Gameplay Guide
Everything you need to know to become a successful pilot
Getting Started
1. Download & Install
Get SkyLander from the Garmin Connect IQ Store on your compatible Garmin watch. Launch the app and create your pilot profile.
2. Your First Flight
Start at Earth Orbit with your Mosquito ship. Travel to Luna Base to discover it - this unlocks trading and missions to that station. Practice landing before taking on cargo.
3. Master Landing
Landing is physics-based - use your thrusters to counter gravity and control your descent. Aim for gentle touchdowns to preserve hull integrity.
Quick Tips for Beginners
- Start with short routes (Earth → Moon)
- Land slowly - below 5 m/s is safe
- Watch your fuel gauge carefully
- Save credits for fuel tank upgrade first
- Discover stations before missions become available
Ship Upgrades
Upgrade your ship to access new regions and improve capabilities. Costs double with each level.
Fuel Tank
Levels: 1 → 5 | Base: 500 cr
100 → 150 → 200 → 250 → 300 fuel capacity
Engine
Levels: 1 → 3 | Base: 1,000 cr
100% → 75% → 50% fuel consumption
Cargo Hold
Levels: 1 → 3 | Base: 800 cr
10 → 20 → 40 cargo units
Landing Gear
Levels: 1 → 3 | Base: 600 cr
Safe landing speed: +20% → +40%
Suggested Priority
1. Fuel Tank L2 (unlocks Asteroid Belt) → 2. Cargo Hold L2 (doubles profits) → 3. Fuel Tank L3 (unlocks Jupiter) → 4. Engine L2 (fuel savings)
Regional Access Requirements
The solar system is divided into 5 regions, each requiring specific upgrade levels to access. Plan your upgrades accordingly!
Inner System
Earth, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Venus
Asteroid Belt
Ceres, Vesta, Pallas, Juno, Hygiea
Jupiter System
Europa, Ganymede, Io, Callisto, Jupiter
Saturn System
Titan, Enceladus, Rhea, Ring Station
Outer System
Uranus, Neptune, Triton, Pluto
Mission System
How Missions Work
Discovery Required: You must first travel to and discover a station before missions to that station become available.
Hired Ships: Missions provide a specialized ship (Mule or Vector) - you don't use your Mosquito. After completing the mission, you're returned to your original station with your Mosquito.
Pre-Fueled: Mission ships come with plenty of fuel for the job - no need to worry about your personal fuel reserves.
Mission Types
Cargo Delivery (Mule)
Transport goods between stations using the heavy-lift Mule ship. Payment includes 10% insurance.
Urgent Delivery (Mule)
Time-sensitive cargo with bonus payments for speed. The Mule handles heavy loads efficiently.
Reconnaissance (Vector)
Scout missions using the agile Vector ship. Collect data points while navigating hazardous terrain.
Rescue (Vector)
Emergency rescue operations requiring the Vector's speed and maneuverability.
Landing Physics
Key Concepts
- Gravity: Constantly pulls your ship down. Varies by location (Moon is easier than Earth).
- Mass: Ship + Fuel + Cargo. More mass = harder to stop, more fuel needed.
- Thrusters: Main thruster counters gravity. Side thrusters control horizontal movement.
- Velocity: Keep landing speed under 5 m/s for safety. Slower = better.
Landing Technique
- Approach landing pad from above
- Use main thruster early to slow down
- Adjust horizontal position with side thrusters
- Final approach: gentle thrust bursts
- Touch down at < 5 m/s
Station Services
Refueling
1 credit per fuel unit (10-unit increments)
Always keep reserve fuel for landing maneuvers.
Hull Repair
5 credits per 1% damage (10% increments)
Perfect landings = no damage. Mission repairs are auto-deducted.
Support Development
SkyLander is now completely free with all features unlocked. If you're enjoying the game, consider supporting development with an optional donation to help create new content and features.
Register & Support