This blog looks at the various payloads players will have at their disposal to etch their name into the history books with that highly sought-after life specimen.
Rover – Light, Medium & Heavy
The ever-reliable Rover is a robotic vehicle that journeys across the surface in search of new discoveries. This payload will be one of the main tools you use to comb the surfaces of planets to uncover the secret of each planet/moon.
The Rover can have modules applied to perform additional actions, like a loadout, so multiple of the same Rover can have a different use based on which modules are selected. It can reveal hidden world resources using signal detect and investigate sites of interest to reveal resources. In addition to these uses, Rovers can push back the fog from parts of planets/moons which you have yet to explore.
The light, medium, and heavy options for the Rover are unlocked via the game’s Research Tree. The medium and heavy Rovers will give more energy, more movement per turn, and more modules to be applied compared the light.
Lander – Light & Medium
The Lander is a stationary craft that lands on the surface to conduct actions within a large landing radius. If there are multiple sites close together that require your attention, then the Lander will be the perfect payload to investigate these sites one after another.
In addition to investigating sites from afar, the Lander can also produce the Deep Space Network. But, what is the Deep Space Network?
Deep Space Network
The Deep Space Network can be produced by Landers and Bases. It exudes a blue aura around the structure which can be used to restore the energy of your payloads and restores action charges.
As you delve further into your search, you can expand the network by using relay outposts. It also builds and activates outposts that are within its borders, allowing them to gather materials from world resources. As you make leaps towards your ground-breaking discovery, the Deep Space Network could prove to be key in your search.
Flyby
It won’t always be possible to investigate every surface with a grounded payload, due to hazards, so for that you’ll have to scope out the planet from Space. This is where the Flyby comes in! The Flyby is an aerial observer which is useful for reconnaissance missions.
Orbiter
Much like the Flyby, the Orbiter offers support from Space. However, the Orbiter can reveal even more of the surface and provide buffs to the grounded units. The Orbiter is a terrific payload to have if your Rover is low on energy and is venturing into the unknown. The Orbiter could be the difference between a successful mission and your agency falling behind in the race of finding life.
Constructor
As your journey to find life starts to take shape and you begin exploring surfaces beyond Mars, it may be beneficial for you to create your own bases on these planets/moons so payloads can be built and delivered post-haste! For this, the Constructor is crucial in establishing those bases. This payload allows you to create a base to your liking and put your own stamp on a planet/moon. Getting the Constructor to your place of choice is one thing, but you’ll also have to find a suitable area for your home from home to be built on the surface.
Crewed
The final payload that we will cover in this blog will be the Crewed payload. This payload sees a group of astronauts on the surface of a planet or moon and conduct advanced actions effectively. Whether it is experiments or other ways of determining life, this is the fastest way to figure out whether you have found life or not. However, it is the most precious payload, so the risks are very high!
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This is just a small glimpse into the various payloads of Mars Horizon 2: The Search for Life. They all provide different ways of investigating anomalies and signs of life. How you use each of them is up to you.
We’ll have more information on the payloads soon. Until then, keep watching the skies! ✨
