Kerbal Space Program puts you in charge of a fledgling space agency on the planet Kerbin, where you design, build, and fly rockets using realistic orbital mechanics. The game uses a simplified but accurate Newtonian physics model — you need to understand delta-v budgets, transfer orbits, and staging to reach other planets. With Career, Science, and Sandbox modes, KSP caters to both structured progression and creative engineering. The modding community adds thousands of parts, visual overhauls, and automation tools that extend the game indefinitely.
Resource management and crafting determine how quickly your power scales. This guide covers what to prioritize, where to farm, and how to avoid wasting resources on the wrong upgrades.
Crafting Priority List
The order you should invest resources:
| Priority | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Primary equipment | Biggest damage increase per resource spent |
| 2 | Core build gear | Enables your build's key synergies |
| 3 | Defensive upgrades | Survivability for boss fights |
| 4 | Secondary equipment | Situational options for specific content |
| 5 | Consumables | Temporary boosts for hard content |
Resource Farming by Area
Kerbin
Key resources: Early science from KSC biomes, crew experience from orbit Farming efficiency: Low value per run, but safe and consistent
Focus on gathering materials for Mainsail Engine upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Mun
Key resources: High science yields, crew experience boost Farming efficiency: Good early-game farming spot
Focus on gathering materials for Mainsail Engine upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Minmus
Key resources: Easy high-value science, ore mining practice for ISRU Farming efficiency: Best mid-game farming, worth revisiting
Focus on gathering materials for Mainsail Engine upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Duna
Key resources: Major science bonuses, interplanetary crew experience Farming efficiency: High-value materials for late-game upgrades
This is where you farm materials for SRB Booster max upgrades. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Eve
Key resources: Highest science multiplier, ultimate engineering challenge Farming efficiency: Best resources in the game, requires strong build
This is where you farm materials for SRB Booster max upgrades. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Upgrade Path
Early Game (Kerbin — Mun)
- Upgrade your starting equipment to functional level
- Craft basic defensive gear
- Save specialty materials — you'll need them later
- Focus on Mainsail Engine once accessible
Mid Game (Minmus)
- Push Mainsail Engine to mid-level upgrades
- Start collecting materials for SRB Booster
- Craft situational consumables for boss fights
- Upgrade build-specific gear pieces
Late Game (Duna — Eve)
- Max out SRB Booster — this is your top priority
- Complete your build's core gear set
- Craft endgame consumables
- Optional: upgrade secondary equipment for variety
Crafting Mistakes to Avoid
- Spreading upgrades across multiple equipment — Focus one weapon to max before diversifying.
- Hoarding materials — Use them. The game provides enough if you farm efficiently.
- Upgrading the wrong gear — Check our builds guide before investing.
- Ignoring Minmus farming — This area has the best resource-to-time ratio in mid-game.
- Crafting consumables too early — Save specialty materials for late-game recipes.
Resource Efficiency Tips
- Achieve stable Kerbin orbit (both apoapsis and periapsis above 70km) before attempting the Mun — if you can orbit, you understand 80% of what you need for the whole game.
- Farm Minmus during mid-game for the best return on time
- Check the walkthrough to know when each resource becomes available
- Match your farming route to your build — some classes farm faster in certain areas
More Kerbal Space Program Guides
- Kerbal Space Program Kerbal Space Program Overview
- Kerbal Space Program Best Builds
- Kerbal Space Program Tier List
- Kerbal Space Program Walkthrough
- Kerbal Space Program Beginner's Guide
- Kerbal Space Program Tips & Tricks
- Kerbal Space Program Weapons Guide
- Kerbal Space Program Combat Guide
- Kerbal Space Program Boss Guide
- Kerbal Space Program Maps & Locations
- Kerbal Space Program Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Kerbal Space Program, check out these related guides:
- Stardew Valley Crafting Guide — simulation game with similar mechanics
- Satisfactory Crafting Guide — simulation game with similar mechanics
- The Sims 4 Crafting Guide — simulation game with similar mechanics
