5X Framework Decision Tree

Version: 1.0.0 Category: gameplay Type: decision-tree Description: Decision tree for executing the 5X Framework gameplay loop (Explore, Extract, Expand, Exterminate, Exchange)

Decision Flowchart

Gameplay Loop

flowchart TD
    determinePhase{"Determine current\ngameplay phase"}

    determinePhase -->|Explore| explorePhase["Explore Phase\nChart planets, identify\nresources/enemies/allies"]
    determinePhase -->|Extract| extractPhase["Extract Phase\nMine, refine ore,\nconvert to Watts"]
    determinePhase -->|Expand| expandPhase["Expand Phase\nClaim planets, build\ninfrastructure, grow influence"]
    determinePhase -->|Exterminate| extermPhase["Exterminate Phase\nDefend assets, attack\nenemies, gain resources"]
    determinePhase -->|Exchange| exchangePhase["Exchange Phase\nTrade resources, buy/sell\nequipment"]

    explorePhase --> exploreCheck{"Resource-rich\nplanet found?"}
    exploreCheck -->|Yes| extractPhase
    exploreCheck -->|No| explorePhase

    extractPhase --> extractCheck{"Resource flow\nestablished?"}
    extractCheck -->|Yes| expandPhase
    extractCheck -->|No| extractPhase

    expandPhase --> expandCheck{"Territory\nexpanded?"}
    expandCheck -->|Yes| extermPhase
    expandCheck -->|No| expandPhase

    extermPhase --> combatCheck{"Combat\ncomplete?"}
    combatCheck -->|Yes| exchangePhase
    combatCheck -->|No| extermPhase

    exchangePhase --> tradeCheck{"Trading\ncomplete?"}
    tradeCheck -->|Yes| explorePhase
    tradeCheck -->|No| exchangePhase

Condition Table

Condition True Path False Path Notes
resourceRichPlanetFound == true Transition to Extract Continue Exploring Explore phase completion
resourceFlowEstablished == true Transition to Expand Continue Extracting Extract phase completion
territoryExpanded == true Transition to Exterminate Continue Expanding Expand phase completion
combatComplete == true Transition to Exchange Continue Combat Exterminate phase completion
tradingComplete == true Transition to Explore (loop) Continue Trading Exchange phase completion

Phase Details

Explore

Purpose: Discover the galaxy, find resources, locate enemies

Action Description
Chart Chart planets to reveal resources
Identify Identify resources, enemies, and allies
Map Map the surrounding galaxy

Transition: Move to Extract when a resource-rich planet is found.

Extract

Purpose: Mine Alpha Matter, convert to Watts, power operations

Action Description
Mine Mine Alpha Matter from planets
Refine Refine ore to Alpha Matter (immediate priority)
Convert Convert Alpha Matter to Watts

Transition: Move to Expand when a stable resource flow is established.

Expand

Purpose: Control planets, build infrastructure, grow influence

Action Description
Claim Claim planets
Build Build infrastructure (defenses first)
Grow Grow influence across territory

Transition: Move to Exterminate when territory is sufficiently expanded.

Exterminate

Purpose: Defend assets, attack enemies, gain resources from combat

Action Description
Defend Defend owned assets
Attack Attack enemy positions
Gain Gain resources from combat victories

Transition: Move to Exchange when combat objectives are complete.

Exchange

Purpose: Trade resources, buy/sell equipment, planet trading

Action Description
Trade Trade resources on the marketplace
Buy Buy equipment and supplies
Sell Sell excess resources

Transition: Move to Explore to begin the loop again.

Principles