BACKGROUND SIMULATION
The Background Simulation, or BGS, is an automated system that simulates a system of interlinked governments, factions, systems and stations which players can interact with. Find out everything you need to know here.
Please note; the sub-pages of this section are only visible to =SA= CMDRs who have passed the Rookie stage and allies. If you’d like to become an ally of Sapere Aude please visit this page.
If you are a Rookie or public user, you may use our Simple BGS guide.
HOW TO USE THIS PAGE
Look at squad goals and orders, and use this page to help you visualize what actions will be of use, what states they function in, and how to support your squadron, our larger family and alliances, and interlink it with your existing role- and game-play.
In each section the top links generally take you to a group of items linked by tag relating to the topic, and the bottom “READ ABOUT” link takes you to an overview of the topic.
The links below once orange will jump you to the topic of your choice on this page.
BGS Sections Include:
- Influence
- Action Types
- Bounty Hunting
- Trading
- Exploration Data
- Missions
- Combat Zones
- Mechanics
- Factions
- Allegiance
- Economy
- Governments
- Security
- Smuggling
- Security Forces
- Passengers
- Civilians
- States
BASIC BGS KNOWLEDGE

Influence
Influence is the marker by which factions gain or lose power within systems and stations.

System States
Within systems various factions will be in various “states” – economic, conflict, etc.

Economy & Security
Your actions influence the economic and security state of each faction within a system.
INTERMEDIATE BGS KNOWLEDGE

Player Actions
Concerted player action drives state changes, with various positive and negative effects.

Governments
12 government types exist, dictating what you’ll find within stations and how mechanics function.
DETAILED EFFECTS OF ACTION
Been asked to “raise influence”? Got exploration data to sell and you don’t know where to do it? Heard a rumour? Read on for the details of where and when to leverage your actions to complement squad and family goals.

Bounty Hunting
Bounty Hunting can be done as missions or ad hoc. The former benefits the mission giver, the latter the system owner.
Trading
Trade/smuggling will affect economic boom states and both the mission giver and receiver. The type of goods moved also have an impact.

Exploration Data
Missions, Actions, Cartographic Data
Exploration data will affect the controlling faction of the station to which you deliver it; and the rate at which you do so matters!
Combat Zones
Actions, Combat Zones, PVE
Fighting in combat zones can be used as a tool to raise or lower particular factions’ influence and affect system states.

Security Forces & Civilians
Security Forces, Actions, Civilians, Bases
Interacting with security, trade, wanted and peaceful vessels also has an effect on the BGS; you don’t always have to destroy them…..

Passengers
Passengers, Actions
Passenger missions can be utilised both to help and hinder your own and enemy factions, to assist in managing Influence.
FURTHER READING
There’s lots more to find out so read further into the background system and mechanics here.

Allegiance
How Powerplay affects BGS dynamics and goals.

Factions
Factions themselves can follow various disciplines.

Reference Library
Third party sites, tools and infographics ordered by activity
OTHER USEFUL INFO
You can take passengers with you on your expeditions, but they have their preferences….learn more here.
The Road to Riches is a great activity to undertake to build up your credit balance and exploration experience.