Hierarchy#

TEXT
galaxy
  cluster
    sector
      zone
        object

A cluster contains sectors; zones place objects inside sectors. Map hexagons do not replace this hierarchy. Gates connect clusters, superhighways connect sectors, and local highways connect zones.

Files to inspect#

Start with maps/xu_ep2_universe/: galaxy.xml, clusters.xml, sectors.xml, zones.xml; DLC filenames may differ. Check macro lookup through index/macros.xml. Registration and attachment to a parent are separate tasks.

Exercise without changing the game#

Choose one existing sector. Record its macro, parent cluster, one zone and the connection attaching that zone. Resolve every definition rather than relying on similar names.

Independent coordinate calculation without rotation:

TEXT
zone offset in sector:       (1000, 0, 0) m
object offset in zone:       ( 250, 0, 0) m
object position in sector:   (1250, 0, 0) m = 1.25 km

Expect a readable reference/coordinate chain, not a new sector. This is arithmetic; rotating parents require more than addition.

Your first sector#

Plan one zone, player access and text names first. Then verify registration, connections, placement and accessibility in a new game. A macro alone does not automatically create an economy, population or missions.

The 2018 Universe Creation guide is useful structurally, but its examples need checking against X4 9.00. Continue with highways, resource areas and the universe generator.