Approximately Up Black Hole Tunnels

Beyond the known planets of Approximately Up lies the Black Hole Tunnel network — a series of gravitational corridors that lead to new universes and unlock two achievements: Event Horizon (travel through a Black Hole Tunnel to a new universe) and Way Forward (activate a Black Hole Tunnel). These are endgame content for pilots who have exhausted the 17-planet map and want to push into the unknown.

This guide covers how the tunnel network works, what you need to enter and activate tunnels, and how to survive the crossing. It assumes you have completed most planetary objectives and understand Approximately Up’s flight, wiring, and RCS systems. Read All Planets for the broader galactic context and Star Proximity for thermal survival skills if you plan to pair a tunnel run with a star approach.

What the Black Hole Tunnel network is

The Black Hole Tunnel network is a series of gravitational anomalies scattered through deep space beyond Tenebra. Unlike planet-to-planet transfers, which use conventional thrust, tunnel transit involves aligning with a tunnel’s gravitational throat and allowing the black hole’s gravity to pull your ship through.

Tunnels function as one-way portals to new universe instances. They do not connect two known planets — they deposit you in a procedurally distinct region of space with its own star systems, planets, and stations. The Event Horizon achievement unlocks when you complete your first transit. Way Forward unlocks when you activate (not just pass through) a tunnel entrance.

Approximately Up — Black Hole Tunnel navigation and universe travel

Locating the tunnel network

The tunnel entrances sit beyond Tenebra in the deep black between star systems. They are not visible on standard radar at long range — you need to be within approximately 50,000 km before your scanner picks up the gravitational distortion.

Finding tunnels requires:

1. A ship with long-range scanner capability
2. High-altitude positioning above the planetary orbital plane
3. Patience — tunnel locations are not marked on mission boards

Community consensus places the primary tunnel cluster in a region roughly 200 million meters beyond Tenebra’s orbit. Fly outward from Tenebra along the ecliptic plane and watch for scanner distortions that do not match planetary bodies.

Ship requirements for tunnel transit

Tunnel transit does not require heat-resistant frames (unlike the Sun approach), but it demands redundant systems because tunnel crossings take time and the gravitational stress can strain standard components.

Minimum viable tunnel ship

• Electric thrusters — vacuum-rated for the crossing; no atmosphere in the tunnel
• RCS thrusters — for orientation corrections during the crossing
• Long-range scanner — to locate and track tunnel entrances
• Dedicated power bus — tunnel crossings can last 10–20 minutes; battery life matters
• Radar with high refresh rate — tunnel entrances shift position slowly; continuous tracking helps
• Cockpit or monitor visible to pilot — you need real-time telemetry during the crossing

Optional but recommended

• Solar panels — free power for long approach burns
• Blueprint save before entering — if you emerge in an unfamiliar region, a saved blueprint lets you reload
• Co-op crew — one pilot, one scanner operator, one systems monitor

How to activate and enter a tunnel

Activation is not automatic. The Way Forward achievement requires you to deliberately activate a tunnel entrance — typically by matching your ship’s orientation to the tunnel’s gravitational axis and firing a scanner pulse at the throat.

Activation steps

1. Approach within 10,000 m of a tunnel entrance
2. Align your ship’s long axis with the tunnel’s gravitational throat
3. Power up your scanner and broadcast an activation pulse — the game prompts this automatically when alignment is correct
4. Watch for the tunnel entrance to glow — it is now active
5. Drift into the tunnel throat — do not use main thrusters; let gravity pull you in 6

The Event Horizon achievement triggers when you emerge in the new universe instance. Way Forward triggers when the activation pulse registers. You can earn both in a single run if you activate then transit.

What to expect inside the tunnel

Tunnel transit involves a visual and mechanical transition — the starfield warps, your scanner shows increasing gravitational stress, and then the screen transitions to a new region of space. There is no combat or hazard inside the tunnel itself, but the mechanical demands are real:

• Power consumption spikes as navigation systems work harder
• RCS usage increases as gravity gradients shift orientation requirements
• Radio comms may disconnect — do not expect co-op voice chat during transit

Community testers report transit times between 8 and 20 minutes depending on tunnel length and ship mass. Bring food, water, and patience.

Emerging in a new universe

When you exit a tunnel, you emerge in a new universe instance — a distinct region of space with its own planets, stations, and challenges. The layout is not identical to the original system; it is a parallel version with variations.

You keep:

• All unlocked achievements
• Your ship and inventory
• Mission progress tied to the original universe

You may find:

• New planetary bodies not in the original map
• Different station layouts
• Alternate versions of known planets with changed gravity or atmosphere

This makes tunnel exploration replayable — each new universe instance offers fresh discovery.

Tunnel runs and story progression

The Saving The Twins achievement and the main campaign storyline tie to tunnel network events. Flying through tunnels advances the narrative in ways that planet exploration alone does not. If you are chasing the full story, prioritize tunnel discovery after you have explored most of the original 17-planet map.

Related guides and achievements

• All Planets — original 17-planet context
• Star Proximity — thermal survival for combined runs
• Radar and Navigation — finding tunnels in deep space
• Achievements — Event Horizon, Way Forward, and Saving The Twins
• Co-op Guide — crew roles for long endurance runs

The Black Hole Tunnel network is Approximately Up’s endgame — a place for pilots who have exhausted the known galaxy and want to push into the unknown. Build for endurance, scan often, and always save a blueprint before you enter.