GET YOUR BEARINGS
Plan your next SpaceEngine session
Our independent guide helps you get the most out of SpaceEngine’s expansive toolkit. By focusing on core features—scale navigation, terrain generation, flight dynamics, mod creation, and VR immersion—you can build a personalized exploration routine without relying on undocumented shortcuts today.
01 / THE GUIDE
Navigating the 1:1 Scale
Begin by locating Earth, then zoom out to view the Solar System and further to the Milky Way. Observe how distances expand dramatically, reinforcing the simulator’s true‑scale representation.
- Start with nearby Solar System objects to gauge distances.
- Use the scalable map to jump to distant galaxies quickly.
02 / THE GUIDE
Exploring Procedural Worlds
Pick an uncharted star system and land on a generated planet. Walk across the terrain, noting texture detail and atmospheric scattering, then compare with a known planet using the high‑resolution pack.
- Enable the high‑resolution texture packs for familiar planets.
- Observe how atmospheric scattering changes with altitude on procedural worlds.
03 / THE GUIDE
Testing Flight Simulator Physics
Launch a spacecraft in Flight Simulator mode, engage autopilot, and adjust speed to a million times light speed. Watch orbital paths stay accurate while the ship traverses interstellar distances.
- Experiment with the autopilot to maintain stable orbits.
- Try extreme speeds to see distant galaxies blur.
04 / THE GUIDE
Creating and Sharing a Mod
Use the built‑in tutorials to design a new planet, export it as an add‑on, and upload it to the Steam Workshop. Browse others’ creations for inspiration.
- Browse the Workshop for planet packs that extend the known catalog.
- Use the built‑in tutorials to learn the import workflow.
05 / THE GUIDE
Transitioning to VR
After mastering navigation in 2D, switch to VR mode, use one controller to select a distant galaxy and the other to glide through space, noting the immersive depth cues.
- Begin in 2D mode to learn navigation before switching to VR.
- Use the single‑hand selection to jump to distant objects quickly.
