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.
Kerbal Space Program features distinct areas with increasing difficulty. This guide covers every major location in progression order — what to do, what to get, and when to move on. For the step-by-step path, see our walkthrough.
Area Progression Order
| Order | Location | Difficulty | Key Rewards | Recommended Build |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kerbin | First flights, suborbital, orbit | Early science from KSC biomes, crew experience from orbit | Engineer |
| 2 | Mun | After achieving stable Kerbin orbit | High science yields, crew experience boost | Engineer |
| 3 | Minmus | After first Mun flyby | Easy high-value science, ore mining practice for ISRU | Pilot |
| 4 | Duna | After Mun/Minmus mastery | Major science bonuses, interplanetary crew experience | Pilot |
| 5 | Eve | Advanced players only | Highest science multiplier, ultimate engineering challenge | Pilot |
Kerbin — Starting Area
Your home planet with thick atmosphere, perfect for testing rockets and planes. Kerbin has multiple biomes each yielding unique science. Its two moons, Mun and Minmus, are visible targets for first interplanetary missions. Launch from the KSC at the equator for maximum orbital velocity boost.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | First flights, suborbital, orbit |
| Key Rewards | Early science from KSC biomes, crew experience from orbit |
| Recommended Build | Engineer |
| Key Equipment | Mainsail Engine |
What to Do Here
- Learn the basics of orbital mechanics — this is where you practice without heavy punishment.
- Collect starting resources and your first equipment upgrade.
- Clear all main content before moving to Mun.
- If you're struggling, read our beginner's guide.
Mun — Early Game
Kerbin's large moon with no atmosphere — you must use engines for landing. Surface gravity is 1.63 m/s2, requiring about 580 m/s for landing from low orbit. Multiple biomes provide rich science. Landing on the Mun is the game's first major milestone.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | After achieving stable Kerbin orbit |
| Key Rewards | High science yields, crew experience boost |
| Recommended Build | Engineer |
| Key Equipment | Mainsail Engine |
What to Do Here
- Focus on mastering staging — it's critical from this point on.
- Farm for Mainsail Engine if you don't have it yet.
- Complete all objectives for maximum rewards.
- Prepare for the difficulty spike in Minmus.
Minmus — Mid Game
Kerbin's tiny outer moon with extremely low gravity (0.491 m/s2) and a slightly inclined orbit. Despite being farther than the Mun, landing on Minmus requires less total delta-v — about 180 m/s for landing. Its flat areas provide easy, safe landing zones. Best first landing target.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | After first Mun flyby |
| Key Rewards | Easy high-value science, ore mining practice for ISRU |
| Recommended Build | Pilot |
| Key Equipment | Mainsail Engine |
What to Do Here
- This is the main skill check. Bring an optimized build.
- SRB Booster becomes accessible here — prioritize getting it.
- Master delta-v budgets for the boss encounters.
- Check our boss guide if you get stuck.
Duna — Late Game
The Mars analogue with thin atmosphere (20% of Kerbin's) that allows partial aerobraking and parachute-assisted landing. Transfer window from Kerbin occurs roughly every 2 years. Its moon Ike is tidally locked and visible from the surface.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | After Mun/Minmus mastery |
| Key Rewards | Major science bonuses, interplanetary crew experience |
| Recommended Build | Pilot |
| Key Equipment | SRB Booster |
What to Do Here
- Full build optimization is expected by this point.
- SRB Booster should be your primary, fully upgraded.
- science collection mastery starts mattering here.
- Farm resources for the push into Eve.
Eve — Endgame
The Venus analogue with crushing atmosphere (5x Kerbin's) and high gravity. Landing is easy — returning from the surface is the hardest challenge in KSP, requiring over 11,000 m/s of delta-v. Do not attempt Eve return missions without extensive planning.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Advanced players only |
| Key Rewards | Highest science multiplier, ultimate engineering challenge |
| Recommended Build | Pilot |
| Key Equipment | SRB Booster |
What to Do Here
- This is endgame. Best-in-slot gear and a perfected build are mandatory.
- See our boss guide for endgame fight strategies.
- The reward loop: clear content → upgrade → push harder content.
- Experiment with Rescue Target for variety once you've mastered the meta.
Exploration Tips
- Clear areas in order — Kerbin → Mun → Minmus → Duna → Eve. Skipping areas means missing resources you'll need later.
- Check every corner — Hidden caches and secrets are often in non-obvious locations.
- Match your equipment — Some areas favor different equipment types.
- Read the walkthrough — Our walkthrough provides exact progression milestones for each area.
- Don't rush — Clearing an area fully gives more resources than speedrunning two 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 Crafting Guide
- Kerbal Space Program Classes & Characters
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