---
title: X4 maps: galaxy, cluster, sector and zone
summary: Universe hierarchy, macro connections and coordinates before building a sector.
section: galaxy
kind: guide
status: reference
updated: 2026-10-27
tags: ["X4","modding","galaxy","structure"]
sources: ["https://wiki.egosoft.com/X4%20Foundations%20Wiki/Modding%20Support/ScriptingMD/Community%20Guides/Mechanics%20of%20X4%27s%20Map%20Design/","https://github.com/enenra/x4modding/wiki/Universe-Creation"]
---
## 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](wiki:galaxy-highways), [resource areas](wiki:resource-areas) and the [universe generator](wiki:tool-universe-generator).