The world you choose in Stationeers completely changes the early game — your atmosphere, temperature swings, available gases, solar power and gravity all depend on it. This guide compares every world and gives a clear recommendation for where to start and what each one teaches you.
Mars — the recommended starter
Mars is the classic beginner world. It has a thin CO₂ atmosphere you can filter for resources, a manageable day/night cycle for solar power, and the materials you need to bootstrap. The cold and occasional dust storms keep it interesting without being brutal. If it’s your first station, start here — it teaches atmospherics and power without overwhelming you.
The Moon — simple but airless
The Moon (Lunar) has no atmosphere at all and large temperature swings between day and night, with low gravity. Vacuum makes some atmospherics simpler (there’s nothing outside to filter in) but means you must produce or import every gas yourself. A good second world once you understand pressure and sealing.
Vulcan — hot and resource-rich
Vulcan is volcanic and hot, with a thick atmosphere full of pollutants and volatiles. Here cooling becomes the central challenge instead of heating, and the atmosphere is both a hazard and a valuable resource you can harvest. A clear step up in difficulty.
Europa — cold and dark
Europa is an icy moon — extremely cold and far from the sun, so solar power is weak and constant heating is a must. An advanced world that punishes poor insulation and rewards efficient power.
Venus — for veterans only
Venus combines extreme heat, crushing pressure and a corrosive atmosphere. It’s the hardest mainstream world — only attempt it once you’ve mastered atmospherics, cooling and pressure management.
Space / orbit & other bodies
Orbital starts drop you on a station in space — no terrain to mine, constant solar exposure, and pure-vacuum atmospherics. Bodies like Mimas add their own cold, low-gravity twists. These are very different, advanced playstyles.
Quick recommendation
New players: Mars. Comfortable second world: Moon. Then graduate to Vulcan, Europa and Venus as your engineering improves. You set the world in default.ini (see the settings guide). Want a server ready on any world in 60 seconds? Stationeers hosting from $8.50/month.
