Intelligence Division // Terrain Survey
Stars Reach uses a temperature × moisture biome grid on every terrestrial planet, plus overlay biomes where local geology applies. Entries are grounded in patch notes; overlay biomes marked UNCONFIRMED are community-extrapolated.
Temperature × Moisture Matrix
aka Tundra, Steppe, Cold Desert
Open wind-scoured plains at low temperature with scarce precipitation. Sparse ground cover, permafrost layers, and long sight lines make this the classic exposed-biome challenge.
Prep: insulated gear · cold-resistant canteen
aka Boreal, Snow Forest, Taiga
Snow-laden forests and bog systems at freezing temperatures. Dense canopies muffle sound and shrink sight lines, favoring ambush predators. Owldeer are documented here.
Prep: insulated gear · melee or close-range ranged weapon
aka Grassland, Savanna, Plains
Rolling grasslands and scattered woodland at mild temperature and low moisture. The most forgiving biome for new settlers; home to rabbits, velocirabbits, and armored ballhogs.
Prep: basic starter tools · water canteen
aka Temperate Forest, Woodland
Broadleaf forests and river valleys under mild, wet weather. The most biodiverse early-game biome; nearly every confirmed prey species spawns here, drawing predators in turn.
Prep: basic starter tools · torch for low-light canopy
aka Desert, Badlands
Sand seas, dunes, and sun-baked badlands. Water is scarce and heatstroke is a constant risk. Skysharks patrol the thermals; gashogs nest near gas pockets; ballhogs and prowlers travel the scrubline.
Prep: heat-resistant gear · extra water · ranged weapon for skysharks · avoid gashog gas clouds at melee range
aka Jungle, Rainforest, Wetland
Dense rainforests and bayous under heavy rainfall. Rich soils and prolific flora, but visibility is poor and kharvix flocks harass travellers. Not as immediately dangerous as the hot arid biome, but fatigue compounds fast.
Prep: breathable gear · ranged weapon for flocks · machete or cutting tool
aka Shoreline, Beach, Tidal
Tidal zones where any biome meets open water. Salt-rich resources and distinct flora. Tidal cycles alter harvestable flora and exposed resources on short timers.
Prep: waterproof pouch · harvesting tool
aka Caves, Deep Hollows
Cave systems, natural tunnels, and deep hollows beneath any surface biome. Richest source of ore veins and crystal nodes, but pathing is dangerous and line of sight is limited.
Prep: light source · rope or climbing gear · mapped entrances
aka Magma Fields, Caldera
Active lava flows, sulfur vents, and ash plains. An overlay biome that can appear on any temperature band when a planet has active geology. Rare mineral rewards, extreme risk.
Prep: heat-resistant gear tier 2+ · gas mask · ranged tools only — avoid prolonged stationary work