First steps
Contents
Beginning OGame might be a little confusing, especially for those who are not used to browser games. But even if OGame is not your first browser game, it is normal for problems and questions to show up, and that a newcomer does not know everything. We want to provide help for both groups in order to make it easier to learn everything about OGame, in an uncomplicated and easy way.
We do not think of this project as a replacement for the In-game Tutorial, which you may have noticed in the game, but as an addition to it. If you follow its elaborate and illustrated chapters you will nonetheless receive the rewards given for various important milestones while building up your Empire. Here you will find the information needed in the beginning and, moreover, every information you may need to be successful in further stages of OGame.
If this is your first browser game you would like to learn more about the special features of this type of game. Contrary to conventional computer games, OGame continues even if you are not sitting at the computer. This means that while you are working or sleeping, thousands of other players may be online in your universe and are able to attack you as well. OGame, however, does not need any additional software, but you can play OGame at any computer with connection to the web and a browser. Nevertheless one needs to think more strategically than in a normal game where you can save, reload or end a game. But don't worry - this tutorial will provide you with all the information you may need and it will not take a long time to get used to it.
Getting a feel for OGame
Like in every other game, it is recommended to get an idea of the interface at first. You can try the different buttons to see what is inside each button without any risk. One of the most important elements which catches the user's eye immediately are the different resources at the top of the page - OGame revolves around these resources most of the time. Metal, Crystal and Deuterium are necessary for the construction of buildings and units as well as for researches. Generally, Energy is used to run the Mines. The fifth resource - Dark Matter - plays a special role and will be introduced later in the chapter Premium features.
Another important element can be found on the left side: The main menu. Using the buttons placed there get you access to every important sub-menu which you need to use over and over again. The page you are currently looking at is the overview and can be reached every time by clicking the correspondent button. Behind the buttons Resources, Facilities, Research, Shipyard and Defense can be used to unlock and build all the units, buildings, defenses, and conduct research. The further chapters of the tutorial will - in detail - deal with these. The button Galaxy leads to the map of all planets and systems of your Universe. This will gain more importance in further stages of the game. The message system can be found by clicking on the message icon underneath the resources. "Empire View" and "Recruit Officers" will be explained later in the Premium features chapter.
If you now take a look at the interface you may notice the planet list on the right side. In the beginning there is only one planet shown, but in further stages of the game you are able to switch easily between your different planets. At the top of the page you can find another ledge including the highscore, options, and some other points. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find some more links - you may want to pay attention to the Rules and the link to the Board.
Due to the fact that there is no real goal in OGame - which means the game does not end at a specific point by achieving something special - the gamer finds himself in a constant competition with every other gamer playing in the universe. To be successful you have to collect as many resources as possible and invest them into your account. In order to achieve this goal you can either mine them on your planet, trade with other players or you can assault your competitors and steal their resources. In the next chapter - Basic economy - we are going to start by showing you how to build your first mine.