This guide gives a spoiler-light route through the campaign.
Select the specialist whose strongest skill matches each mission. Scan early to reveal surface regions and build Intel. Complete easier Science and Engineering objectives first, then use healthy specialists on the harder Recon and Security missions.
Arrive with at least 6 Fuel if possible. Vega-4 is fuel rich, so use resource deposits to rebuild reserves. Research defensive or logistics technology before attempting the Deep Core Probe.
Use the lower-threat environment to recover crew, build Science, and finish technology unlocks. Neural Translator is especially useful for communication encounters.
Enter with high Hull, Morale, Supplies, and Fuel. The final missions are difficulty 5–6, so use specialists with skill 4+, avoid sending wounded crew into critical attempts, and keep Emergency Thrusters available for hostile events.
Enhanced Sensors accelerates exploration; Quantum Comms improves Intel gains; Medical Nanobots sustain the crew; Fuel Synthesizer protects against fuel shortages; Drone Scouts make hazardous exploration safer.
Every selected crew member has two actions per turn. Mission attempts, Scan, Repair, Rest, and Research Boost each consume one action. End the turn only after assigning useful actions to the crew.