The Universim for Mac: A Detailed Operation Guide

Step 1: Create/Load a Game Project

After launching the game, you will enter the main menu.

• Create a new game: Click “New Game” → select a planet on the Milky Way map (different planets have different attributes) → click “Start Game”. Shortcut: On the menu screen, press Space to quickly start a new game (using default settings).
• Load Save: Click “Load Game” → Select a save file from the save list → Click “Load”. The game’s auto-save location is typically at ~/Library/Application Support/The Universim/Saves/.

Step 2: Initial Tutorial & Basic Construction (Stone Age)

1. Follow Quest Prompts: In the early game, strictly follow the guidance of the quest panel in the bottom-left corner—this is the fastest way to get up to speed.
2. Collect Resources: Use left-click on resources (berry bushes, stones, trees) and select the “Collect” command; followers will automatically go to them.
3. Build Your First Structure:
   • Click the hammer icon in the bottom-right corner to open the build menu.
   • Select “Small Hut” under the “Housing” category.
   • Left-click to place it in the green-highlighted buildable area.
   • Assign followers to go build it (this happens automatically).
4. Use God Powers: When followers are thirsty, click the “Rain” (1) icon in the top power bar and left-click on the target area to cast it. Shortcut: press the number key 1 directly.

Step 3: Mid-Game Management & Technology Research

1. Unlock New Buildings: After completing basic quests, key buildings such as “Well,” “Lumber Mill,” and “Research Lab” will gradually unlock in the build menu.
2. Conduct Research:
   • Click the book icon in the bottom-right corner or press the shortcut R to open the research interface.
   • Select a researchable technology (such as “Basic Tools” or “masonry”) and click the “Research” button.
   • Research points accumulate automatically over time, accelerating as you build more research facilities.
3. Manage Residents: Click the people icon in the bottom-right corner to view resident status. You can manually drag idle residents onto specific buildings to assign them work.
4. Handle Events: Pay attention to random events such as fires, diseases, and wildlife attacks. Use the “Heal” (2) or “Lightning” (3) abilities to deal with them. Shortcuts: 2, 3.

Step 4: Enter a New Era and Expand Across the Planet

Once you complete all core research for an era, an era evolution animation will trigger, advancing you to the next era (such as the Middle Ages or the Industrial Age).

• Plan Your City: Use the “Demolish” tool (the bomb icon in the build menu) to clear old buildings and make room for a more efficient layout of new structures.
• Watch the Ecosystem: Click the globe icon in the bottom-right corner to monitor the planet’s health. Excessive pollution will lead to natural disasters.
• Edicts: Click the Code of Laws icon in the bottom-right corner to issue edicts such as “Encourage Childbirth” and “Water Conservation,” guiding civilized development from a macro-level perspective.

Step 5: Saving and Exporting

The game uses a combination of autosave and manual save.

• Quick Save: During gameplay, press Command + S at any time to perform a quick save.
• Manual Save: Press Esc to bring up the game menu → select “Save Game” → enter a save name → click “Save”.
• Save File Location: All save files (both autosaves and manual saves) are stored as files in the system directory ~/Library/Application Support/The Universim/Saves/. You can access this directory via Finder’s “Go to Folder” feature to back up, copy, or share (i.e., export) your save files.