Proposal for a 4 Core Levels + AI Research System

I think the progression system in the game could be redesigned to make advancement more meaningful and more directly tied to player actions, instead of being just XP-based.

First of all, XP gain should not be easy. Players should only progress when they genuinely put in effort.

⚙ 4 Core Level System

⛏ Mining Level

Increases by performing mining activities (hand tools, mining ships, automated mining systems, etc.).

• Grows through resource extraction activities
• Unlocks mining and resource production blocks

🌌 Exploration Level

Increases when discovering new ores, hidden bases, abandoned ships, and structures.

• Caches and discovery points are important
• Unlocks blocks related to scanning, exploration, and analysis systems

🔫 Combat Level

Increases by dealing damage to enemy structures and ships using weapons.

• Not just destruction—active participation in combat matters
• Unlocks weapons, armor, and combat systems

🏗 Builder Level

Grows by constructing structures and using production tools.

• Includes hand tools and ship-based construction systems
• Unlocks building, production, and engineering blocks

🤖 AI Research Block System

Instead of directly unlocking blocks, the progress from these 4 levels is processed through an AI Research Block.

🔬 Working Mechanism

• Newly unlocked technologies are researched here
• Consumes high energy
• Requires time
• Generates significant heat while operating (requires heat management)

🏭 Production Integration

Once research is completed, production of these technologies becomes available in connected bases.

💥 Combat and Damage System

If the AI Research Block is destroyed:

• All research is not fully reset
• A random portion of progress is lost

🔄 Recovery System

When the AI Research Block is rebuilt:

• A recovery system activates
• Part of the previous research can be restored

🌐 AI Research Network (Multi-Base System)

The AI Research Block is not limited to a single base.

• Can be installed in multiple bases or ships
• All blocks form a research network (if antenna range is sufficient)
• Research data is synchronized across the network

💾 Backup System

• AI Research Blocks can back up each other
• If one block is damaged, others can continue the process
• Manual transfer is possible via a portable “data disk/SSD” item

🧭 Exploration & Loot Integration

• Abandoned bases and ships may contain unresearched technologies
• These data can be collected and transferred into the AI Research Network
• Thus, exploration directly contributes to technological progress

🎯 Design Purpose

• Progress is not just an XP bar, but an activity-based system
• Mining / exploration / combat / building are separate specialization paths
• The research system converts this progression into technology
• Inter-base network structure adds strategic depth
• Combat does not mean full reset, but creates risk and loss tension