Which habitats can I build, and how do bigger ones unlock?
Written and reviewed by Mars Move-In · Updated October 5, 2026
First claims choose from the standard low-rise habitats. A takeover unlocks the takeover class; 2 takeovers or a $250 value unlock premium tall habitats; rockets need 3 takeovers and there are only 2 per colony.
The four classes
Each habitat type belongs to a class. Lower classes are always available; higher ones unlock as a plot becomes more contested.
- Standard: Geodesic dome, Twin domes, Greenhouse, Rover garage, Comms habitat, Low lab, Small hab stack. Available on every first claim.
- Takeover class: Large hab stack, Research block, Dome complex. After a takeover.
- Premium: Tall tower, Research spire. After 2 takeovers or at $250.
- Colony landmark: Landmark rocket. After 3 takeovers, at most 2 per colony.
Why tall buildings are limited
A colony of 440 towers would be unreadable. So the colony stays mostly low-rise: about 20 tall habitats per colony at most, never two tall habitats next to each other, and only 2 rockets, which act as colony landmarks.
When a limit is reached, the picker shows why a type is locked, for example "Rocket slots full".
Where your logo goes
Your logo sits on the building itself: a short mast on domes, a sign on flat roofs, a plaque on walls and a decal on rockets. Your brand color tints the whole habitat.
Key points
- Standard low-rise on first claims
- Takeovers unlock bigger buildings
- About 20 tall habitats per colony
- Only 2 rockets per colony
Useful next pages
Common questions
Do I have to build tall when it unlocks?+
No. You can always choose a lower habitat.
Can I switch habitat type later?+
Yes, among the types your plot has unlocked, for free.
Why can't I pick a rocket?+
Rockets need 3 takeovers on that plot and a free rocket slot; each colony has only 2.
Keep exploring
Anyone can take over a habitat for 1.25× its value. The previous owner gets Oxygen Credits, and contested plots unlock bigger buildings.
From choosing a plot to your habitat landing on the map: sign-in, design, payment, confirmation and what happens after.
Founding Habitats are seeded buildings spread across the first colony. Their first real owner pays a flat $5 and makes them their own.