Game Start
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These are the starting values of the resources in a standard multiplayer game. Note that the number of tiles containing primary resources are marked. This allows you to get a read on which resources may be in high demand later in the game, and can help you decide which type of HQ to found.
It is important to note that, besides a slow, constant demand for these resources, the only non-player pressures on the market come from the Colony, Surplus/Shortages, and Random Events. |
Market Dynamics
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Note: it will never require more than 100 units bought to increase the price by $1. For example, with a starting price of $1 in an 8-player game, it will only take 100 units bought to move the price to $2, not 200 units.
Supply and Demand
Apart from the differences based on the number of players in a game, or the changes when a resource hits a price of $101, $201, etc..., the market works on a simple supply and demand model. Produce too much of a resource, and the price will eventually diminish.
Colony Needs
The Colony will always consume life support (
Food, 
Water, and 
Oxygen), and will consume some combination of 
Power, 
Glass, 
Electronics, and 
Chemicals.
As the game progresses, the Colony will grow, putting more pressure on the market.
Base Demand
Every 15 seconds, the price of every resource increases, with the increase dependent on how many seconds the game has lasted, how many players are in the game, and the game's location.
The base demand increases the price of every resource by 0.001 * # of Players * (seconds + 100). For example, 150 seconds into the game, prices will increase by $1 in a 4-player game. This amount is multiplied by 1.5 on Io and by 2 on Ceres.
Surplus/Shortage
Shortages caused by the Hacker Array, or a random event affecting one resource, will simulate the effects of someone buying units of the affected resource every second for 30 seconds. Random events that affect multiple resources will also simulate buying units of the affected resources, but only for 20 seconds.
Surpluses act as if someone sells units of the affected resource every second for 30 seconds.
Shortage/surplus effects are modified by a multiplier that increases based on the number of players in the game and the sum of their HQ levels, with the resulting number of units as follows (with N as the sum of all players' HQ levels):
| # of Players | Units bought/sold per second |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.0375N + 1.875 |
| 2 | 0.05N + 3 |
| 3 | 0.10125N + 5.0625 |
| 4 | 0.15N + 7.5 |
| 5 | 0.1875N + 9.375 |
| 6 | 0.225N + 11.25 |
| 7 | 0.2625N + 13.125 |
| 8 | 0.3N + 15 |
Random Events
Every 21 seconds, if there is no random event in progress, a new random event has a 1/6 chance of starting. Given that there is a random event, the possible types and probabilities are as follows. Note that the same random event cannot occur twice in a row.
Depressurization
Causes a shortage in the following resources: Water, Food, and Oxygen. 1.92% chance
Dome Collapse
Causes a shortage in the following resources: Glass, 
Aluminum, and 
Steel. 1.92% chance
Dust Storm
A dust storm lasts 90 seconds and halves the production of Hydroponic Farms, Ice Condensers, Dry Ice Condensers, and Solar Panels, while doubling the production of Wind Turbines. 15.38% chance
Explosion at the Colony
Causes a shortage in the following resources: Glass, Chemicals, and Power. 1.92% chance
Marsquake
This random event causes a shortage in every resource except Power. 3.85% chance
Flash Fire
Causes a shortage in the following resources: Oxygen, 
Fuel, and 
Carbon. 1.92% chance
Metal Oxidation
Causes a shortage in the following resources: Aluminum, 
Iron, and Steel. 1.92% chance
New Claim
Every player receives a new Claim. 3.85% chance
Pipeline Leak
Causes a shortage in the following resources: Water, Oxygen, and Fuel. 1.92% chance
Robbery
Causes a shortage in the following resources: Chemicals, Glass, and Electronics. 1.92% chance
Short Circuit
Causes a shortage in the following resources: Power, 
Silicon, and Electronics. 1.92% chance
Solar Flare
Lasts 90 seconds. Doubles the production of Solar Panels and Solar Condensers. Can only begin between 05:00 and 21:00. 15.38% chance
Random Shortage/Surplus
Causes a shortage/surplus in one resource. 1.92% chance for each possible shortage/surplus