Sandbox mode

In sandbox mode, you get to choose your character. Each character has a different ship. It may be best to choose your character based on the ship he/she starts with.

At the beginning of sandbox mode, you will be weak. You can mine asteroid belts or gather debris. You do start with a multi-tool, so you can do these things. If you travel to T6 Asim you can find the quest to get a drone. This will help you mine or gather.

Once you get a few space-dollars you will be able to upgrade your weapons.

I suggest then going to the LFP panel (hand shake icon) and choosing a lo- level freelance job. You can grind up to a high level dning these three things; mining, gatheingr debris, doing jobs from the LFP ilst.