Homeworld 3 has a steep learning curve and getting started with this game won’t be as easy as you might think. Luckily for you, I’ve put a lot of blood, tears, and sweat into learning the game inside and out so you don’t make the same mistakes I did.

Unlike other games in the RTS genre, Homeworld 3 tries hard to introduce you to all the mechanics and help you stand on your own two feet. If you’re like me and have never played an RTS before, you’re going to have a hard time remembering everything the game is trying to teach you. But I’m here to help you find your way around Homeworld 3 with some handy beginner tips and tricks.

Regardless of your experience with the Homeworld franchise or RTS in general, you should start your Homeworld 3 journey with the tutorial. The tutorial is a handful, but it teaches you the basic mechanics, shows you keybinds, and gives you a safe space to practice everything. I’m not ashamed to admit that I spent over an hour in the tutorial, but I learned a lot. I learned how to move and heal units, how to gather resources and why it’s important, and the basics of movement.

One of the most amazing features that Homeworld 3 has to offer is Isaac, or Intel as you may know him. He is essentially your guide through this massive game, and whenever you get lost in your key combinations or are unsure of how to complete a mission, he will step in and give you helpful advice. There were many times when I didn’t know how to perform a specific task and ended up staring at my screen trying to figure it out. That’s when Isaac would jump in and give me some extra information on how to complete the mission and what to do next. He is also quite vocal and will keep reminding you of what to do.