GET YOUR BEARINGS
Plan your next Approximately Up session
Our independent guide helps you get the most out of Approximately Up by breaking down its core systems and offering practical observations. Whether you’re a solo builder or part of a four‑person crew, these exercises let you compare design choices, refine logic circuits and adapt to each planet’s unique conditions without promising hidden bonuses.
01 / THE GUIDE
Component Weight Comparison
Build two identical ships differing only in frame material. Observe how ship design impacts travel time during short hops between stations.
- Try building a simple test craft first to understand how component placement influences performance.
- Experiment with different frame materials, such as heat‑resistant frames, to see how they affect ship durability.
02 / THE GUIDE
Sensor Placement Test
In Creative mode, place a sensor at three distances from a mock planet surface. Observe sensor readouts to understand how placement affects data collection during missions.
- Assign each player a specific subsystem (e.g., propulsion, power, navigation) to keep the build organized.
- Communicate about cable connections early to avoid later troubleshooting.
03 / THE GUIDE
PID Controller Tuning
Create a simple thrust control loop using a PID controller. Adjust proportional, integral and derivative values while monitoring ship stability during ascent, noting which settings yield smooth climbs.
- Observe each planet’s gravity and adjust thrust power accordingly before launch.
- The dynamic soundtrack changes as you explore and make new discoveries.
04 / THE GUIDE
Co‑op Role Division
Assign each teammate a specific subsystem (e.g., power, navigation, communication). Run a timed build session and evaluate how clear role division impacts overall construction speed and error rate.
- Use Creative mode to prototype complex logic circuits before implementing them in missions.
- Experiment with different sensor placements to see how they affect data collection.
05 / THE GUIDE
Planetary Gravity Adaptation
Select two planets with contrasting gravity. Design a ship optimized for each, then attempt a cross‑planet flight. Record performance differences to understand how gravity shapes engine requirements.
- Track which missions grant permanent world changes to plan long‑term exploration routes.
- Browse the Steam Workshop for community‑made ship designs that may inspire your own builds.
