Gameplay Stages

Thrive's gameplay is currently divided into eight stages, beginning with the Microbe Stage and ending with the Ascension Stage.

Microbe Stage

Main article: Microbe Stage

The Microbe Stage is the first stage of the game, where the player controls a primitive prokaryote cell made of cytoplasm. The player's objective is the gather compounds to survive and evolve. The player is able to edit the microbe using the Microbe Editor.

Multicellular Stage

Main article: Multicellular Stage

The Multicellular Stage will be the second stage of the game, unlocked after the player creates a large enough colony of cells. In this stage, the player will control a colony of eukaryotic cells and uses both an advanced version the Microbe Editor and the new Organism Editor to develop its organism. The gameplay will be similar to that of the Microbe Stage in the first half of the stage.

This stage is in development and not fully implemented.

Aware Stage

Main article: Aware Stage

The Aware Stage will be Thrive's third stage. In this stage, the player plays as an animal-like organism. The environment and ecosystem will still be vital to the gameplay. The stage starts with the player's organism developing a nervous system and gaining sentience. It ends when the organism's brain advanced enough to achieve sapience.

This stage is in early development and not yet implemented.

Awakening Stage

Main article: Awakening Stage

The Awakening Stage will be Thrive's fourth stage. The player's species will no longer be able to evolve, and the time scale will shrink dramatically. The player cannot directly research technology yet. The player will unlock various technologies and Inventions, such as Language or Tools, by performing intelligent actions, such as communicating with other organisms or using tools. The stage is entered when the player achieves sapience and is exited when the player unlocks and builds the Society Center.

Development has not yet begun on this stage.

Society Stage

Main article: Society Stage

The Society Stage will be Thrive's fifth stage. It will primarily use Strategy Mode, though Organism Mode may still be available. The player will build a nation using the Nation Editor, as well as research technologies and fill out the Research Web. The player may have to compete with opposing nations to survive. The stage begins when the player constructs a Society Center, and ends when the player unlocks and builds an industrial machine.

Development has not begun on this stage.

Industrial Stage

Main article: Industrial Stage

The Industrial Stage will be Thrive's sixth stage. The Industrial Stage will be similar to the Society Stage, but with an emphasis on population growth and technological advancements. The player will develop its military, manufacturing, transportation, and general engineering. The stage begins with the first industrial machine, using Steam Power, and ends when the player reaches space.

Development has not begun on this stage.

Space Stage

Main article: Space Stage

The Space Stage will be Thrive's seventh stage. In the early stage, the player's species must research its solar system and unify its nations. After this, the player will be able to develop interstellar space travel. The player's species will eventually be able to establish galactic empires and mass-manage resources.

Development has not begun on this stage.

Ascension

Main article: Ascension Stage

The Ascension Stage will the eighth and final stage of Thrive, unlocked when the player "wins" the game. Once an organism enters an Ascension Gate, it is transformed into energy and given god-like powers. The player will enter Sandbox Mode and can then edit the universe freely, using God Tools.

Development has not begun on this stage.