Dev Diary: First Brief - Prime Mission

Hello commander!

We see Mars in the distance and are preparing for descent on November 10th. But before we land, we thought we could share some more details on the long term plans of our Prime Mission - the expansion pass included in Ultimate Edition.

As we look ahead to the coming year, we’re more inspired than ever to expand the possibilities of long term life (and success) on the Red Planet. Behind the scenes, the team at Haemimont Games has been hard at work mapping out the next steps for the game. The ideas have been many, but we now have a plan for the first year of content when Surviving Mars is Relaunched.

While we can’t share too many details just yet (some ideas are still being tested, tweaked, and passionately debated), we wanted to give you a first glimpse of what’s coming. Think of this as your first transmission from Mission Control, a teaser of the adventures that lie ahead. We will reveal more in the months to come, but for now, let's explore the first brief on the upcoming expedition: the Prime Mission.

‘Interplanetary Codex’ - Mission Sponsor

Politics has always been part of human nature. Now, it’s part of Martian nature too. Your influence and negotiation will shape the destiny of your colony. With this new Mission Sponsor - Interplanetary Codex - you will supercharge the political process.

Includes the ‘Law Office’ - A unique building available exclusively when you choose this sponsor.

The future needs rules and order. And someone needs to set them up!

Included as an instant unlock in the ‘Prime Mission’ expansion pass. Releases 10 November, 2025.

Feeding the Future - Small Expansion 

Your colonists are hungry for more than survival. ‘Feeding the Future’ expands the food and production systems of Surviving Mars, introducing deeper management, new ingredients, and meals that affect comfort and sanity.

Balance sources of calories, mix different food groups, import spices and build local production to create the ultimate Martian diet.

After all, who said survival can't be savored?

Key Features:

• The Martian Farmer: Feeding Mars requires an overhaul in the farms and ranches first. No more boring green cubes that make your choice of crops irrelevant. Grow and adapt your crops to tantalize the taste buds of your colonists.
• Survival to Sous Vide: Combine your ingredients into gastronomical wonders. The Food Servicing buildings will be updated to change the way your colonists consume calories.
• New Buildings: New structures that expand your colony’s culinary capabilities. From Food Storage to Fast Food Joints and Gourmet Diners - each adds flavor to your colony in new and unexpected ways...

Included in the ‘Prime Mission’ expansion pass. Releases Q2 2026. 

Machine Utopia - Expansion 

When metal meets ambition, Mars transforms. Machine Utopia replaces human labor with powerful machines that never tire. Let colossal excavators rip into the Martian crust, while trains haul heavy ores to grand foundries, to be forged into metals and machine parts, fueling the rise of a new kind of colony.

A future built on electricity and steel, not sweat.

Key Features:

• Workplace Automation:  Replace human workers by investing resources to fully automate workplaces across the colony. Efficiency comes at a price, but perhaps one worth paying..
• Mining revisited: Changes to deposits and mining that will give you the resources needed to automate the colony. New ways to mine in the underground.
• Heavy Transport: New resources will require new infrastructure. Improvements to the trains and stations as well to accommodate the heavy loads from your booming mining industry.

Included in the ‘Prime Mission’ expansion pass. Releases Q4 2026.