First steps
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In the beginning OGame might be a little confusing, for any new player, even if this is not his first online multiplayer game but especially for those who are not use to browser games. But even if OGame is not the first browser game one plays, it is normal for problems and questions to show up, and that a newcomer does not know everything. We want to provide help for both groups in order to make it easier to learn everything about OGame in a pleasant and easy way. In the spirit of the words of Douglas Adams: "DON'T PANIC", all will become clear after reading this tutorial.
We did not create this project as a replacement for the in-game Tutorial, which you may have noticed in the game, but as an addition to it. By working along the game's tutorial you will nonetheless receive the rewards given for various important milestones while building up your Empire. Here, in wiki, you will find the detailed and illustrated information needed in the beginning and, moreover, all the information you may need to be successful in further stages of OGame.
If this is your first browser game, then there are some special features of this type of game you will need to pick up very fast to be able to feel the pleasure of gaming and survive in game. Contrary to conventional computer games OGame continues even if you are not sitting at the computer. This means that while you work or sleep, thousands of other players may be online in your universe and are able to attack you as well. OGame does not need any additional software, and you can play OGame at any computer, mobile phone or tablet with a web-browser and a connection to the internet. One needs to think more strategically than in a normal game where you can save, reload or end a game. But don't worry - this tutorial will provide you with every bit of information you may need and it will not take a long time to get use to it.
Getting a feel for OGame
Like in every other game it is recommended to get an idea of the interface at first. You may feel overwhelmed by the amount of information you are presented with, but you will become accustomed to it very quickly.
Up top, your eyes are immediately drawn to the different resources you possess. Metal, Crystal and Deuterium are necessary for the construction of buildings, ships and conducting research. Generally Energy is used to run the Mines. The fifth resource - Dark Matter - plays a special role and will be introduced later in the chapter Premium features.
Along the left of the page are the main game menus. Behind each one you can find vital information about the state of your empire, and universe you play in. These menus allow you to construct resource buildings, facilities, ships, defense, conduct research, launch missions, communicate with other players, or purchase the premium features. Each of these options will be covered further by this tutorial. Beneath this menu you will find an "envelope". This is your direct link to the messaging system where you can communicate with others, read fleet reports, alliance messages or other reports shared by your friends and allies or generated by the system as you play. It will glow and show a number when there is new mail to be read. Next to the letter symbol you can see the chat symbol where you can find all personal messages from your alliance mates, buddies or even strangers.
On the right hand side of the page is a direct link to each planet you will come to own. Currently you have only one, but in time as you colonise more planets this list will allow you to navigate through your colonies with ease.
At the very top and at the bottom of your game window one can find another ledge including links to the high-scores, options, support, forum, game rules and other important information. Upon completion of this tutorial It would be wise to check these out. In the lower right corner you can see a chat bar for personal messages similar to the one from Facebook that can be opened or closed by a single click on the bar.
Due to the fact that there is no real end game goal in OGame - which means the game does not end at a specific point by achieving something special - the gamer finds himself in a constant competition with every other gamer playing in the universe, loosing and winning, learning and progressing through ranks. To be successful, you have to gather as many resources as possible and invest them into your account. In order to achieve this goal you can either mine them on your planets, trade with other players or you can assault your competitors and steal their resources, whilst at the same time defend your resources from others. All of this again will be covered in the tutorial, so have no fear, all will become clear.
In the next chapter Basic economy we are going to start by showing you how to build your first mine.