Hypergates

Hypergates are a great new addition to Escape Velocity. They allow instant transport from system to system, without using fuel (or taking time; hyperjumps can take up to 3 days each if your feel is large enough).

As I'm sure you can tell by now, the image to the left is an active hypergate. You gain access to the hypergate system once you complete the missions for Sigma Shipyards.

Using a hypergate is as easy as using the map. Simply "land" on the hypergate, then select your destination. However, you do need to clear out any routes you may have in your map (open the map and click "cancel route"), otherwise you won't be going anywhere via the hypergate.

It is a good idea to jump to as many systems as possible when you first get access, as long as everyone likes you (a few go into Auroran territory, and you don't really want to jump there then get swamped by 3 Carriers). Since it doesn't eat up time, you can go all over the universe and not go over on that rush job.

It should be noted that hypergates can only link to a maximum of 8 other systems, and most only have half of that amount. This is why I say that you should test them ALL out when you first get access, to see which ones go where (it doesn't eat up time, so there is no loss). Some only go to a single system, while some connect huge areas (a Federation hypergate can take you to a Rebel or Auroran system).