update · October 10, 2026

PlanetBase 2 Update Introduces Europa and Harder Survival Rules

PlanetBase 2 adds Europa as its second colonizable world, bringing harsher survival demands like high radiation, no atmosphere, and reduced solar efficiency. Players must adapt their power networks and build protective shielding to survive the frozen moon.

Developer Martiño has detailed the second playable world coming to PlanetBase 2. Europa is a frozen moon orbiting Jupiter, offering an increased difficulty curve compared to the starting world of Mars. The environment introduces unique hazards and resource restrictions that force a shift in colony management.

Radiation and Atmosphere Hazards

Europa lacks an atmosphere, which rules out wind turbines, aerial drones, and monomer refineries. The lack of air is paired with high radiation exposure across the surface. To keep workers alive, players must construct electrical pylons that project protective radiation shields. Colonists who work unprotected will slowly develop radiation poisoning and require medical bay treatment or face death.

Power and Logistics Adjustments

Solar power is heavily penalized on Europa due to weak sunlight, requiring colonies to rely primarily on nuclear, geothermal, and fusion power. Water is much more accessible because ice can be extracted from any surface location, and the hydrolox refinery uses this water to produce rocket fuel. However, the greater distance from Earth increases travel times for trade and colonist ships.

Why this patch matters

Europa shifts PlanetBase 2 from a standard resource balancing act into a rigid survival puzzle where power grid design and radiation management dictate success.