Mastering Galactic Exploration for Efficient Expansion

Introduction

Exploration is one of the most important aspects of Distant Worlds 2. It allows you to find valuable resources, locate habitable planets, and uncover hidden artifacts. A well-managed exploration strategy will help you expand efficiently, gather key materials, and gain strategic advantages over rival empires.

This guide covers:

• How Exploration Works
• Exploration Methods (Manual, Automated, and Passive)
• Optimal Research Order for Exploration
• How to Manage Your Exploration Ships Effectively
• Pro Tips for Faster Scouting

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1. Understanding Exploration Levels

Every celestial body in Distant Worlds 2 (planets, moons, asteroids, etc.) has three levels of exploration:

Exploration Level	Description
Level 1 (Unexplored)	Never scanned. Displays “Resources Unknown.”
Level 2 (Partially Explored)	Initial scan done; some resources detected, but more might be hidden.
Level 3 (Fully Explored)	All available data is revealed. Resources, research bonuses, and artifacts are fully known.

When exploration reaches Level 3, no more scans are needed, and you have complete knowledge of that location.

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2. Methods of Exploration

There are three main ways to explore in Distant Worlds 2:

1. Manual Exploration (Most Efficient)

• Select an Exploration Ship (scout ship) and right-click a celestial body → Select “Survey.”
• Manually choosing high-priority planets, moons, and asteroid fields ensures fast and efficient exploration.
• Best used early in the game when you need to direct scouts toward valuable resource locations.

2. Automated Exploration (Set & Forget)

• Set your Exploration Ships to Auto-Explore (Right-Click → Auto-Explore).
• They will randomly survey planets, moons, and asteroids.
• Drawback: The AI may waste time scanning low-value locations instead of strategic areas.

3. Passive Exploration (Mining Stations & Bases)

• Mining Stations and Research Bases automatically reveal resources and research bonuses over time.
• If a Mining Station is built at an unscanned asteroid, it will fully explore it without needing an exploration ship.
• This is a great way to passively scan planets/moons you plan to colonize.

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3. How to Speed Up Exploration

1. Research the Right Tech First

To explore effectively, research these three critical technologies in this order:

1. Early Warp Field Experiments (Unlocks warp drives for interstellar travel)
2. Exploration Scanner (Allows wide-area scanning for faster exploration)
3. Stable Warp Fields (Greatly increases warp jump range)

With Exploration Scanners, ships scan multiple objects at once, greatly speeding up exploration.

2. Use the Exploration Scanner Correctly

Once installed, Exploration Scanners scan everything in a 5,000 radius AOE (Area of Effect).

• Pro Tip: Instead of scanning one asteroid at a time, move your explorer to the center of an asteroid belt.
• Use Control + Right Click → Explore to scan multiple objects at once.
• This technique is essential for scanning dense asteroid fields quickly.

3. Managing Auto-Exploration Behavior

By default, explorers scout a system but don’t scan every object in-depth.
To force full system scanning:

• Manually set explorers to “Explore System” instead of “Scout System.”
• “Scout System” → The ship quickly visits a system, marks celestial bodies, and leaves.
• “Explore System” → The ship fully surveys all planets, moons, and asteroids before moving on.

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4. Managing Your Exploration Fleet

1. How Many Exploration Ships Do You Need?

• Small Galaxy: 5-8 ships
• Medium Galaxy: 10-15 ships
• Large/Dense Galaxy: 15+ ships
• Dense Star Clusters: More ships (because many systems will be within range).
• Sparse Galaxies: Fewer ships (as jumps take longer, reducing ship efficiency).

Pro Tip:

• Build extra scouts early so you can survey multiple systems simultaneously.
• Once major exploration is done, repurpose excess explorers as recon scouts for enemy territory.

2. Manual vs. Automated Exploration

Manual (Best for Early Game) ✔ Prioritizes high-value systems
✔ Ensures fast discovery of key planets & resources
✔ Prevents wasting time on useless asteroids

Automated (Best for Mid-Late Game) ✔ Covers a wider area without micromanagement
✔ Works well when you already have strong resource production
✔ Frees up attention for managing other aspects of your empire

3. Setting Exploration Automation Policies

• Exploration Ships → Start in Manual Mode
• Later (when automated):
  • Set them to “Auto-Explore” once you have good scanner tech.
  • Turn on “Explore System” instead of “Scout System” for full scans.

How to Change Automation Settings:

1. Open Policies Menu
2. Find “Exploration Ships” → Set to “Manual” (Early Game)
3. Change to “Auto-Explore” (Mid-Late Game)

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5. Advanced Exploration Tactics

1. Prioritizing System Scanning

Not all systems are equal. Prioritize these for early exploration: ✔ Systems close to your homeworld
✔ Systems with multiple planets (higher chance of habitable worlds)
✔ Systems with asteroid belts (high metal/mineral density)
✔ Systems near rivals (for military intelligence)
✔ Systems with exotic star types (often contain valuable anomalies)

Avoid wasting time on single-planet systems unless necessary.

2. Using Manual Navigation to Avoid Wasted Time

Exploration ships often waste time on unimportant objects.

• Use manual movement to send them straight to key planets & moons.
• If they’re stuck scanning every single asteroid, take control and move them to the next system.

3. Long-Term Exploration Strategies

• Keep scouting new regions to locate habitable planets for colonization.
• Upgrade your explorers with better hyperdrives & scanners to reach further systems.
• Use spies & sensor stations to monitor enemy exploration patterns.
• Place listening posts & space stations near strategic choke points to passively gather intel.

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6. Summary & Final Tips

✔ Research Early Warp Drives ASAP to increase range.
✔ Use Exploration Scanners to scan multiple objects at once.
✔ Manually explore key planets before switching to automation.
✔ Prioritize systems with high planet counts & asteroid belts.
✔ Set up Mining Stations to passively explore resources.
✔ Once key systems are explored, repurpose extra explorers for recon & spying.

With these strategies, you’ll quickly map out the galaxy, secure vital resources, and gain a massive early-game advantage in Distant Worlds 2! 🚀✨

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