Star Atlas Guide: How to Play Holosim

Holosim represents your gateway into the vast economic universe of Star Atlas without any financial commitment. This free-to-play simulation lets you experience the core mechanics of mining, combat, data running, and trading while preparing you for the full web3 experience. Check out this guide to learn the essentials, build good habits, and carry those skills into the larger game when you are ready.

Star Atlas Guide: How to Play Holosim

Getting Started in Holosim

When you first launch Holosim, you'll encounter Sage, your AI assistant who guides you through the simulation. Your first major decision involves choosing between three factions: ONI, MUD, and Ustur. Each faction offers unique ships and aesthetic styles, though gameplay mechanics remain consistent across all factions.

The ONI faction features harmonious designs with ships like the Busuusan Pulse, known for exceptional speed and agility. MUD focuses on rugged, practical vessels, while Ustur emphasizes advanced technology and sleek designs.

Star Atlas: Holosim - Choosing Factions

Setting Up Your Fleet

After character creation, you'll start at your Central Space Station (CSS) with a basic Airbike. Access your fleet through the hangar interface and form your first fleet by clicking Form Fleet. The system automatically configures fuel, ammunition, and food supplies with automation enabled.

A fleet relies on three core components: fuel, ammunition, and food. Fuel powers both warp and subwarp movement so ships can travel where they need to go. Ammunition is required whenever combat occurs. Food sustains the crew during operations and keeps missions running smoothly.

Star Atlas: Holosim - Creating Fleet

Warp & Subwarp Movement Mechanics

Warp

Warp provides rapid transportation across limited distances but consumes significant fuel. Your Airbike can warp approximately two sectors in any direction, with each jump requiring a cooldown period. During warp travel, your fleet becomes completely invulnerable to attacks.

Star Atlas: Holosim - Warp

Subwarp

Subwarp offers unlimited range at slower speeds while maintaining fuel efficiency. This movement type allows mid-flight cancellation, making it perfect for tactical positioning and ambush strategies. However, your fleet remains vulnerable to enemy attacks during subwarp travel.

Star Atlas: Holosim - Subwarp

How Mining Works

Mining forms the backbone of the Holosim economy. Hydrogen serves as the primary resource for fuel production and represents your first mining target. You can start your mining operations by undocking your fleet, selecting it from the sector interface, and clicking Start Mining.

The mining interface displays:

• Available resources in the current sector
• Fuel and ammunition consumption rates
• Estimated completion time
• Cargo capacity utilization

Star Atlas: Holosim - Mining

Different sectors contain varying resource abundances and qualities. Central sectors typically offer better SDU (Survey Data Unit) discovery rates, while outer sectors may provide more basic resources. Monitor your cargo capacity and return to dock when full to automatically unload resources.

Star Atlas: Holosim - Mining

Combat Mechanics

Holosim removes randomness from combat, making outcomes purely dependent on ship statistics and tactical decisions. Key combat stats include:

• Attack Power: Damage output per engagement
• Shield Regeneration: Defensive recovery rate
• Speed: Movement and positioning advantages
• Health: Total damage capacity

Positioning plays a crucial role in combat effectiveness. Use warp for rapid engagement or retreat, while subwarp allows for careful positioning and ambush setups. Study enemy fleet compositions and choose engagements wisely based on your ship's strengths.

How to Scan Sectors

Data running involves discovering Survey Data Units (SDUs) through sector scanning. Configure your fleet with 80% food capacity before beginning scanning operations, as ammunition isn't required for this activity.

Navigate to central sectors for optimal SDU discovery rates. Select your fleet and click Scan to begin operations. The event panel displays current scanning conditions and success probabilities.

Star Atlas: Holosim - Scanning

Continue scanning in sectors with favorable conditions until the node depletes. Poor scanning conditions indicate you should relocate to different sectors. Central map areas consistently provide better SDU discovery rates than peripheral regions.

Trading and Economic

Holosim's trading system mirrors the complexity of the main Star Atlas economy. Resource values fluctuate based on supply, demand, and sector-specific factors. Monitor market trends and identify profitable trade routes between different regions.

Star Atlas: Holosim - Market

Successful trading requires careful fleet configuration and route planning. Balance cargo capacity with defensive capabilities, especially when transporting valuable resources through contested sectors.

When trading, focus on three key factors: cargo capacity, route security, and market timing. Cargo capacity drives profit per trip, so load as much as you can while staying within safe limits. Route security shapes your risk profile; plan safe passages and avoid hotspots. Lastly, market timing affects price optimization. Watch supply and demand cycles so you can buy low, sell high, and choose routes that make each trip more valuable.

Tips & Tricks for Beginners

• Daily Quest Optimization: Complete daily check-ins and tutorial quests for consistent XP rewards. These activities provide steady progression without resource investment and help unlock advanced features.
• Fleet Automation Management: While automation simplifies fleet management, manual control offers greater efficiency. Access automation settings through the cog wheel icon in your fleet panel to customize fuel, ammunition, and food management based on your specific activities.
• Resource Planning: Plan operations based on your fleet's capabilities and current resource reserves. Airbikes have limited range and cargo capacity, requiring frequent returns to base. Factor travel time and fuel consumption into all operational planning.

Final Thoughts

Holosim provides a Star Atlas experience without requiring financial barriers. The focus is on learning the core mechanics, understanding how the economy works, and developing stronger strategic thinking. These skills become valuable if players decide to transition into the main game where progression can include real rewards for effective commanders.

Holosim should be seen as more than a practice tool. It is an opportunity to test whether the Star Atlas setting and gameplay style fit your interests before committing financially. By making use of this simulation, players can build a foundation of knowledge and strategy that may support future success in the larger game world.