Want to kickstart your planetary expansion in The Planet Crafter without fumbling for supplies or oxygen?
This How to Set Up Base on a New Planet or Moon in Planet Crafter guide will walk you through an optimized setup strategy using your limited storage space so you can establish a fully functional base in under 5 minutes — complete with energy, oxygen, crafting, and return-travel capabilities. Let’s get you terraforming in no time.
How to Set Up Base on a New Planet or Moon in Planet Crafter
What You’re Working With
Before diving in, it’s essential to understand the tools and limitations you’re dealing with on your initial trip:
Your Inventory Capacity: 45 slots (with a T6 Backpack)
Rocket Cargo Space: 20 slots
Total: 65 item slots to fill strategically.
These 65 slots must cover everything needed to:
Build your first outpost
Ensure survival (oxygen, food, water)
Generate power
Begin terraforming
Return to your main base when you’re ready
And yes — every single item you bring will be used, except for a small stash of basic supplies.
Sure! Here’s a complete and engaging guide article based on the original content, rewritten in a natural and detailed tone that fits your style as a gaming content writer:
Starter Pack: What to Bring (Item List)
Here’s the exact inventory loadout you’ll want for your first trip. This list is carefully curated so that nothing goes to waste and everything contributes to your setup.
Essential Supplies (for comfort & survival):
- 2x Oxygen Capsules
- 2x Bottled Water
- 2x Food Packs
These are the only items that won’t be directly used for construction. They’re your personal buffer to keep you going during setup.
Must-Have Tools & Materials:
(Exact materials depend on your crafting unlocks, but here’s a general template for high-tier setups)
- Materials for:
- Nuclear Fusion Generator
- T5 Drill
- T5 Heater
- Big Living Compartment
- Living Compartment Door
- Crafting Station T2
- Locker Storage T2
- T2 Gas Extractor
- Extraction Platform
- Interplanetary Travel Rocket
- Rover + Unlimited Oxygen Upgrade
Pro Tip: Build your Rover and Unlimited Oxygen Upgrade at your main base using the Vehicle Station, then install the upgrade, pick up the Rover (red button behind it), and stash it in your inventory before launch.
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Your New Base in Under 5 Minutes
Time to touch down and build your future! Here’s a streamlined strategy that keeps you efficient and safe.
1. Land and Deploy Key Infrastructure
You’ll start in a landing capsule. Don’t waste time — your backpack is your toolbox.
- Exit the capsule and build your Nuclear Fusion Generator. This gives you immediate power.
- Place your T5 Drill and T5 Heater next to the generator. These begin your terraforming process from the first minute.
2. Unpack the Rover (Your Lifeline)
- Retrieve your items from the capsule.
- Deploy your Rover by right-clicking it from your inventory and placing it on flat ground.
- Enter it to activate the Unlimited Oxygen benefit. Now you have mobile, permanent oxygen. No more scrambling for capsules.
3. Establish Your Living Space
- Drive a short distance to find a flat, resource-rich area.
- Build a Big Living Compartment and attach a Living Compartment Door.
- Step inside and place down:
- Crafting Station T2 – for emergency gear or resources.
- Locker Storage T2 – for organizing extra materials you find.
4. Secure Your Atmosphere
Outside your base:
- Build a T2 Gas Extractor and set it to Oxygen extraction. This helps in producing breathable air for later.
5. Begin Mining & Expand Travel
- Nearby, construct an Extraction Platform.
- Go up and place your Interplanetary Travel Rocket.
Now, you’ve unlocked:- Fast travel to/from your main base.
- A mobile resource link.
- A staging point for future expansions.
What’s Next? (Optional Follow-up Supplies)
Now that your outpost is functional, your next trip can focus on customizing to your playstyle:
- More T3 Ore Extractors for rare resources
- Additional Power Units to handle expansion
- Drones for automation
- Storage Facilities or even Bio Domes
You’re no longer just visiting — you’re colonizing.
This method is all about maximizing efficiency and survival with minimal gear. Every item serves a purpose, and within minutes, you go from vulnerable explorer to fully equipped pioneer with access to oxygen, crafting, energy, and interplanetary travel.
So next time you’re eyeing a new moon or planet in The Planet Crafter, don’t just wing it — follow this blueprint and build smarter, not harder.
If this guide helped you or if you have your own optimized loadout strategy, share it in the comments. Let’s build better together!