Glossary
Shared terminology used across all Living Universe Online documentation.
Terms are listed alphabetically. Each entry gives a brief definition and notes where the term applies.
Galaxy
A galaxy is the top-level grouping of regions inside the universe. There is one galaxy in the current game scope. It provides the spatial container for all regions.
Gateway
A special orbital system that connects two regions. Gateways are the only way for fleets to move between regions. They act as chokepoints in inter-region routing.
Orbital System
A solar system within a region. Orbital systems are the basic unit of strategic control. Each orbital system belongs to exactly one region and contains zero or more stellar objects.
Orbital systems are placed on a sparse 2D grid inside their region.
Also referred to as a system in shorthand.
Region
A named subdivision of the galaxy. Regions contain orbital systems and connect to other regions through gateway systems.
Regions are the primary unit of macro-scale geography and political territory.
Stellar Object
An astronomical body inside an orbital system. Examples include stars, planets, moons, asteroid belts, gas giants, and anomalies.
Stellar objects are the source of extractable resources and the location for most infrastructure construction.
Universe
The top-level container. The game universe holds one galaxy. It exists as a domain concept to support long-term extensibility.
Universe Foundation
The initial feature that establishes the static world structure: universe, galaxy, regions, orbital systems, and stellar objects.
This feature must exist before any gameplay systems — routing, ownership, economy — can be built.
See Universe Foundation.