Hades’ Star: DARK NEBULA is a major content update and a successor to the original Hades’ Star, a stunning top-down space simulator that has you building an empire across the galaxy. Currently, it’s only available on Android devices but an iOS, PlayStation, and Xbox version is in the works. In the game, you command entire space fleets, farm resources, discover new planets, and expand your forces across an almost endless open-world.
The DARK NEBULA version of Hades’ Star completely overhauls the gameplay and graphics, but rest assured, everything that made the original so good remains intact. For newcomers and veteran players alike, here’s a game guide on Hades’ Star: DARK NEBULA that will help you nail down the basics and show you what’s changed.
Hades’ Star: DARK NEBULA Gameplay – A Guide To The Galaxy
The first hour of Hades’ Star: DARK NEBULA does a great job of introducing you to the mechanics. The basic premise is that you’re inside a solar system and you must inhabit planets, create spaceships, mine resources, and then find newer planets to repeat the cycle all over again.
The mechanics themselves are simple, and Hades’ Star is more of a management simulator rather than an action-adventure game as most space games tend to be. However, there is still some action for those who need it.
Here’s a brief overview of the gameplay loop.
- You create facilities to build a fleet or research neighboring planets.
- Your fleet invades planets or gathers resources such as Hydrogen which is necessary for space travel and research.
- In turn, you gain credits, and colonizing the galaxy becomes easier.
Hades’ Star: DARK NEBULA Ships & Modules
If you want to build ships in Hades’ Star: DARK NEBULA, you’ll first have to construct a Shipyard. This facility allows you to build different types of ships, and by upgrading the facility, you can increase the size of your fleet.
Three types of spaceships are available in Hades’ Star: DARK NEBULA; Miner ships that mine Hydrogen, Transport ships that move items, or Battleships that destroy enemies. Ships can further be upgraded in storage or attack power through Modules, installable items that are unlocked early on in the game.
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Hades’ Star: DARK NEBULA Inventory, Equipment & Resources
Excluding XP which is needed to level up, there are 3 basic resources/currencies in DARK NEBULA; Hydrogen, Credits, and Crystals.
Here’s a quick rundown of what each of them does and how they can be obtained.
| Resources/Currencies | What They Do | How To Get Them |
| Hydrogen | A resource needed for space travel and in order to move ships and facilities. | Mined from Asteroid Fields, Completing story objectives |
| Credits | Credits are needed to build and upgrade ships, planets, and facilities. | Completing story objectives, Artifacts |
| Crystals | Crystals can be used to speed up upgrade processes. | Achievements, Microtransactions |
There’s a set limit to the reserves of resources. You can increase the reserve cap by upgrading your planets. These upgrades might seem costly initially, but the planets will soon start yielding more than they’re worth.
Hades’ Star: DARK NEBULA Maps & World Exploration
The open-world is divided into numerous regions called Sectors inside the game and in the center of the map there is a giant star that can be customized to change the look of the galaxy.
New Sectors can be discovered by constructing Scanners. While some discoverable Sectors contain planets that can be colonized, others only harbor enemy ships.
Furthermore, completely separate Star Systems also exist within Hades’ Star, and to travel to them, the player must build the appropriate Scanner. These Star Systems offer unique rewards and have tough enemies waiting to be fought, so if you’re ever low on resources or in need of a challenge, visit one of these areas.
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Hades’ Star: DARK NEBULA Levels & Stages
There is no fixed stage system in Hades’ Star: DARK NEBULA. Instead, whenever you use a Scanner to discover new Star Systems, you’ll be dropped into the game’s procedurally generated White Star or Red Star Systems.
These areas are home to Artifacts, items you can farm for XP, and Credits, but these areas also have high-level enemies awaiting your arrival. The Artifacts are worth the trouble though, as researching them in Research Stations grants you access to new Modules as well.
The huge stars in the system can be harvested for resources too. And that essentially constitutes another part of the overall gameplay loop.
2 Helpful Hades’ Star: DARK NEBULA Tips & Tricks
Here are 2 Hades’ Star tips and tricks you should know.
Achievements Are Super Easy Rewards
If you click on your profile, you’ll see there is an achievements tab. Achievements are rewards you obtain by completing certain tasks, and oh boy are they worth it. If you’re low on Crystals, achievements are the quickest way of hoarding up on a few.
Always Have Miners Farming
Later in the game, Hydrogen will become a major issue for you. Since you’ll be moving ships quite often, your Hydrogen reserves will hit 0 pretty fast. Investing in your Shipyard early on would be a great decision. After doing so, always keep at least 2 or 3 miners farming Hydrogen. Doing this will save you a lot of time later down the line.
Conclusion
Hades’ Star: DARK NEBULA is an addictive strategy game. If a space setting is one of your favorites you will thoroughly enjoy this trek. The gameplay mechanics are on the simpler side of the spectrum, but the constant introduction of new facilities and star systems keeps the game fresh. All in all Hades’ Star is clearly a must-play if strategy sims resonate with you.
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