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 the Mosquito ship. Accept a simple cargo mission to Luna Base or Mars Central to learn the landing mechanics.
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
- Trading is more profitable than missions early on
Ship Upgrades System
Upgrading your ship is essential for accessing new regions and improving your capabilities. Each upgrade line progresses independently with exponentially increasing costs.
Fuel Tank
Levels: 1 → 5
Base Cost: 500 cr
| Level 1→2 | 500 cr | +20 fuel |
| Level 2→3 | 1,000 cr | +30 fuel |
| Level 3→4 | 2,000 cr | +40 fuel |
| Level 4→5 | 4,000 cr | +50 fuel |
Engine
Levels: 1 → 3
Base Cost: 1,000 cr
| Level 1→2 | 1,000 cr | 25% fuel savings |
| Level 2→3 | 2,000 cr | 50% fuel savings |
Cargo Hold
Levels: 1 → 3
Base Cost: 800 cr
| Level 1→2 | 800 cr | 10 → 20 units |
| Level 2→3 | 1,600 cr | 20 → 40 units |
Landing Gear
Levels: 1 → 3
Base Cost: 600 cr
| Level 1→2 | 600 cr | +3 m/s safe speed |
| Level 2→3 | 1,200 cr | +4 m/s safe speed |
Recommended Upgrade Order
- Fuel Tank Level 2 (500 cr) - Opens Asteroid Belt with valuable trading
- Cargo Hold Level 2 (800 cr) - Doubles cargo capacity for better profits
- Fuel Tank Level 3 (1,000 cr) - Opens Jupiter system
- Engine Level 2 (1,000 cr) - Reduces fuel costs significantly
- Continue as needed - Balance fuel, cargo, and engine based on your playstyle
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 Types
Cargo Delivery
Transport goods between stations. Payment includes 10% insurance. Safe and reliable income.
Urgent Delivery
Time-sensitive cargo with bonus payments for speed. Higher risk but better rewards.
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
Advanced Tips
Trading > Missions
Once you understand the market, trading is more profitable than missions. Buy low, sell high, and plan round-trip routes.
Hull Repair is Expensive
Repair costs scale with damage. Perfect landings save credits in the long run. Practice makes perfect!
Fuel Management
Always keep reserve fuel. Running out mid-journey means mission failure and lost cargo.
Use the Right Ship
Mosquito for learning, Mule for trading, Vector for speed runs. Match the ship to the mission.
Check Station Connections
Some stations are hubs (4+ connections), others are endpoints. Plan efficient routes through hub stations.
Go Pro!
Pro features include cloud saves, leaderboards, and your pilot name displayed. Support development and show off your skills!