Kerbal Space Program Beginner Tips

Even though it's been over ten years since Squad (the game developer) released Kerbal Space Program, players still enjoy sending Kerbals (the tiny green humanoids from Kerbin) out into the vast void of space. And players can do so by constructing intricate rockets that will either take off majestically or come crashing down in horror.

And now is a good moment to start learning how to run a space program efficiently while avoiding unfortunate Kerbal deaths since Squad delayed Kerbal Space Program 2 once again. But, of course, in order to do so, players will need to learn a couple of tips and tricks that Kerbal Space Program doesn't fully explain to them.

10 Rocket Ergonomics

Image of the Rocket Construction Phase from Kerbal Space Program.

Undoubtedly, the rocket construction feature is one of the most interesting yet difficult gameplay mechanics of Kerbal Space Program (which is why so many critics regard it as one of the best flight simulators in recent years). But, mastering the art of rocket construction can be tricky, which is why players should consider the following tips while building their rockets:

Put Fins At The Bottom of Rocket To Stabilize Take Off
Don't Attach Liquid Fuel Tanks Above Or Below SRB
Position Red Launch Clamps On The Rocket Boosters
Avoid Placing Parachutes On Liquid Boosters Or SRB

That's why most KSP veterans create a self-check list to ensure they don't place anything where it shouldn't be. Moreover, players need to make sure they add enough parachutes (apart from learning the basics of deploying a parachute) onto the rocket, or their return home will end up in a fiery explosion.

9 Use Emergency Fuels

Image of a Reserve Battery used for Emergency Landing in Kerbal Space Program.

Another fascinating aspect that makes Kerbal Space Program an amazing flight simulator-type game is that space is nearly-endless, just like real life. But, with so much space, players can expect flights to take longer than anticipated, especially while traversing to faraway planets like Eeloo or Jool.

Fortunately, Kerbal Space Program has many ways players can ensure that the Kerbal astronauts make it back alive. One such way is including solar panels that charge the reserve battery fuel for the rocket or any other space vehicle. But, players should be careful and not attach the solar panels or batteries onto a piece that will detach!

8 Reentry To The KSP Base

An Image of a Base from Kerbal Space Program

One of the most difficult maneuvers to pull in Kerbal Space Program is landing in one piece. So to execute a landing safely, players will want first to place a Kerbal in a pod and launch it to the designated landing zone. Then, they'll want to set a flag that will act as a permanent marker.

Players can then start the landing protocols and use the marker as a guide. But, players should make sure that they stay on the Map View since it's a lot easier to navigate and locate the marker. Perhaps in the rumored mobile version of Kerbal Space program, the landing will be a lot more manageable.

7 Walking In Space

Image of a Kerbal Walking in Space from Kerbal Space Program.

There will be times when a player accepts a contract that'll require them to get out of the rocket and spacewalk to fix a damaged satellite or other space-faring equipment. And that's when players will need to learn how to perform an EVA (extravehicular activity) safely.

To start a spacewalk, players must choose a Kerbal and select EVA. Once out, they'll need to maneuver around the area with a jetpack, which is why players should practice using the jetpack prior to the mission or at the very least read a jetpack guide.

6 Don't Shoot For The Moon...Yet

Image of a Kerbal Landing on the Moon from Kerbal Space Program.

Even though most new players are anxious about exploring every planet and moon available in Kerbal Space Program, the truth is that they won't be able to do any of that, especially in the early stages of the game. Before they can even contemplate traveling to a planet, they'll need to learn the basics of taking off, maneuvering the shuttle, and landing.

Moreover, they'll want to learn how to use the other space vehicles available in Kerbal Space Program. And the best way to learn the ropes is by completing contracts, which offer a decent amount of challenge that'll put to the test a player's space-traveling skills.

5 Be Careful With The Atmosphere

Image of the Atomosphere of a Planet from Kerbal Space Program.

Another realistic feature that Kerbal Space Program has is how the atmospheres react to a rocket's departure and entry. While breaking past the atmosphere during reentry is a no-brainer, it's the departure that's a real challenge. First of all, players will need to make sure that the circular yellow marker is aimed at the Navball.

Once the yellow marker and the Navball are aligned, players should lower the shuttle's throttle to green and maintain that speed. Finally, they should keep an eye on the Periapsis level until it reads 75,000, and once it does, they should cut engine power.

4 Have Fun In Sandbox Mode

Image of Sandbox Mode from Kerbal Space Program.

Science Mode is the most realistic game mode since players must research and purchase every technology, but it's also quite difficult for new gamers. Fortunately, Kerbal Space Program has a Sandbox Mode that allows players to experiment with everything in the game.

This game mode is the perfect place to learn how to construct a rocket or even practice spacewalking properly. Moreover, the final Space Kerbal Program update includes even more useful tools and features to help new players become acquainted with the game's unique mechanics.

3 Not All Contracts Require A Spaceship

Image of different contracts available in Kerbal Space Program.

Many new players avoid accepting contracts since they think each contract will have them traveling out into outer space. But in reality, players can complete some contracts without needing to use a rocket.

For example, some simple contracts ask the player to locate and recover samples found on the planet they're currently in, which means they won't need to build a rocket. Moreover, completing contracts is the best way to raise funds for a player's space program. But, of course, players should move on to harder contracts once they gain enough gameplay knowledge, so they earn more per contract.

2 Take It Easy

Image of a a Rocket exploding in Kerbal Space Program.

Even though Kerbal Space Program is a challenging game to play, it doesn't mean players need to play it in the most difficult setting. So, new players do well in starting the game on a lower difficulty setting since it'll give them leeway if they make a mistake.

Moreover, too many failures in a Normal or higher difficulty setting will be an automatic game over, which can be disheartening to newer players. And once a player beats the easiest settings, they can move on to a harder one since they'll be more prepared for the challenge.

1 Sit Back And Enjoy The View

Image of a Space Shuttle on a Planet in Kerbal Space Program.

It's easy for new players to only focus on managing and constructing rockets and forget about enjoying the beautiful scenery space travel provides. So, new players should remember that Kerbal Space Program is one of the longest games to complete, which means they'll have plenty of time to finish projects or contracts.

Whenever a Kerbal travels through space, a player can press Space View to get a third-person view of the shuttle and everything around it. And if a player wants to see what the Kerbals are up to within the shuttle, they can press IVA (intra-vehicular activity) to view the inside of the ship.

Kerbal Space Program is available now for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, and Xbox One.

More: Take-Two Accused of Ruining Kerbal Space Program 2 Development Team