> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://noderunners.gitbook.io/litepaper/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://noderunners.gitbook.io/litepaper/game-layout/zones.md).

# Zones

<mark style="color:purple;">The NodeRunners universe consists of three zones: Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3. Within each zone there exists a series of interconnected spaces, referred to as nodes.</mark>&#x20;

## Zone 1

All Players will begin their journey in Zone 1. There are five planets, each one acting as a homeplanet for one of the five pilot origins. There are also three portals and one space station. Zone 1 is distinguished by the hypershield - a set of beginner-friendly nodes where space combat is disabled.&#x20;

The hypershield includes the five planets and the Zone 1 space station along with the nodes that connect them. If a player decides to venture towards one of the portals leading to Zone 2, they will no longer enjoy the embrace of the hypershield and they will be met by hostile AI and possibly hostile players.

<figure><img src="https://4096548005-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FxhvAgrzX7cDkAZ6So8RV%2Fuploads%2F2Jid9EpvwvEPSA97KmZ7%2FZone1.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=cb28ecf2-4941-48d2-9e8d-e7d1f86d23f0" alt=""><figcaption><p>The Zone 1 hypershield consists of Nodes A4-A16</p></figcaption></figure>

Zone 2 is much more vast as it contains 28 planets, four portals, one space station and no hypershield. Scattered throughout Zone 2 are specific planets where players can purchase ship plans that give them access to better ship classes. As players continue through Zone 2 they will be met with stronger AI and some environmental hazards.

<figure><img src="https://4096548005-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FxhvAgrzX7cDkAZ6So8RV%2Fuploads%2FxEuPcnmW8pe1OIZzTGwj%2FZone2.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=33dda7f1-ec79-4633-bbc4-230ba5c98dd6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The most advanced pilots will travel to Zone 3, the most chaotic zone and the zone with the highest-ranked AI and most environmental hazards. Zone 3 contains six planets and one space station.

<figure><img src="https://4096548005-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FxhvAgrzX7cDkAZ6So8RV%2Fuploads%2Fvgq9mAbxtSpVzNrnjkJK%2FZone3.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=06980e87-6c2c-42d9-8046-9fabfc6040e8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>