DIRECT ANSWER
Complete training, pass the related license check, buy an unlocked vessel at a dry dock, run compatible missions, and reinvest credits in ships, training, housing, repairs, and access.
Confirmed progression loop
The official career description defines the order clearly.
- Choose a character and difficulty
- Complete fundamental training
- Pass the first license check
- Buy the unlocked vessel at a dry dock
- Take compatible missions
- Use credits for vessels, training, licenses, housing, repairs, and operating costs
Difficulty affects the economy
The chosen difficulty changes the career economy and can be adjusted in gameplay settings. Two Career Mode difficulty levels are planned as a beta feature for the Early Access release.
What is not ranked yet
Exact purchase prices, rewards, license costs, and best-money routes need the public Early Access build. No route is labeled optimal before those values are observed.