You can pre-generate your structure as part of your prep or you can generate it on the go as you explore it node by node. Both methods are valid but some fit better certain campaign modes
Game mastered settlement campaign
You want to pre-generate the starting settlement and its sector, maybe the adjacent sectors too and its cluster. This will help your prep as you can determine the former settlements of some characters, set up some trade routes, rumors and menaces.
Game mastered nomadic campaign
You may want to generate the first sector and generate new sectors as the group enters them. Generating the starting cluster can also be a good idea but is less important.
GMless settlement campaign
Collectively generates the starting settlement and its sector during a session zero as the characters will have themselves access to their settlement’s sector map. But once you leave your home sector, generate things on the go to add to the feeling of leaving home to venture into uncharted territories.
GMless nomadic campaign
Generating on the go works well with the combination of these two play modes. It let you start with zero preparation and puts the focus on exploration and cycle to cycle survival. Only generate a sector or cluster map if you access it in-game through a sphere device.
(Bleak Faith: ForsakenBleak Faith: Forsaken)
