything on the surface, then triggers rapid regrowth.
How Ruptures Work
- The meter: Watch the bar at the top of your HUD—it shows how close the next Rupture is
- Resource scramble: After a Rupture, resource nodes relocate and change
- Instant death: Being outside shelter during a Rupture kills you immediately
- Warning system: An alert pops up before the Rupture hits—run to base or a refuge
Surviving Ruptures
- Don't explore when a Rupture is imminent
- Keep building materials on hand to construct emergency shelter if caught far from base
- Mark refuge locations on your map for quick escapes
- Time your exploration and gathering around the Rupture cycle
Best Base Locations
Most players build right next to the landing pod—and that works for getting started. But as you progress, you'll need resources that aren't available there.
Recommended Starting Location
- From the landing pod, head east
- Pass the crater and sulphur deposits
- Continue east until you find a small lake
- Build on the north side of this lake
This location offers:
- Access to basic and advanced resources
- Minimal enemy presence
- Room for expansion
- Good terrain for building
Base Location Principles
- Flat terrain over resource proximity — Rails can transport resources from distant nodes
- Titanium and Wolfram access — These are your core early-game materials
- Expansion room — You'll need space for multiple production lines
- Defendable position — Local fauna attacks your base regularly
Technology Priorities
StarRupture's tech tree is vast. Here's what to unlock first:
Priority 1: Utility (Unlock Early)
- Map (Moon Energy Level 2) — Essential for exploration
- Orbital Cargo Launcher — Required for corporation contracts
- Ore Excavator — Automated resource gathering
- Rails — Connect distant resources to your base
- Smelter — Process raw ores into usable materials
Priority 2: Base Infrastructure
- Solar Generator V1 — Power your base
- Fabricator — Craft advanced components
- Analysis Station — Research new technologies
- Recipe Station — Manage crafting recipes
Priority 3: Combat (Later)
- UPP-7 Pistol — Your first real weapon
- Defense Turret — Automated base defense
- Grenades — Area damage for swarms
Early game weapon: You'll rely on the standard pistol with cheap ammo for most of the early game. Don't stress about combat upgrades until your production is running smoothly.
Corporations Guide
Corporations are StarRupture's faction system. Level them up by sending resources via Orbital Cargo Launchers to unlock new technologies.
Corporation Progression
- Build Orbital Cargo Launchers (OCLs)
- Accept commissions from corporations
- Send required resources
- Gain reputation and level up
- Unlock new tech trees
The Six Corporations
ClayWood (Training)
Starting corporation. Unlocks: OCL, Solar Generator, Platforms, Ore Excavator, Rails, Smelter.
Level this first to get your base running.
Moon Energy
Power and exploration focus. Unlocks: Map (Level 2!), Wind Turbines, Base Core Amplifiers.
Rush to Level 2 for the map—exploration is blind without it.
Selenian Corp
Production and manufacturing. Unlocks: Base Core, Item Printer, Furnace, Assembler.
Core manufacturing tech lives here.
Health Solutions
Medical and survival. Unlocks: Regeneration Chamber, Medtool, Food Station, LEM Augments.
Quality of life improvements and healing.
GriffithsBlue Corp
Military and defense. Unlocks: Weapons, Defense Turrets, Defense Towers, Grenades.
Combat tech when you're ready to fight back.
Clever Robotics
Automation and drones. Unlocks: Building Drone, advanced automation.
Late-game efficiency improvements.
Efficient Leveling Strategy
- Build four OCLs early
- Assign two OCLs to each corporation you're focusing on
- Work on two corporations simultaneously
- Stockpile resources before accepting contracts
- Data Points can substitute for resources in most contracts
Base Building Tips
Building Perspective
Climb to high ground before placing structures. Height gives you a clearer view of:
- Buildable terrain
- Obstacles that might block expansion
- Optimal placement for production chains
Later, unlock the Building Drone from Clever Robotics to make this easier.
Rail Networks
Rails are the backbone of efficient bases:
- Connect resource excavators to smelters
- Connect smelters to fabricators
- Connect fabricators to OCLs
- Use Rail Supports for elevation changes
- Use Rail Connectors for merging lines
Production Chain Layout
- Ore Excavators at resource nodes
- Rails transporting raw materials
- Smelters processing ores into bars
- Fabricators crafting components
- OCLs sending finished goods to corporations
Combat and Defense
Arcadia-7's wildlife doesn't appreciate your presence. They'll attack both you and your base.
Base Defense
- Position Defense Turrets at base entry points
- Upgrade to Defense Towers as you progress
- Walls can funnel enemies into kill zones
- Keep turrets powered—dead turrets don't shoot
Personal Combat
- The starting pistol is sufficient for early game
- Carry extra ammo when exploring
- Retreat is always an option—don't die far from base
- Grenades help with swarm attacks
Wave Events
Periodic waves of enemies attack your base. When a wave is imminent:
- Return to base if exploring
- Ensure turrets are powered and stocked
- Repair damaged structures after the attack
Frequently Asked Questions
Is StarRupture multiplayer?
Yes, StarRupture supports co-op multiplayer. Character classes are designed for role distribution in co-op play, though solo is fully viable.
What happens to my base during Ruptures?
Your base survives Ruptures—only you die if caught outside. Resource nodes change locations after each Rupture, so your excavators may need repositioning.
How do I get Data Points?
Data Points come from analyzing items at the Analysis Station and can substitute for resources in most corporation contracts.
Should I explore early or build first?
Build first. Get your basic production running, unlock the map, then explore. Blind exploration wastes time and risks death.
What's the best first corporation to level?
ClayWood (Training) first for base essentials, then Moon Energy to Level 2 for the map. After that, Selenian Corp for manufacturing tech.
Summary
StarRupture rewards preparation over improvisation. Unlock the map early, build on flat terrain, connect everything with rails, and respect the Rupture cycle. Focus on utility tech before combat, level corporations methodically, and always keep an eye on that Rupture meter. Arcadia-7 is unforgiving, but with solid fundamentals, you'll turn a hostile alien world into a thriving operation.
