Game mode referral

[LoganMalone]

Which game mode (sandbox, career, science) is best for beginners and why do you think your suggestion is best?

Each one has something that I want, however I know new players will find many difficulties in career mode and things will come to and end eventually past Minmus for me. I'm looking to (1) learn to use technology and hardware, (2) learn how and where to gain the most science (3) learn the basic to advanced math in the game, (4) get into more advanced designs and fuel saving strategies, etc. (5) lastly how to make money on missions.

Thank you!

[SkyRender]

For your situation, I'd recommend starting with Science mode. Sandbox disables science and funds both, meaning you wouldn't really get that much out of it. That said, you could also do Career mode and just revert to launch after any launch failure to prevent loss of funds. Contracts give you so much money that even that might not prove too terribly necessary, though.

If you really want to get into the maths side of things, there are mods that can help with that, which tally up information and give you data like your current delta-V and thrust-to-weight ratio. A favorite for that is Kerbal Engineer Redux.

[Richy teh space man]

I'd say science is probably the best mode for beginners. It gives people a chance to weigh up parts without being over whelmed by the choice at the beginning, or having to worry about failing contracts or losing money.

[Pecan]

Sandbox every time, because you can experiment without risk and do whatever you find interesting while you learn how the game works.

I would also say you can structure your development much better in sandbox because you aren't tied to the awful tech-tree.

But then I would, wouldn't I. Link in signature.

(Once you have a bit of confidence with KSP you can decide for yourself. Sandbox is still great but if you need more direction then career is the way to go.)

[WololoW]

#1 - Any mode will do that.

#2 - Only science and career modes will fulfill this, and if all 5 stipulations must be met, Sandbox is thrown out here.

#3 - Any mode will do that.

#4 - Any mode will do that.

#5 - Only Career mode will fulfill this, and if all 5 stipulations must be met, Science mode is thrown out here.

Seems that your pre-req's only lead to Career mode.

My personal opinion on the matter is that Science collecting is just a game of biome hopping as it stands, and that does not sound fun in any way to me. Therefore, I will be playing Sandbox mode, and Career mode with the stipulation that all science comes from contracts. I feel that will make science actually mean something.