How to Colonize a New Island in Before We Leave: A Comprehensive Guide

Colonizing a new island in Before We Leave involves repairing the Ruined Ship found on your starting island. This requires gathering a significant amount of resources and a population of at least 25 Peeps. Once repaired, the Ruined Ship transforms into a Colony Ship, allowing you to set sail and establish a new settlement on another island.

The Journey to New Horizons

Before We Leave, developed by Balancing Monkey Games, offers a unique blend of city-building, resource management, and exploration in a post-apocalyptic setting. Your civilization, the Peeps, emerges from underground shelters after generations to rebuild and expand across a world made up of hexagonal tiles. A core element of the game is venturing beyond your starting island to colonize new territories, manage resources across multiple locations, and ultimately, confront the ancient evils that slumber beneath the surface. Understanding how to efficiently colonize new islands is crucial for long-term success.

Step-by-Step Colonization Process

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to successfully colonize a new island:

1. Locate the Ruined Ship: The Ruined Ship is usually found relatively early in the game on your starting island. Explore thoroughly to discover its location.

2. Assess Resource Requirements: Hovering over the Ruined Ship will display a detailed list of the resources needed to repair it. Common requirements include wood, stone, metal, and sometimes more advanced materials like tools or refined resources.

3. Gather Resources: Prioritize resource gathering. Construct necessary resource production buildings like woodcutters, stone quarries, and metal mines. Optimize your layouts and upgrade buildings to increase production efficiency.

4. Population Growth: Ensure your population reaches at least 25 Peeps. This involves providing adequate housing, food, and other essential needs. Build houses, farms, and water wells to support your growing population.

5. Repair the Ship: Once you have the required resources and population, assign your Peeps to repair the Ruined Ship. The repair process takes time, so be patient and ensure a steady supply of resources throughout.

6. Transform the Ship: Upon completion, the Ruined Ship will transform into a Colony Ship. This ship is your ticket to new islands!

7. Choose Your Destination: Scout out potential islands using the exploration mechanic (usually involving research and building specific exploration structures). Consider the island’s resources, size, and potential hazards (like aggressive wildlife).

8. Embark and Sail: Select the Colony Ship and choose your destination island. A journey time will be displayed, so prepare for a delay before arriving.

9. Establish a Colony: Upon arrival at the new island, you’ll need to establish a basic settlement. This typically involves building a town center or equivalent structure to serve as the heart of your new colony. Prioritize securing basic resources like food, water, and wood to ensure the survival of your initial colonists.

10. Expand and Thrive: Gradually expand your colony by building resource production buildings, housing, and infrastructure. Remember to manage your Peeps’ needs and maintain a balanced economy to ensure long-term growth and prosperity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if I run out of resources while repairing the Ruined Ship?

The repair process will pause until you replenish the missing resources. Make sure to monitor your resource levels and proactively address any shortages to avoid delays.

2. Can I send more than 25 Peeps on the Colony Ship?

The Colony Ship typically has a fixed capacity. You usually can’t send more than the minimum required number of Peeps. Focus on optimizing the initial colony setup and then transport additional Peeps later as needed.

3. How do I scout for new islands?

Exploration is usually unlocked through research in the tech tree. Build the necessary research buildings (like a library or university) and invest in exploration technologies. These technologies often allow you to build scouting ships or structures that reveal the map and identify potential colony locations.

4. What are the best islands to colonize first?

The best islands to colonize first are those that offer a diverse range of resources that complement your existing production. Look for islands with resources you lack or those that provide access to essential trade goods. Consider proximity to your starting island to minimize travel times.

5. How do I defend my new colony from threats?

Some islands may have aggressive wildlife or other dangers. Build defensive structures like towers or walls to protect your Peeps. Research technologies that improve your defenses and train military units if necessary.

6. Can I trade between my islands?

Yes! Establishing trade routes between your islands is crucial for efficient resource management and economic growth. Build ports or trading posts on each island and set up automated trade routes using ships.

7. How do I manage the needs of Peeps on multiple islands?

Carefully monitor the needs of your Peeps on each island. Build the necessary production buildings to provide food, water, housing, and other essentials. Use trade routes to transport resources between islands to address any shortages.

8. What happens if my colony fails?

If your colony fails due to starvation, attacks, or other disasters, you may lose control of the island. You’ll need to rebuild your colony from scratch, which can be a significant setback. Prioritize the survival and well-being of your Peeps to prevent such failures.

9. Can I dismantle the Colony Ship after it reaches the new island?

No, the Colony Ship usually disappears after dropping off the Peeps and resources on the new island. You will have to build additional ships for trading or transporting resources between your islands.

10. Are there any penalties for colonizing too many islands?

While there isn’t a hard limit on the number of islands you can colonize, expanding too quickly can strain your resources and lead to management challenges. Focus on consolidating your existing colonies and ensuring they are stable before expanding further.

11. How do I upgrade my colonies?

Upgrade your colonies by investing in infrastructure, production buildings, and housing. Research new technologies that unlock advanced buildings and improvements. Happy and well-fed Peeps are more productive, so prioritize their needs.

12. What is the role of research in colonization?

Research plays a critical role in colonization by unlocking new technologies that improve resource production, exploration, and defense. Invest in research early and often to gain a competitive advantage and overcome challenges. The Games Learning Society values how games like this integrate learning into gameplay. Learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

13. Can I rename my islands?

Most city-building games like Before We Leave allow renaming of islands for better organization and management. Check the game’s interface for options related to island management or customization.

14. What are the endgame goals related to colonization?

The endgame goals in Before We Leave typically involve expanding your empire across multiple islands, developing advanced technologies, confronting the ancient threats that lurk beneath the surface, and achieving a thriving and prosperous civilization. Colonization is a key step in achieving these goals.

15. Can I lose an island I have already colonized?

Yes, you can lose an island. If your colony’s happiness plummets and unrest takes over, or if an external force attacks and overwhelms your defenses, the island can be lost. Maintaining a well-managed colony is essential for keeping it.

By following these steps and considering the FAQs, you’ll be well-equipped to successfully colonize new islands in Before We Leave and build a thriving civilization across the stars. Good luck, and happy colonizing!