Recently decided to try Project Eden instead of Reforged Eden (had a discussion with ravien_ff about this, and was advised against it lol). In Reforged Eden, it wasn't overly difficult to get a hand mechanical drill, then a mining vehicle going, including an SV option once collecting resources off planet was required. But in Project Eden, it seems SV's don't have access to mechanical drills? Only the T2 drill, locked at level 20. Survival tool mining seems even worse than Reforged Eden's, yet the non-mechanical hand drill is locked behind level 7, along with the HV's drill.

Assuming you're on an easy rated planet that doesn't have access to higher tier materials, is the intended progression to grind for level 7 to get the hand drill? Then hand drill everything 'till you hit level 20 or 25 for the SV/CV drills? With the option to build an HV with some drills, even thought it'll quickly become a waste of resources 'till you have a CV to drop it on planets? That sounds awful lol. I don't see an SV tool turret option either.

Feel like I'm stuck between 2 ideologies. I go Reforged Eden, everything combat related is overtuned, but early game and getting into a ship is pretty clear. I go Project Eden, and it's wanting me to run around on foot for hours? Also, Project Eden seems to have disabled Akua base drone attacks?