The fundamental principle is using seed values to generate entire planets through mathematical formulas instead of storing premade assets. Start by understanding that every location comes from number sequences that create specific environments, creatures and features when players get close enough, then clear that data once they leave to save memory.

Navigating between systems triggers the generation process where base algorithms determine planet types, atmospheres and basic terrain first. The building blocks come from combining roughly 12 biome types with 5 main planet classes, creating those quintillion variations everyone talks about. Maybe interesting that the terrain forms through connecting tiles that have to match their surroundings, like mountains gradually sloping down to plains.

When you're approaching a new world, the generation happens in layers with more detail appearing as you get closer, which is pretty clever for keeping things running smooth. Good to know that revisiting planets always gives you the exact same layout since the seed numbers stay consistent, even though updates can add new possibilities to what those numbers create. All this math means the whole universe fits in about 6gb which is wild when you think about the scale of whats being generated.