Sandbox games can be overwhelming for new players, especially when one of the core mechanics is exploring deep space. Space Engineers is such a title, but every experienced space engineer has a humble beginning from a particular planet. Here we'll rank the very best starting planets in Space Engineers so you can start on the right foot.

Top 5 Best Starting Planets in Space Engineers

After doing the first scenario, the in-game universe in Space Engineers becomes your playground. Below are five of the best starting planets in Space Engineers to start building your intergalactic empire. Note: The following items aren’t an endgame top-tier list. But these starting planets mentioned below can help beginners gain a foothold before they attempt more challenging locations.

5. Earth

Known in Space Engineers as “EarthLike,” this planet has similar features to the big blue ball we humans call home. Here, it offers diverse and abundant resources, ranging from Nickel to Silicon. These materials are good for building small bases and ships, as they help power different functional blocks. EarthLike also has an Oxygen-rich environment, promoting fairly easy survival. Apart from the resources being diverse, terrains also vary greatly. For instance, you’re walking on a flat plain and suddenly have to climb a cliff.

Obtainable Resources

• Cobalt Ore
• Gold Ore
• Ice Ore
• Iron Ore
• Magnesium Ore
• Nickel Ore
• Silicon Ore
• Silver Ore
• Uranium Ore

4. Pertam

As you escape the EarthLike planet and leave its beginner-friendly features, consider Pertam your next destination. Like the previous planet, Pertram has diverse terrain but is highlighted by canyons, deserts, and mountains. Additionally, Pertam’s higher gravity than EarthLike can keep engineers on their toes. This trait requires you to improve your technologies to accommodate the harsher environment. Still, the planet’s environment is suitable for natural power generation, particularly for Solar Panels and Wind Turbines.

Obtainable Resources

• Cobalt Ore
• Gold Ore
• Ice
• Iron Ore
• Magnesium Ore
• Nickel Ore
• Platinum Ore
• Silicon Ore
• Silver Ore
• Uranium Ore

3. Europa

Despite not being a planet, Europa can still be one of the best starting planets in Space Engineers. Although seen orbiting Mars, Europa is one of Jupiter’s moons. While this space entity might not be a good choice for complete beginners because it lacks many essential resources (particularly Stone), it keeps a reasonably stable climate and is covered with mostly tundra, letting players gather ice easily. Also, this moon’s gravitational pull lets it collect floating asteroids which you can then harvest for resources from within.

Obtainable Resources

• Cobalt Ore
• Gold Ore
• Ice
• Iron Ore
• Magnesium Ore
• Nickel Ore
• Platinum Ore
• Silicon Ore
• Silver Ore

2. Mars

Move out of Europa, and you’ll find Mars nearby. Despite its reddish appearance, engineers can easily find ice on this planet. Nickel and Silicon are also relatively easy to find to help power your functional blocks. But be careful when trying to land on Mars, or you'll quickly become part of it. It has strong gravity, rendering parachutes almost useless.

Obtainable Resources

• Cobalt Ore (added on Mars with Update 1.196)
• Gold Ore
• Ice
• Iron Ore
• Magnesium Ore
• Nickel Ore
• Silicon Ore
• Silver Ore

1. Alien Planet

The Alien Planet is one of the tougher starting planets in Space Engineers. To say that the terrain on this planet is diverse is an understatement. Here, you can explore a blistering desert to a tundra. Brave these challenges, and you can find almost every ore in the game on this planet (except for Platinum and Uranium). True to its name, the Alien Planet is also the home of other lifeforms. Note that some of the life you’ll encounter on this planet aren’t friendly. So, prepare for combat as you explore this location’s many riches.

Obtainable Resources

• Cobalt Ore
• Gold Ore
• Ice
• Iron Ore
• Magnesium Ore
• Nickel Ore
• Silicon Ore
• Silver Ore