![[Left Panel] a close up view of wooden fermentation barrels. [Right Panel] A trading pod. [Center] A transparent galacticoin. Images from Stranded: Alien Dawn.](https://static1.thegamerimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/trading-outpost-guide-stranded-alien-dawn.jpg?q=50&fit=contain&w=1140&h=570&dpr=1.5)
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At the outset of Stranded: Alien Dawn's early access run, the only available scenario was "Crash Landing." This scenario tasked survivors with enduring life on a foreign planet until they could contact a rescue team. However, the Sow And Sell update introduced "Trading Outpost," an entrepreneurial scenario.
Completing the "Trading Outpost" scenario requires the same amount of strategy and management that has defined Stranded's gameplay. However, with a new goal, players must translate the foundational rules implemented in "Crash Landing" into profit.
Updated April 21, 2023, by Chris Sanfilippo: Stranded: Alien Dawn leaves early access in May. So, we're revamping several flagship guides, including our Trading Outpost tips and tricks. This update is optimized for readability and includes links to other Stranded guides you'll find instrumental.
What Is The Scenario Objective?
In the Trading Outpost scenario, you must save enough Galacticoins to purchase the deed to your new home planet. This deed costs one million Gallacticoins - which is no small feat. Furthermore, you'll only get four opportunities to buy the deed per year; less if the visiting trader does not sell it.
Who Can I Trade With?
You'll meet four kinds of trade ships in Stranded: Alien Dawn. Each type buys and sells different goods. But two ships of the same kind may not trade the same goods. Here's what you can expect.
|
Ship Type |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Outer Colonies Federation |
The Outer Colonies Federation is a vaguely regulated trade alliance of farming outposts and small colonies. They have a dozen large cargo ships capable of interstellar travel, which deliver large amounts of raw resources to the Inner Worlds. They buy processed goods. |
|
Galactic Trade League |
The Galactic Trade League is the main supplier of goods in the Inner Worlds. They occasionally send ships to the Outer Worlds, selling high-end goods and buying raw resources for the staggering old economies. However, they are prohibited by law from trading in arms. |
|
The Smugglers Guild |
The Smugglers Guild is a local semi-legal union of traders that operates in the sector. They trade in small amounts of various resources at low prices. |
|
The Terran Defense Fleet |
The Terran Defense fleet has its ships patrolling the Outer Worlds and enforcing peace. They are not exactly a trade union, but the captains often search for recreational items, rations, medicines, and repair materials. Plus, they are the only legal arms supplier in the sector. |
The Smugglers Guild is the only trade ship that DOES NOT SELL the Planetary Ownership deed.
What Goods Can I Trade?
You can buy and sell various items from your trading outpost in Stranded: Alien Dawn. These goods fall under six categories. Furthermore, each trade category has its most prominent buyers and sellers.
|
Trade Category |
Definition |
Examples |
Priority Buyer(s) |
Priority Seller(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Food |
This category includes raw food products and meal rations. |
|
The Grand Trade League |
Outer Colonies Federation |
|
Resources |
This category includes non-edible byproducts, crafting materials, construction materials, and electronic components. |
|
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|
Apparel |
This category includes clothes and armor. |
|
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|
Weapons |
This category includes melee and long-range weapons used for hunting and self-defense. |
|
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|
Other Items |
This category includes miscellaneous items. |
|
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|
Technologies |
This category includes research that advances your camp's technology and production. In addition, this category contains foreign crops and resources. |
|
N/A |
|
How To Trade Goods
Now that you understand the basics of trading ships and goods, it's time to cover how to deal goods with these ships. First, it's important to note that trading windows are relatively short in Stranded: Alien Dawn. Only one trade ship will enter the solar system per season.
A notification will alert you when a trade ship is in range. In addition, a gauge will display how much time is left before the ship leaves the solar system.
To open the trading menu, click on the notification on the right side of the screen. You can also click on your trading pod and select "Trade." A window will open displaying your current transaction with the trade ship.
How To Read The Trade Menu
The Trade menu's header indicates the two trading parties: your business and the trade ship. Under each party's name is their total Gallacticoins under the current deal. In addition, a Deal Summary tab on the right side of the menu will list the items bought, items sold, and your total profit or loss after the deal.
Items are listed in a grid according to the trade categories we summarized earlier. Each item row includes six columns, resulting in a row that looks like this:
|
Item Name |
Your Party's Stock |
Buying Price |
BUY |
SELL |
Selling Price |
The Other Party's Stock |
To buy and sell goods, click on the center buttons of that item's row. These tabs are indicated by a left arrow (BUY) and a right arrow (SELL). A respective invoice will reflect the total stock bought and sold whenever you click these buttons. Finally, when your deal is complete, select ACCEPT at the bottom of the Deal Summary.
The Deal Summary also includes the current buying and selling values in proportion to its market value. These values can help you take advantage of sales and avoid poor deals.
How To Hire Employees
Unlike the Crash Landing scenario, which gives you a starting crew of four survivors, the Trading Outpost scenario only allows you three crewmates. Luckily, you can contract more survivors to assist your team.
You can begin hiring by choosing "Contact" from the trading pod menu. Then, select "Post a job offer." Job offers get posted immediately and stay up for the next five days or until an applicant responds.
When an applicant responds, you'll see a quick summary of their best skills. Then you can choose a contract for a half-year, a year, or two years. Of course, you may also reject a contract. Additionally, if one of your crew knows the Haggling skill, you can negotiate a lower salary for each contract.
After you choose a contract, your trading pod will transport your employee. Then, the employee will take their Galacticoin payment and begin working with you. Once an employee's contract ends, you may choose to either extend or end the contract.
Trading Outpost Scenario Tips
The Trading Outpost scenario mixes the survival elements of Stranded: Alien Dawn with business savvy. To succeed, you must build a profitable stock of goods while staying alive long enough to see your sales happen. Here are some tips to consider when beginning your campaign:
- Take Advantage Of Your Environment: Farming crops is always a good investment. Still, if your surrounding area is abundant in a specific resource, you can cut time and build inventory by harvesting and selling that crop. Plus, if you can create a processed good from said resource, even better!
- Survival Is Your First Priority: There is no time limit to buy the Planetary Ownership deed. Therefore, you shouldn't prioritize making a buck over your party's well-being. Ensure your party has adequate food, shelter, and self-defense. Otherwise, you may lose several valuable employees.
- Make A Plan For On And Off Seasons: Farming will likely become the most lucrative prospect from your trading outpost. However, your crops will not grow year-round. So you should set a new focus during seasons when you cannot yield a harvest, like the Fall and Winter.