HTML conversion by Caliban Tiresias Darklock: Last updated March 18, 2007

Hail!

Welcome to the World of Ultimate Universe. The following is a strategical guide to lead you step-by-step through your first day in this Universe and to see that 1] you survive, 2] you make money and 3] you have some fun with as little frustration as possible. You will want to print this doc and keep it alongside your computer as you play. You will also want to jot down info as you go. This doc brought to you Courtesy of (-) Zone Central (-). Doc's for Day 2 and Day 3 will follow as well as Intermediate Strategy Docs.

(-) ZONE CENTRAL (-) GUIDE TO ENTERING ULTIMATE UNIVERSE

1. Choose <N>ew Ship and give your ship a name.
2. Say <Y>es to the Lottery Ticket and type in seven digits, <enter>
3. Say <Y>es to reading your mail, <R>ead your mail, <1> for the number one message, <D>elete to kill the message.
4. When you emerge in Sector 1; use <C>omputer and <D>imensions to get information on the game. Note the max number of holds you can have and jot them down.
5. <M>ove;6 takes you to Port at Sector 6 <M;6> NOTE: Normally sector 6 can be warped to from sector 1 but in case it isn't listed in sector 1, then <M;2> and look for warp to 6 and <M;3> and look etc. Federation sectors are 1-10 so you are safe in those sectors.

1. <P>ort to begin buying the following devices:

   #276	GoSub	500000
   #411	Special Devices Detection Pack	500000

   <B>uy;276;<Y>es;B;411;Y <Enter>
   <Q>uit to quit the Port at Sector 8.
   <I>nventory <IDP> your ship to see all your new goodies...doublecheck that you have bought the devices above. Jot down how many fuel units [turns] you have. Also, jot down how many Plasma warps and Flash Warps that you presently have.
2. Move to Sector 1 by retracing your steps: M;1 <Enter>

1. VERY VERY IMPORTANT STEPS, activate your GoSub which will 1] return you to Sector 1 from no matter where you are and 2] then return you to where you were trading. Remember there's no place like home..no place like home. Do this by using V;276;Y <Enter>. NEXT, activate your Alarm clock so you can leave the game safely and with some dignity instead of being "ejected" in the middle of last minute steps. V;237 <enter> you will be prompted for when you want it to "ring", set that time for about 5 minutes]

   ---

   Note: the <U>se command works by device slot number and the <V> command works by using the actual device number itself. So, GoSub might have a device slot number of 12 but the device number is ALWAYS 276. We encourage you to use device numbers because those will always be the same but device slot numbers can and will change as you play the game more.
2. <P>ort to start buying. Keep an eye on your amount of credits. We recommend that you do NOT spend all your money but reserve some for trading. You want to <B>uy holds probably about 80% of the total the game will allow you to buy with the credits you have for this first time around. You can <B>uy a few Plasma Gate Warps and about 5 Flash Warps after you purchase the holds. Don't worry about buying fuel this first time. Note that Port Sol is having a 75% sale off today.
3. <Q>uit Port 1 and prepare to make macros.

1. V;203 to crank up your handy, dandy macro computer where you can record up to 10 macros - all of which will save you endless keystrokes and time. For now, you are only going to put in a few macros:

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   Control + R = USE MACRO COMPUTER <R> then <Enter> V;203 <Enter>
   Now use <Cntrl R> to record the other macros one by one, you will need to keep using Cntrl R to activate the macro computer for each macro you enter into the computer.... Please proofread each macro before you hit the final enter. If you goof, simply <v;203> bring that letter up again and re-record the macro.

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   **Remember** use Control + R to bring up the actual macro computer**

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   CONTROL + S = USE GOSUB <S><Enter> V;276 <Enter>
   Returns you to Sector 1

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   CONTROL + T = TRADING MACRO <T><Enter> M;%2;P;M;%2;P <Enter>
   This will allow automatic trading between any two adjacent ports of your choosing. Stop at Port A, port, Move to Port B, port, then move back to Port A and start the trading macro. You can hit the <T> the same number of times that you want to trade (while holding down the Control button) for example, if you wish to trade 20x, then hit the <T> button 20 taps etc.

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   CONTROL + X = USE DRONE ATTACK COORDINATOR TO PROBE A SECTOR WITH ONE DRONE <X><Enter> %1;V;125;%4;1 <Enter>
   This will have you put in the sector number you want to send a probe drone to and then it will launch one drone to that sector. You could send more than one drone but that is not really necessary at this point. Obviously, if the drone blows up you _don't_ want to go there!

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   CONTROL + Z = AUTOPILOT USING AUTOPILOT SAFETY STOP MACRO <Z><Enter> V;38;%1
   This will activate the autopilot and allow you to put in the sector you wish to go to. Use Cntrl X first to make sure it is safe. Later, you can combine these two macros.

+++++++++++++LOOK WHAT THEY DID TO MY SCREEN,MA+++++++++++++++++++
+                                                                +
+ It shouldn't happen to a dog and it probably won't happen to   +
+ you but the Cabal spread an exceedingly nasty virus called     +
+ Space Madness around.  If your graphics suddenly go ballistic  +
+ spewing forth zebra striped letters of all colors don't write  +
+ your sysop a note grumbling about those "awful" graphics.      +
+ Instead, get you to Sector 4, The Darque <P>ort and hit        +
+ #3 to buy a cure; you may need to buy more than one cure. You  +
+ are supposed to be immune from this for at least the first 3   +
+ days but every now and then...  Also, you need to know that    +
+ Space Madness makes your controls act weird, so try V;276 to   +
+ get you back to Sector 1 and <M>ove to Sector 4 from there.    +
+ This is easier said then done.  You will know you are cured    +
+ when the graphics return to normal.  Do NOT go back to the     +
+ sector where you caught this or you will get it right back     +
+ again. Most annoying!                                          +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Congratulations for having hung in there through the provisions necessary to actually start trading. There are two different ways we are going to suggest for starting. If you have used CIM reports in Tradewars and are comfortable with using that type of information; you will want to use the CIM Method. If the term CIM is "Greek" to you then please use the Sector Method to get started. In either case, remember that in Ultimate Universe YOU can FOLD space as opposed to simply moving through space. You do this by using different types of warp, but more about that later.

You will want to <M>ove to Sector 10 and then <P>ort at that Sector. Move around the first 10 Sectors, one of them will have a warp to 10. Next you will want to get a Port Report by using <T>rading Report. We suggest you open a capture file; then skip through the first 8-10 pages or so. At that point jot down Port Numbers that sell either Water or Power - MAKE SURE YOU IDENTIFY which they sell. Jot down about 4 ports SELLING Power & 4 ports SELLING Water. Then <C>ancel so you don't use up all your time today getting the report. Close your cap file and proceed..you can analyze the port info better off-line if you want to.

1. <S>can the surrounding sectors to be sure they are safe. <SP> is recommended at first since it pauses after each sector which gives you a chance to adjust. A tap on the Escape key will get you out of the SP mode. You can also scroll back if your communications program includes a scrollback buffer OR you can simply hit the Pause button on your keyboard. ONLY go to those sectors with nothing in them or with Mines or Drones SET TO KILL CABAL. The Cabal and Cabal Mines are _not_ known for their hospitality!
   If you find a safe sector from Sector 10, then move to it. If not, then move to sector 9, sector 8 etc and repeat scanning process until you can move to a safe sector.
2. From this safe sector use Cntrl X macro to launch a drone probe to one of the port sectors you wrote down that is selling water. If the probe goes to that sector unharmed then you also may move to it. You can use Cntrl Z for the autopilot which will take you up to 20 sectors or you can use a flash warp to get to the sector. To use a flash link warp, use <W>arp and <3> for Flash Warp and go directly to that Sector. If the drone gets harmed then look for another port you can go to by repeating the Cntrl X Macro.
3. Now that you are safely in the Port you choose <P>ort at it and your automatic Trading Pack will kick in. Ideally you are looking for:

   PORT	SELLING WATER for 20+ credits	|	PORT	buying WATER for 26+ credits
   	buying POWER for 20+ credits	|		SELLING POWER for 16+ credits

4. Well, it takes two to tango so now you want to get the Port that is selling power. Use the Cntrl X method to launch a drone probe to one of the Ports selling power that you selected from the Port Report. When you find a safe Port, then <W>arp <Enter> <1> <Enter> to create a two-way link to that Port. If for some reason you can't sucessfully do this [any sector may only have 8 warps connected to it] then repeat process to find a safe Port you can use a Plasma Warp on. After the Plasma Warp <M>ove to that new Port Sector and <P>ort. Finally <M>ove back to the first Port selling water and prepare to make money!!
5. Use the Port Report Silencer to make $$$ faster! <V;119><enter>. Invoke the trading Macro by Cntrl T, as you start to trade, tap the T button about 20-25 times. Sit back and watch as your money builds up and enjoy the rest... When you stop trading do an <I> <Enter> to Inventory your ship, hit the pause button on your keyboard and check out your money. You will have enough to go buy some more holds. Now skip section on Sector Trading and go to Returning to Port in Sector 1.

You will be using your Nearby Port Locator Ultra here so you might want to bring up your Macro Computer using Cntrl R and select <U><Enter> then V;32 <Enter>.

1. <S>can the surrounding sectors to be sure they are safe. Only go to those with nothing in them or with Mines or Drones SET TO PROTECT FROM CABAL ONLY.
   If you find a safe sector from Sector 10, then move to it. If not, then move to sector 9, sector 8 etc and repeat process until you can move to a safe sector.
2. If the safe sector has a Port then <P>ort at it. Then use Cntrl U to activate the Port Locator. Jot down those selling Power/Water, you will want to either scroll back or hit the pause button to make this easier to do use a P or W after the Sector number. <S>can always before moving to an adjacent sector or port. If the one you want to go to is 2 sectors away then use Cntrl X to send a probe followed by Cntrl Z to autopilot you there provided the drone probe gets there safely. You can just continue this by <S>canning and then <M>oving to another Port Sector until you find an adjacent pair of Water/Power.
   However, it is quicker and usually more profitable to "fold space" and link two of the Ports together.
3. From this safe sector use Cntrl X macro to launch a drone probe to one of the port sectors you wrote down that is selling Water. If the probe goes to that sector unharmed then you also may move to it. You can use Cntrl Z for the autopilot which will take you up to 20 sectors but it is faster and easier to flash warp into the sector. To use a flash link warp, use <W>arp and <3> for Flash Warp and go directly to that Sector. If the drone gets harmed then look for another port you can go to by repeating the Cntrl X Macro.
4. Now that you are safely in the Port you choose <P>ort at it and your automatic Trading Pack will kick in. Ideally you are looking for:

   PORT	SELLING WATER for 20+ credits	|	PORT	buying WATER for 26+ credits
   	buying POWER for 20+ credits	|		SELLING POWER for 16+ credits

5. Well, it takes two to tango so now you want to get the Port that is selling power. Use the Cntrl X method to launch a drone probe to one of the Ports selling power that you selected from the Port Report. When you find a safe Port, then <W>arp <Enter> <1> <Enter> to create a two-way link to that Port. If for some reason you can't sucessfully do this [any sector may only have 8 warps connected to it] then repeat process to find a safe Port you can use a Plasma Warp on. After the Plasma Warp <M>ove to that new Port Sector and <P>ort. Finally <M>ove back to the first Port selling water and prepare to make money!!
6. Use the Port Silencer to make $$$ faster. <V;119> <enter> Invoke the trading Macro by Cntrl T, as you start to trade, tap the T button about 20-25 times. Sit back and watch as your money builds up and enjoy the rest... When you stop trading do an <ISP> <Enter> to Inventory your ship, hit the pause button on your keyboard and check out your money. You will have enough to go buy some more holds.

1. Use Cntrl S to activate your GoSub to take you to the Port Use Cntrl S to activate your GoSub which will take you back to at Sector 1. Disable the Port Silencer by using <V;119><enter>. Split your buying so that you buy 40% fuel [turns] and 60% [holds]. Use <B>uy plus the number next to the item you want and then the amount. There are macros you can make to automate this but for the first day or two; we have found that it is wiser to do this manually. Whatever you do, DON'T spend all your money - always hold back a cushion of about 200000 credits.
2. Use Cntrl S to activate your GoSub and take you right back to the Pair of Ports you were trading at. Hopefully, you now have 5000 more holds than you did before. Trade at each of the ports again before you start automatic trading. Toggle the Port Report Silencer with <V;119><enter> and use Cntrl + T with about 25 taps on the T button to auto trade again.
3. Use Cntrl U to return to Sector 1. Disable the Port Silencer by using <V;119> <enter> which will toggle it off. Do an <ISP> to check how much time you have left till the alarm goes off.

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   NOTE: If the Alarm Clock sounds FIVE MINUTES left, don't panic... P>ort at Sol and <B>uy some cloaking shields, 500 is good and 5000 is better. Then <B>uy fuel and holds in the 40-60% ratio reserving some money for trading. For example, if you can buy 200 fuel when you first Port, then buy 80 fuel which is 40% of 200. You then buy holds but reserve some money so if it says you can buy 6129 holds; buy 5000 holds etc. <M>ove to another sector within the Fed Strip [Sectors 1-10], <S>can for safety, <M>ove to a safe sector and <Q>uit. BE SURE TO SAY <Y>es to the storing fuel units in the Atomic Fusion Unit so they will be there the next time you play. Cloaking will automatically engage.

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   Congratulations Again!! You have survived your first day of Ultimate Universe and done well for too!!
4. If you still have ten minutes left or are playing a local [home] version of the game, then return to the port you were at by <W>arp <3> [for flashlink] or CNTRL + S for the GoSub. Trade again at each of the ports by <P>orting. Make sure they still have commodities left to sell. If either Water or Power is at 0, not likely though, then find two more ports to cross trade at. Then activate your Port Silencer by <V;119> <Enter> and start your Cntrl T for trading. Continue to trade and then return to Sector 1 to buy more holds at the 75% off sale. Not to worry, though, the holds will be on a 66% sale the next day you play.
5. When you get to the FIVE MINUTES LEFT mark your Alarm Clock will notify you, follow above advice to wind up the gamely safely and profitably. You can play more tomorrow. We recommend that you also read UUstart.doc by Andrue Carr for more hints, tips and strategies.

(-) Zone Central (-) hopes that you will find this guide to be helpful and we do plan to put out a second day and third day guide with some hints and tips that we have found worked for us. As you progress from being a Newbie/Beginner in the game; you will probably want to modify how you start a new game. We plan to put out some Intermediate Starting Strategies for that. Good Journey Til Then.

DarkSilver +-ZSF-+
Commander of Zone Security Force
(-) Zone Central (-)