diff --git a/apps/backend/.editorconfig b/apps/backend/.editorconfig
index 8963e9a..1e8e93b 100644
--- a/apps/backend/.editorconfig
+++ b/apps/backend/.editorconfig
@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@ root = true
 
 [*.{cs,csx}]
 charset = utf-8
-end_of_line = crlf
 insert_final_newline = true
 trim_trailing_whitespace = true
 indent_style = space
@@ -40,7 +39,6 @@ csharp_new_line_before_open_brace = all
 
 [*.{csproj,props,targets,sln,slnx}]
 charset = utf-8
-end_of_line = crlf
 insert_final_newline = true
 trim_trailing_whitespace = true
 indent_style = space
@@ -48,7 +46,6 @@ indent_size = 2
 
 [*.{json,jsonc}]
 charset = utf-8
-end_of_line = crlf
 insert_final_newline = true
 trim_trailing_whitespace = true
 indent_style = space
diff --git a/apps/backend/Definitions/WorldDefinitions.cs b/apps/backend/Definitions/WorldDefinitions.cs
index 36e5086..4bb66e1 100644
--- a/apps/backend/Definitions/WorldDefinitions.cs
+++ b/apps/backend/Definitions/WorldDefinitions.cs
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 using System.Diagnostics.CodeAnalysis;
 using System.Text.Json.Serialization;
 using SpaceGame.Api.Shared.Runtime;
+using SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Simulation;
 
 namespace SpaceGame.Api.Definitions;
 
@@ -40,19 +41,6 @@ public sealed class ItemProductionDefinition
     public List<ItemEffectDefinition> Effects { get; set; } = [];
 }
 
-public sealed class BalanceDefinition
-{
-    public float SimulationSpeedMultiplier { get; set; } = 1f;
-    public float YPlane { get; set; }
-    public float ArrivalThreshold { get; set; }
-    public float MiningRate { get; set; }
-    public float MiningCycleSeconds { get; set; }
-    public float TransferRate { get; set; }
-    public float DockingDuration { get; set; }
-    public float UndockingDuration { get; set; }
-    public float UndockDistance { get; set; }
-}
-
 public sealed class StarDefinition
 {
     public string Kind { get; set; } = "main-sequence";
@@ -374,8 +362,15 @@ public sealed class ShipDefinition
     public ConstructionDefinition? Construction { get; set; }
 }
 
+public sealed class GameStartOptionsDefinition
+{
+    public int Seed { get; set; } = 1;
+    public WorldGenerationOptions WorldGeneration { get; set; } = new();
+}
+
 public sealed class ScenarioDefinition
 {
+    public GameStartOptionsDefinition GameStartOptions { get; set; } = new();
     public required List<InitialStationDefinition> InitialStations { get; set; }
     public required List<ShipFormationDefinition> ShipFormations { get; set; }
     public required List<PatrolRouteDefinition> PatrolRoutes { get; set; }
diff --git a/apps/backend/Program.cs b/apps/backend/Program.cs
index 8b17b68..4978f0c 100644
--- a/apps/backend/Program.cs
+++ b/apps/backend/Program.cs
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 using FastEndpoints;
 using FastEndpoints.Swagger;
+using Microsoft.Extensions.Options;
+using SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Bootstrap;
 using SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Simulation;
 
 var builder = WebApplication.CreateBuilder(args);
@@ -14,14 +16,29 @@ builder.Services.AddCors((options) =>
         .AllowAnyOrigin();
     });
 });
+builder.Services
+    .AddOptions<StaticDataOptions>()
+    .Bind(builder.Configuration.GetSection("StaticData"))
+    .Validate(options => !string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(options.DataRoot), "StaticData:DataRoot must be configured.")
+    .ValidateOnStart();
+builder.Services.Configure<BalanceOptions>(builder.Configuration.GetSection("Balance"));
 builder.Services.Configure<WorldGenerationOptions>(builder.Configuration.GetSection("WorldGeneration"));
 builder.Services.Configure<OrbitalSimulationOptions>(builder.Configuration.GetSection("OrbitalSimulation"));
-builder.Services.AddFastEndpoints();
-builder.Services.SwaggerDocument();
+
+builder.Services.AddTransient<SystemGenerationService>();
+builder.Services.AddTransient<SpatialBuilder>();
+builder.Services.AddTransient<WorldSeedingService>();
+builder.Services.AddTransient<ScenarioLoader>();
+builder.Services.AddTransient<SystemTemplateLoader>();
+builder.Services.AddTransient<WorldBuilder>();
+builder.Services.AddSingleton<WorldBootstrapper>();
 builder.Services.AddSingleton<WorldService>();
 builder.Services.AddSingleton<TelemetryService>();
 builder.Services.AddHostedService<SimulationHostedService>();
 
+builder.Services.AddFastEndpoints();
+builder.Services.SwaggerDocument();
+
 var app = builder.Build();
 
 app.UseCors();
diff --git a/apps/backend/Ships/Simulation/ShipAiService.cs b/apps/backend/Ships/Simulation/ShipAiService.cs
index 739e7d6..97e6864 100644
--- a/apps/backend/Ships/Simulation/ShipAiService.cs
+++ b/apps/backend/Ships/Simulation/ShipAiService.cs
@@ -1,10 +1,12 @@
+using Microsoft.Extensions.Options;
 using static SpaceGame.Api.Shared.Runtime.SimulationRuntimeSupport;
 using static SpaceGame.Api.Stations.Simulation.InfrastructureSimulationService;
 using static SpaceGame.Api.Stations.Simulation.StationSimulationService;
 
 namespace SpaceGame.Api.Ships.Simulation;
 
-internal sealed class ShipAiService
+public sealed class ShipAiService(
+        IOptions<BalanceOptions> balance)
 {
     private const float WarpEngageDistanceKilometers = 250_000f;
     private const float FrigateDps = 7f;
diff --git a/apps/backend/Simulation/Core/SimulationEngine.cs b/apps/backend/Simulation/Core/SimulationEngine.cs
index 85ad6be..db24855 100644
--- a/apps/backend/Simulation/Core/SimulationEngine.cs
+++ b/apps/backend/Simulation/Core/SimulationEngine.cs
@@ -1,4 +1,3 @@
-
 namespace SpaceGame.Api.Simulation.Core;
 
 public sealed class SimulationEngine
diff --git a/apps/backend/Universe/Api/UpdateBalanceHandler.cs b/apps/backend/Universe/Api/UpdateBalanceHandler.cs
index 85d46dc..085aa2a 100644
--- a/apps/backend/Universe/Api/UpdateBalanceHandler.cs
+++ b/apps/backend/Universe/Api/UpdateBalanceHandler.cs
@@ -1,10 +1,9 @@
 using FastEndpoints;
-using SpaceGame.Api.Definitions;
 using SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Simulation;
 
 namespace SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Api;
 
-public sealed class UpdateBalanceHandler(WorldService worldService) : Endpoint<BalanceDefinition>
+public sealed class UpdateBalanceHandler(WorldService worldService) : Endpoint<BalanceOptions>
 {
     public override void Configure()
     {
@@ -12,7 +11,7 @@ public sealed class UpdateBalanceHandler(WorldService worldService) : Endpoint<B
         AllowAnonymous();
     }
 
-    public override Task HandleAsync(BalanceDefinition req, CancellationToken cancellationToken)
+    public override Task HandleAsync(BalanceOptions req, CancellationToken cancellationToken)
     {
         var applied = worldService.UpdateBalance(req);
         return SendOkAsync(applied, cancellationToken);
diff --git a/apps/backend/Universe/Bootstrap/StaticDataCatalog.cs b/apps/backend/Universe/Bootstrap/StaticDataCatalog.cs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6e75555
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/backend/Universe/Bootstrap/StaticDataCatalog.cs
@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+namespace SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Bootstrap;
+
+public sealed record StaticDataCatalog(
+  IReadOnlyDictionary<string, ModuleDefinition> ModuleDefinitions,
+  IReadOnlyDictionary<string, ShipDefinition> ShipDefinitions,
+  IReadOnlyDictionary<string, ItemDefinition> ItemDefinitions,
+  IReadOnlyDictionary<string, RecipeDefinition> Recipes,
+  IReadOnlyDictionary<string, ModuleRecipeDefinition> ModuleRecipes,
+  ProductionGraph ProductionGraph);
diff --git a/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/DataCatalogLoader.cs b/apps/backend/Universe/Bootstrap/StaticDataLoader.cs
similarity index 69%
rename from apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/DataCatalogLoader.cs
rename to apps/backend/Universe/Bootstrap/StaticDataLoader.cs
index eaa0ff4..3e733fa 100644
--- a/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/DataCatalogLoader.cs
+++ b/apps/backend/Universe/Bootstrap/StaticDataLoader.cs
@@ -1,32 +1,26 @@
 using System.Text.Json;
+using Microsoft.Extensions.Options;
 using SpaceGame.Api.Shared.Runtime;
-using static SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Scenario.LoaderSupport;
 
-namespace SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Scenario;
+namespace SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Bootstrap;
 
-internal sealed class DataCatalogLoader(string dataRoot)
+internal sealed class StaticDataLoader(IOptions<StaticDataOptions> staticDataOptions)
 {
     private readonly JsonSerializerOptions _jsonOptions = new()
     {
         PropertyNameCaseInsensitive = true,
     };
 
-    internal ScenarioCatalog LoadCatalog()
+    internal StaticDataCatalog Load()
     {
-        var authoredSystems = Read<List<SolarSystemDefinition>>("systems.json");
-        var scenario = Read<ScenarioDefinition>("scenario.json");
         var modules = NormalizeModules(Read<List<ModuleDefinition>>("modules.json"));
         var ships = Read<List<ShipDefinition>>("ships.json");
         var items = Read<List<ItemDefinition>>("items.json");
-        var balance = Read<BalanceDefinition>("balance.json");
         var recipes = BuildRecipes(items, ships, modules);
         var moduleRecipes = BuildModuleRecipes(modules);
         var productionGraph = ProductionGraphBuilder.Build(items, recipes, modules);
 
-        return new ScenarioCatalog(
-          authoredSystems,
-          scenario,
-          balance,
+        return new StaticDataCatalog(
           modules.ToDictionary(definition => definition.Id, StringComparer.Ordinal),
           ships.ToDictionary(definition => definition.Id, StringComparer.Ordinal),
           items.ToDictionary(definition => definition.Id, StringComparer.Ordinal),
@@ -35,67 +29,9 @@ internal sealed class DataCatalogLoader(string dataRoot)
           productionGraph);
     }
 
-    internal ScenarioDefinition NormalizeScenarioToAvailableSystems(
-      ScenarioDefinition scenario,
-      IReadOnlyList<string> availableSystemIds)
-    {
-        if (availableSystemIds.Count == 0)
-        {
-            return scenario;
-        }
-
-        var fallbackSystemId = availableSystemIds.Contains("sol", StringComparer.Ordinal)
-          ? "sol"
-          : availableSystemIds[0];
-
-        string ResolveSystemId(string systemId) =>
-          availableSystemIds.Contains(systemId, StringComparer.Ordinal) ? systemId : fallbackSystemId;
-
-        return new ScenarioDefinition
-        {
-            InitialStations = scenario.InitialStations
-            .Select(station => new InitialStationDefinition
-            {
-                SystemId = ResolveSystemId(station.SystemId),
-                Label = station.Label,
-                Color = station.Color,
-                Objective = station.Objective,
-                StartingModules = station.StartingModules.ToList(),
-                FactionId = station.FactionId,
-                PlanetIndex = station.PlanetIndex,
-                LagrangeSide = station.LagrangeSide,
-                Position = station.Position?.ToArray(),
-            })
-            .ToList(),
-            ShipFormations = scenario.ShipFormations
-            .Select(formation => new ShipFormationDefinition
-            {
-                ShipId = formation.ShipId,
-                Count = formation.Count,
-                Center = formation.Center.ToArray(),
-                SystemId = ResolveSystemId(formation.SystemId),
-                FactionId = formation.FactionId,
-                StartingInventory = new Dictionary<string, float>(formation.StartingInventory, StringComparer.Ordinal),
-            })
-            .ToList(),
-            PatrolRoutes = scenario.PatrolRoutes
-            .Select(route => new PatrolRouteDefinition
-            {
-                SystemId = ResolveSystemId(route.SystemId),
-                Points = route.Points.Select(point => point.ToArray()).ToList(),
-            })
-            .ToList(),
-            MiningDefaults = new MiningDefaultsDefinition
-            {
-                NodeSystemId = ResolveSystemId(scenario.MiningDefaults.NodeSystemId),
-                RefinerySystemId = ResolveSystemId(scenario.MiningDefaults.RefinerySystemId),
-            },
-        };
-    }
-
     private T Read<T>(string fileName)
     {
-        var path = Path.Combine(dataRoot, fileName);
+        var path = Path.Combine(staticDataOptions.Value.DataRoot, fileName);
         var json = File.ReadAllText(path);
         return JsonSerializer.Deserialize<T>(json, _jsonOptions)
           ?? throw new InvalidOperationException($"Unable to read {fileName}.");
@@ -153,11 +89,11 @@ internal sealed class DataCatalogLoader(string dataRoot)
                         Outputs =
                       [
                         new RecipeOutputDefinition
-              {
-                ItemId = item.Id,
-                Amount = production.Amount,
-              },
-            ],
+                        {
+                            ItemId = item.Id,
+                            Amount = production.Amount,
+                        },
+                      ],
                     });
                 }
 
@@ -187,11 +123,11 @@ internal sealed class DataCatalogLoader(string dataRoot)
                 Outputs =
               [
                 new RecipeOutputDefinition
-          {
-            ItemId = item.Id,
-            Amount = item.Construction.BatchSize,
-          },
-        ],
+                {
+                    ItemId = item.Id,
+                    Amount = item.Construction.BatchSize,
+                },
+              ],
             });
         }
 
@@ -270,7 +206,6 @@ internal sealed class DataCatalogLoader(string dataRoot)
             }
 
             module.Type = module.ModuleType.ToDataValue();
-
             modules[index] = CreateSpecializedModuleDefinition(module);
         }
 
@@ -314,14 +249,3 @@ internal sealed class DataCatalogLoader(string dataRoot)
         return module;
     }
 }
-
-internal sealed record ScenarioCatalog(
-  List<SolarSystemDefinition> AuthoredSystems,
-  ScenarioDefinition Scenario,
-  BalanceDefinition Balance,
-  IReadOnlyDictionary<string, ModuleDefinition> ModuleDefinitions,
-  IReadOnlyDictionary<string, ShipDefinition> ShipDefinitions,
-  IReadOnlyDictionary<string, ItemDefinition> ItemDefinitions,
-  IReadOnlyDictionary<string, RecipeDefinition> Recipes,
-  IReadOnlyDictionary<string, ModuleRecipeDefinition> ModuleRecipes,
-  ProductionGraph ProductionGraph);
diff --git a/apps/backend/Universe/Bootstrap/StaticDataOptions.cs b/apps/backend/Universe/Bootstrap/StaticDataOptions.cs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5dfe9ea
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/backend/Universe/Bootstrap/StaticDataOptions.cs
@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+namespace SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Bootstrap;
+
+public sealed class StaticDataOptions
+{
+    public required string DataRoot { get; init; }
+}
diff --git a/apps/backend/Universe/Bootstrap/SystemTemplateLoader.cs b/apps/backend/Universe/Bootstrap/SystemTemplateLoader.cs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0cc97c5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/backend/Universe/Bootstrap/SystemTemplateLoader.cs
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+using System.Text.Json;
+using Microsoft.Extensions.Options;
+
+namespace SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Bootstrap;
+
+public sealed class SystemTemplateLoader(IOptions<StaticDataOptions> staticDataOptions)
+{
+    private readonly JsonSerializerOptions _jsonOptions = new()
+    {
+        PropertyNameCaseInsensitive = true,
+    };
+
+    internal List<SolarSystemDefinition> Load()
+    {
+        var path = Path.Combine(staticDataOptions.Value.DataRoot, "systems.json");
+        var json = File.ReadAllText(path);
+        return JsonSerializer.Deserialize<List<SolarSystemDefinition>>(json, _jsonOptions)
+          ?? throw new InvalidOperationException("Unable to read systems.json.");
+    }
+}
diff --git a/apps/backend/Universe/Bootstrap/WorldBootstrapper.cs b/apps/backend/Universe/Bootstrap/WorldBootstrapper.cs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1a5cf69
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/backend/Universe/Bootstrap/WorldBootstrapper.cs
@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+using Microsoft.Extensions.Options;
+using SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Scenario;
+using SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Simulation;
+
+namespace SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Bootstrap;
+
+public sealed class WorldBootstrapper
+{
+    private readonly BalanceOptions _defaultBalance;
+    private readonly WorldGenerationOptions _defaultWorldGeneration;
+    private readonly StaticDataCatalog _staticData;
+    private readonly ScenarioLoader _scenarioLoader;
+    private readonly SystemTemplateLoader _systemTemplateLoader;
+    private readonly WorldBuilder _worldBuilder;
+
+    public WorldBootstrapper(
+      StaticDataCatalog staticData,
+      ScenarioLoader scenarioLoader,
+      SystemTemplateLoader systemTemplateLoader,
+      WorldBuilder worldBuilder,
+      IOptions<BalanceOptions> defaultBalanceOptions,
+      IOptions<WorldGenerationOptions> defaultWorldGenerationOptions)
+    {
+        _defaultBalance = defaultBalanceOptions.Value;
+        _defaultWorldGeneration = defaultWorldGenerationOptions.Value;
+        _staticData = staticData;
+        _scenarioLoader = scenarioLoader;
+        _systemTemplateLoader = systemTemplateLoader;
+        _worldBuilder = worldBuilder;
+    }
+
+    public SimulationWorld Bootstrap()
+    {
+        var scenario = _scenarioLoader.Load();
+        var gameStartOptions = scenario?.GameStartOptions ?? new GameStartOptionsDefinition
+        {
+            Seed = 1,
+            WorldGeneration = _defaultWorldGeneration,
+        };
+
+        return _worldBuilder.Build(
+          _staticData,
+          _defaultBalance,
+          _systemTemplateLoader.Load(),
+          gameStartOptions,
+          scenario);
+    }
+}
diff --git a/apps/backend/Universe/Runtime/SimulationWorld.cs b/apps/backend/Universe/Runtime/SimulationWorld.cs
index e5be667..a07748c 100644
--- a/apps/backend/Universe/Runtime/SimulationWorld.cs
+++ b/apps/backend/Universe/Runtime/SimulationWorld.cs
@@ -5,7 +5,6 @@ public sealed class SimulationWorld
 {
     public required string Label { get; init; }
     public required int Seed { get; init; }
-    public required BalanceDefinition Balance { get; set; }
     public required List<SystemRuntime> Systems { get; init; }
     public required List<ResourceNodeRuntime> Nodes { get; init; }
     public required List<CelestialRuntime> Celestials { get; init; }
diff --git a/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/LoaderSupport.cs b/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/LoaderSupport.cs
index 96df2d4..d36dbd9 100644
--- a/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/LoaderSupport.cs
+++ b/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/LoaderSupport.cs
@@ -6,7 +6,6 @@ namespace SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Scenario;
 internal static class LoaderSupport
 {
     internal const string DefaultFactionId = "sol-dominion";
-    internal const int WorldSeed = 1;
     internal const float MinimumFactionCredits = 0f;
     internal const float MinimumRefineryOre = 0f;
     internal const float MinimumRefineryStock = 0f;
diff --git a/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/ScenarioLoader.cs b/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/ScenarioLoader.cs
index 824a05d..31bf7fb 100644
--- a/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/ScenarioLoader.cs
+++ b/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/ScenarioLoader.cs
@@ -1,26 +1,27 @@
 
+using System.Text.Json;
+using Microsoft.Extensions.Options;
+using SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Bootstrap;
+
 namespace SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Scenario;
 
-public sealed class ScenarioLoader
+public sealed class ScenarioLoader(IOptions<StaticDataOptions> staticDataOptions)
 {
-    private readonly WorldBuilder _worldBuilder;
-
-    public ScenarioLoader(string contentRootPath, WorldGenerationOptions? worldGeneration = null)
+    private readonly JsonSerializerOptions _jsonOptions = new()
     {
-        var generationOptions = worldGeneration ?? new WorldGenerationOptions();
-        var dataRoot = Path.GetFullPath(Path.Combine(contentRootPath, "..", "..", "shared", "data"));
-        var dataLoader = new DataCatalogLoader(dataRoot);
-        var generationService = new SystemGenerationService();
-        var spatialBuilder = new SpatialBuilder();
-        var seedingService = new WorldSeedingService();
+        PropertyNameCaseInsensitive = true,
+    };
 
-        _worldBuilder = new WorldBuilder(
-          generationOptions,
-          dataLoader,
-          generationService,
-          spatialBuilder,
-          seedingService);
+    public ScenarioDefinition? Load()
+    {
+        var scenarioPath = Path.Combine(staticDataOptions.Value.DataRoot, "scenario.json");
+        if (!File.Exists(scenarioPath))
+        {
+            return null;
+        }
+
+        var json = File.ReadAllText(scenarioPath);
+        return JsonSerializer.Deserialize<ScenarioDefinition>(json, _jsonOptions)
+          ?? throw new InvalidOperationException("Unable to read scenario.json.");
     }
-
-    public SimulationWorld Load() => _worldBuilder.Build();
 }
diff --git a/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/SpatialBuilder.cs b/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/SpatialBuilder.cs
index 47b44fd..b03d6e2 100644
--- a/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/SpatialBuilder.cs
+++ b/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/SpatialBuilder.cs
@@ -2,9 +2,9 @@ using static SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Scenario.LoaderSupport;
 
 namespace SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Scenario;
 
-internal sealed class SpatialBuilder
+public sealed class SpatialBuilder
 {
-    internal ScenarioSpatialLayout BuildLayout(IReadOnlyList<SystemRuntime> systems, BalanceDefinition balance)
+    internal ScenarioSpatialLayout BuildLayout(IReadOnlyList<SystemRuntime> systems, BalanceOptions balance)
     {
         var systemGraphs = systems.ToDictionary(
           system => system.Definition.Id,
diff --git a/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/SystemGenerationService.cs b/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/SystemGenerationService.cs
index ee821a6..5ea53fb 100644
--- a/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/SystemGenerationService.cs
+++ b/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/SystemGenerationService.cs
@@ -2,12 +2,9 @@ using static SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Scenario.LoaderSupport;
 
 namespace SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Scenario;
 
-internal sealed class SystemGenerationService
+public sealed class SystemGenerationService
 {
-    private const string SolSystemId = "sol";
-    private const string DevelopmentCompanionSystemId = "helios";
-
-    internal List<SolarSystemDefinition> InjectSpecialSystems(IReadOnlyList<SolarSystemDefinition> authoredSystems) =>
+    internal List<SolarSystemDefinition> PrepareAuthoredSystems(IReadOnlyList<SolarSystemDefinition> authoredSystems) =>
       authoredSystems
         .Select((system, index) => EnsureStrategicResourceCoverage(CloneSystemDefinition(system), index))
         .ToList();
@@ -71,8 +68,10 @@ internal sealed class SystemGenerationService
             }
         }
 
-        AddById(SolSystemId);
-        AddById(DevelopmentCompanionSystemId);
+        foreach (var preferredSystemId in SystemSelectionPolicy.PreferredSystemIds)
+        {
+            AddById(preferredSystemId);
+        }
 
         foreach (var system in systems)
         {
diff --git a/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/SystemSelectionPolicy.cs b/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/SystemSelectionPolicy.cs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8c98bce
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/SystemSelectionPolicy.cs
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+namespace SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Scenario;
+
+internal static class SystemSelectionPolicy
+{
+    internal static readonly string[] PreferredSystemIds =
+    [
+      "sol",
+      "helios",
+    ];
+
+    internal static string SelectFallbackSystemId(IReadOnlyList<string> availableSystemIds)
+    {
+        foreach (var preferredSystemId in PreferredSystemIds)
+        {
+            if (availableSystemIds.Contains(preferredSystemId, StringComparer.Ordinal))
+            {
+                return preferredSystemId;
+            }
+        }
+
+        return availableSystemIds.FirstOrDefault() ?? string.Empty;
+    }
+}
diff --git a/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/WorldBuilder.cs b/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/WorldBuilder.cs
index ae0e677..361183a 100644
--- a/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/WorldBuilder.cs
+++ b/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/WorldBuilder.cs
@@ -1,23 +1,26 @@
 using static SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Scenario.LoaderSupport;
+using SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Bootstrap;
+using Microsoft.Extensions.Options;
 
 namespace SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Scenario;
 
-internal sealed class WorldBuilder(
-  WorldGenerationOptions worldGeneration,
-  DataCatalogLoader dataLoader,
-  SystemGenerationService generationService,
-  SpatialBuilder spatialBuilder,
-  WorldSeedingService seedingService)
+public sealed class WorldBuilder(
+        StaticDataCatalog staticData,
+        IOptions<BalanceOptions> balance,
+        SystemGenerationService generationService,
+        SpatialBuilder spatialBuilder,
+        WorldSeedingService seedingService)
 {
-    internal SimulationWorld Build()
+    public SimulationWorld Build(
+      GameStartOptionsDefinition gameStartOptions,
+      ScenarioDefinition? scenarioDefinition)
     {
-        var catalog = dataLoader.LoadCatalog();
         var systems = generationService.ExpandSystems(
-          generationService.InjectSpecialSystems(catalog.AuthoredSystems),
-          worldGeneration.TargetSystemCount);
+          generationService.PrepareAuthoredSystems(authoredSystems),
+          gameStartOptions.WorldGeneration.TargetSystemCount);
 
-        var scenario = dataLoader.NormalizeScenarioToAvailableSystems(
-          catalog.Scenario,
+        var scenario = NormalizeScenarioToAvailableSystems(
+          scenarioDefinition,
           systems.Select(system => system.Id).ToList());
 
         var systemRuntimes = systems
@@ -28,22 +31,22 @@ internal sealed class WorldBuilder(
           })
           .ToList();
         var systemsById = systemRuntimes.ToDictionary(system => system.Definition.Id, StringComparer.Ordinal);
-        var spatialLayout = spatialBuilder.BuildLayout(systemRuntimes, catalog.Balance);
+        var spatialLayout = spatialBuilder.BuildLayout(systemRuntimes, balance.Value);
 
         var stations = CreateStations(
           scenario,
           systemsById,
           spatialLayout.SystemGraphs,
           spatialLayout.Celestials,
-          catalog.ModuleDefinitions,
-          catalog.ItemDefinitions);
+          staticData.ModuleDefinitions,
+          staticData.ItemDefinitions);
 
-        seedingService.InitializeStationStockpiles(stations, catalog.ModuleDefinitions);
+        seedingService.InitializeStationStockpiles(stations, staticData.ModuleDefinitions);
         var refinery = seedingService.SelectRefineryStation(stations, scenario);
         var patrolRoutes = BuildPatrolRoutes(scenario, systemsById);
-        var ships = CreateShips(scenario, systemsById, spatialLayout.Celestials, catalog.Balance, catalog.ShipDefinitions, patrolRoutes, stations, refinery);
+        var ships = CreateShips(scenario, systemsById, spatialLayout.Celestials, staticData.ShipDefinitions, patrolRoutes, stations, refinery);
 
-        if (worldGeneration.AiControllerFactionCount < int.MaxValue)
+        if (gameStartOptions.WorldGeneration.AiControllerFactionCount < int.MaxValue)
         {
             var aiFactionIds = stations
               .Select(s => s.FactionId)
@@ -51,7 +54,7 @@ internal sealed class WorldBuilder(
               .Where(id => !string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(id) && !string.Equals(id, DefaultFactionId, StringComparison.Ordinal))
               .Distinct(StringComparer.Ordinal)
               .OrderBy(id => id, StringComparer.Ordinal)
-              .Take(worldGeneration.AiControllerFactionCount)
+              .Take(gameStartOptions.WorldGeneration.AiControllerFactionCount)
               .ToHashSet(StringComparer.Ordinal);
             aiFactionIds.Add(DefaultFactionId);
             stations = stations.Where(s => aiFactionIds.Contains(s.FactionId)).ToList();
@@ -63,15 +66,14 @@ internal sealed class WorldBuilder(
         var policies = seedingService.CreatePolicies(factions);
         var commanders = seedingService.CreateCommanders(factions, stations, ships);
         var nowUtc = DateTimeOffset.UtcNow;
-        var playerFaction = worldGeneration.GeneratePlayerFaction
+        var playerFaction = gameStartOptions.WorldGeneration.GeneratePlayerFaction
           ? seedingService.CreatePlayerFaction(factions, stations, ships, commanders, policies, nowUtc)
           : null;
         var claims = seedingService.CreateClaims(stations, spatialLayout.Celestials, nowUtc);
         var world = new SimulationWorld
         {
             Label = "Split Viewer / Simulation World",
-            Seed = WorldSeed,
-            Balance = catalog.Balance,
+            Seed = gameStartOptions.Seed,
             Systems = systemRuntimes,
             Celestials = spatialLayout.Celestials,
             Nodes = spatialLayout.Nodes,
@@ -86,13 +88,13 @@ internal sealed class WorldBuilder(
             ConstructionSites = [],
             MarketOrders = [],
             Policies = policies,
-            ShipDefinitions = new Dictionary<string, ShipDefinition>(catalog.ShipDefinitions, StringComparer.Ordinal),
-            ItemDefinitions = new Dictionary<string, ItemDefinition>(catalog.ItemDefinitions, StringComparer.Ordinal),
-            ModuleDefinitions = new Dictionary<string, ModuleDefinition>(catalog.ModuleDefinitions, StringComparer.Ordinal),
-            ModuleRecipes = new Dictionary<string, ModuleRecipeDefinition>(catalog.ModuleRecipes, StringComparer.Ordinal),
-            Recipes = new Dictionary<string, RecipeDefinition>(catalog.Recipes, StringComparer.Ordinal),
-            ProductionGraph = catalog.ProductionGraph,
-            OrbitalTimeSeconds = WorldSeed * 97d,
+            ShipDefinitions = new Dictionary<string, ShipDefinition>(staticData.ShipDefinitions, StringComparer.Ordinal),
+            ItemDefinitions = new Dictionary<string, ItemDefinition>(staticData.ItemDefinitions, StringComparer.Ordinal),
+            ModuleDefinitions = new Dictionary<string, ModuleDefinition>(staticData.ModuleDefinitions, StringComparer.Ordinal),
+            ModuleRecipes = new Dictionary<string, ModuleRecipeDefinition>(staticData.ModuleRecipes, StringComparer.Ordinal),
+            Recipes = new Dictionary<string, RecipeDefinition>(staticData.Recipes, StringComparer.Ordinal),
+            ProductionGraph = staticData.ProductionGraph,
+            OrbitalTimeSeconds = gameStartOptions.Seed * 97d,
             GeneratedAtUtc = nowUtc,
         };
 
@@ -105,6 +107,79 @@ internal sealed class WorldBuilder(
         return world;
     }
 
+    private static ScenarioDefinition NormalizeScenarioToAvailableSystems(
+      ScenarioDefinition? scenario,
+      IReadOnlyList<string> availableSystemIds)
+    {
+        var fallbackSystemId = SystemSelectionPolicy.SelectFallbackSystemId(availableSystemIds);
+
+        if (scenario is null)
+        {
+            return new ScenarioDefinition
+            {
+                GameStartOptions = new GameStartOptionsDefinition(),
+                InitialStations = [],
+                ShipFormations = [],
+                PatrolRoutes = [],
+                MiningDefaults = new MiningDefaultsDefinition
+                {
+                    NodeSystemId = fallbackSystemId,
+                    RefinerySystemId = fallbackSystemId,
+                },
+            };
+        }
+
+        if (availableSystemIds.Count == 0)
+        {
+            return scenario;
+        }
+
+        string ResolveSystemId(string systemId) =>
+          availableSystemIds.Contains(systemId, StringComparer.Ordinal) ? systemId : fallbackSystemId;
+
+        return new ScenarioDefinition
+        {
+            GameStartOptions = scenario.GameStartOptions,
+            InitialStations = scenario.InitialStations
+            .Select(station => new InitialStationDefinition
+            {
+                SystemId = ResolveSystemId(station.SystemId),
+                Label = station.Label,
+                Color = station.Color,
+                Objective = station.Objective,
+                StartingModules = station.StartingModules.ToList(),
+                FactionId = station.FactionId,
+                PlanetIndex = station.PlanetIndex,
+                LagrangeSide = station.LagrangeSide,
+                Position = station.Position?.ToArray(),
+            })
+            .ToList(),
+            ShipFormations = scenario.ShipFormations
+            .Select(formation => new ShipFormationDefinition
+            {
+                ShipId = formation.ShipId,
+                Count = formation.Count,
+                Center = formation.Center.ToArray(),
+                SystemId = ResolveSystemId(formation.SystemId),
+                FactionId = formation.FactionId,
+                StartingInventory = new Dictionary<string, float>(formation.StartingInventory, StringComparer.Ordinal),
+            })
+            .ToList(),
+            PatrolRoutes = scenario.PatrolRoutes
+            .Select(route => new PatrolRouteDefinition
+            {
+                SystemId = ResolveSystemId(route.SystemId),
+                Points = route.Points.Select(point => point.ToArray()).ToList(),
+            })
+            .ToList(),
+            MiningDefaults = new MiningDefaultsDefinition
+            {
+                NodeSystemId = ResolveSystemId(scenario.MiningDefaults.NodeSystemId),
+                RefinerySystemId = ResolveSystemId(scenario.MiningDefaults.RefinerySystemId),
+            },
+        };
+    }
+
     private static List<StationRuntime> CreateStations(
       ScenarioDefinition scenario,
       IReadOnlyDictionary<string, SystemRuntime> systemsById,
@@ -248,11 +323,10 @@ internal sealed class WorldBuilder(
             StringComparer.Ordinal);
     }
 
-    private static List<ShipRuntime> CreateShips(
+    private List<ShipRuntime> CreateShips(
       ScenarioDefinition scenario,
       IReadOnlyDictionary<string, SystemRuntime> systemsById,
       IReadOnlyCollection<CelestialRuntime> celestials,
-      BalanceDefinition balance,
       IReadOnlyDictionary<string, ShipDefinition> shipDefinitions,
       IReadOnlyDictionary<string, List<Vector3>> patrolRoutes,
       IReadOnlyCollection<StationRuntime> stations,
@@ -270,7 +344,7 @@ internal sealed class WorldBuilder(
 
             for (var index = 0; index < formation.Count; index += 1)
             {
-                var offset = new Vector3((index % 3) * 18f, balance.YPlane, (index / 3) * 18f);
+                var offset = new Vector3((index % 3) * 18f, balance.Value.YPlane, (index / 3) * 18f);
                 var position = Add(NormalizeScenarioPoint(systemsById[formation.SystemId], formation.Center), offset);
 
                 ships.Add(new ShipRuntime
diff --git a/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/WorldSeedingService.cs b/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/WorldSeedingService.cs
index 5623935..6df9265 100644
--- a/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/WorldSeedingService.cs
+++ b/apps/backend/Universe/Scenario/WorldSeedingService.cs
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ using static SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Scenario.LoaderSupport;
 
 namespace SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Scenario;
 
-internal sealed class WorldSeedingService
+public sealed class WorldSeedingService
 {
     internal List<FactionRuntime> CreateFactions(
       IReadOnlyCollection<StationRuntime> stations,
diff --git a/apps/backend/Universe/Simulation/BalanceOptions.cs b/apps/backend/Universe/Simulation/BalanceOptions.cs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0d6c427
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/backend/Universe/Simulation/BalanceOptions.cs
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+namespace SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Simulation;
+
+public sealed class BalanceOptions
+{
+    public float SimulationSpeedMultiplier { get; set; } = 1f;
+    public float YPlane { get; set; }
+    public float ArrivalThreshold { get; set; }
+    public float MiningRate { get; set; }
+    public float MiningCycleSeconds { get; set; }
+    public float TransferRate { get; set; }
+    public float DockingDuration { get; set; }
+    public float UndockingDuration { get; set; }
+    public float UndockDistance { get; set; }
+}
diff --git a/apps/backend/Universe/Simulation/WorldService.cs b/apps/backend/Universe/Simulation/WorldService.cs
index 656d2d4..273aef7 100644
--- a/apps/backend/Universe/Simulation/WorldService.cs
+++ b/apps/backend/Universe/Simulation/WorldService.cs
@@ -1,25 +1,26 @@
 using System.Threading.Channels;
 using Microsoft.Extensions.Options;
+using SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Bootstrap;
 
 namespace SpaceGame.Api.Universe.Simulation;
 
 public sealed class WorldService(
-  IWebHostEnvironment environment,
-  IOptions<WorldGenerationOptions> worldGenerationOptions,
+  WorldBootstrapper worldBootstrapper,
+  IOptions<BalanceOptions> balance,
   IOptions<OrbitalSimulationOptions> orbitalSimulationOptions)
 {
     private const int DeltaHistoryLimit = 256;
 
     private readonly Lock _sync = new();
     private readonly OrbitalSimulationSnapshot _orbitalSimulation = new(orbitalSimulationOptions.Value.SimulatedSecondsPerRealSecond);
-    private readonly ScenarioLoader _loader = new(environment.ContentRootPath, worldGenerationOptions.Value);
+    private readonly WorldBootstrapper _bootstrapper = worldBootstrapper;
     private readonly SimulationEngine _engine = new(orbitalSimulationOptions.Value);
     private readonly PlayerFactionService _playerFaction = new();
     private readonly Dictionary<Guid, SubscriptionState> _subscribers = [];
     private readonly Queue<WorldDelta> _history = [];
-    private SimulationWorld _world = new ScenarioLoader(environment.ContentRootPath, worldGenerationOptions.Value).Load();
+    private SimulationWorld _world = worldBootstrapper.Bootstrap();
     private long _sequence;
-    private BalanceDefinition? _balanceOverride;
+    private BalanceOptions? _balanceOverride;
 
     public WorldSnapshot GetSnapshot()
     {
@@ -45,32 +46,31 @@ public sealed class WorldService(
         }
     }
 
-    public BalanceDefinition GetBalance()
+    public BalanceOptions GetBalance()
     {
         lock (_sync)
         {
-            var b = _world.Balance;
-            return new BalanceDefinition
+            return new BalanceOptions
             {
-                SimulationSpeedMultiplier = b.SimulationSpeedMultiplier,
-                YPlane = b.YPlane,
-                ArrivalThreshold = b.ArrivalThreshold,
-                MiningRate = b.MiningRate,
-                MiningCycleSeconds = b.MiningCycleSeconds,
-                TransferRate = b.TransferRate,
-                DockingDuration = b.DockingDuration,
-                UndockingDuration = b.UndockingDuration,
-                UndockDistance = b.UndockDistance,
+                SimulationSpeedMultiplier = balance.Value.SimulationSpeedMultiplier,
+                YPlane = balance.Value.YPlane,
+                ArrivalThreshold = balance.Value.ArrivalThreshold,
+                MiningRate = balance.Value.MiningRate,
+                MiningCycleSeconds = balance.Value.MiningCycleSeconds,
+                TransferRate = balance.Value.TransferRate,
+                DockingDuration = balance.Value.DockingDuration,
+                UndockingDuration = balance.Value.UndockingDuration,
+                UndockDistance = balance.Value.UndockDistance,
             };
         }
     }
 
-    public BalanceDefinition UpdateBalance(BalanceDefinition balance)
+    public BalanceOptions UpdateBalance(BalanceOptions balance)
     {
         lock (_sync)
         {
             _balanceOverride = SanitizeBalance(balance);
-            ApplyBalance(_world, _balanceOverride);
+            ApplyBalance(_balanceOverride);
             return GetBalance();
         }
     }
@@ -285,10 +285,10 @@ public sealed class WorldService(
     {
         lock (_sync)
         {
-            _world = _loader.Load();
+            _world = _bootstrapper.Bootstrap();
             if (_balanceOverride is not null)
             {
-                ApplyBalance(_world, _balanceOverride);
+                ApplyBalance(_balanceOverride);
             }
             _sequence += 1;
             _history.Clear();
@@ -323,26 +323,25 @@ public sealed class WorldService(
         }
     }
 
-    private static void ApplyBalance(SimulationWorld world, BalanceDefinition balance) =>
-      world.Balance = new BalanceDefinition
-      {
-          SimulationSpeedMultiplier = balance.SimulationSpeedMultiplier,
-          YPlane = balance.YPlane,
-          ArrivalThreshold = balance.ArrivalThreshold,
-          MiningRate = balance.MiningRate,
-          MiningCycleSeconds = balance.MiningCycleSeconds,
-          TransferRate = balance.TransferRate,
-          DockingDuration = balance.DockingDuration,
-          UndockingDuration = balance.UndockingDuration,
-          UndockDistance = balance.UndockDistance,
-      };
+    private void ApplyBalance(BalanceOptions value)
+    {
+        balance.Value.SimulationSpeedMultiplier = value.SimulationSpeedMultiplier;
+        balance.Value.YPlane = value.YPlane;
+        balance.Value.ArrivalThreshold = value.ArrivalThreshold;
+        balance.Value.MiningRate = value.MiningRate;
+        balance.Value.MiningCycleSeconds = value.MiningCycleSeconds;
+        balance.Value.TransferRate = value.TransferRate;
+        balance.Value.DockingDuration = value.DockingDuration;
+        balance.Value.UndockingDuration = value.UndockingDuration;
+        balance.Value.UndockDistance = value.UndockDistance;
+    }
 
-    private static BalanceDefinition SanitizeBalance(BalanceDefinition candidate)
+    private static BalanceOptions SanitizeBalance(BalanceOptions candidate)
     {
         static float finiteOr(float value, float fallback) =>
           float.IsFinite(value) ? value : fallback;
 
-        return new BalanceDefinition
+        return new BalanceOptions
         {
             SimulationSpeedMultiplier = MathF.Max(0.01f, finiteOr(candidate.SimulationSpeedMultiplier, 1f)),
             YPlane = MathF.Max(0f, finiteOr(candidate.YPlane, 0f)),
diff --git a/apps/backend/appsettings.Development.json b/apps/backend/appsettings.Development.json
index c4824e6..9b0d1f4 100644
--- a/apps/backend/appsettings.Development.json
+++ b/apps/backend/appsettings.Development.json
@@ -11,6 +11,17 @@
     "AiControllerFactionCount": 0,
     "GeneratePlayerFaction": false
   },
+  "Balance": {
+    "SimulationSpeedMultiplier": 1.5,
+    "YPlane": 4,
+    "ArrivalThreshold": 16,
+    "MiningRate": 10,
+    "MiningCycleSeconds": 10,
+    "TransferRate": 56,
+    "DockingDuration": 1.2,
+    "UndockingDuration": 1.2,
+    "UndockDistance": 42
+  },
   "OrbitalSimulation": {
     "SimulatedSecondsPerRealSecond": 0
   }
diff --git a/apps/backend/appsettings.json b/apps/backend/appsettings.json
index 76dbf9c..c4d8fe7 100644
--- a/apps/backend/appsettings.json
+++ b/apps/backend/appsettings.json
@@ -9,6 +9,17 @@
     "TargetSystemCount": 160,
     "IncludeSolSystem": true
   },
+  "Balance": {
+    "SimulationSpeedMultiplier": 1.5,
+    "YPlane": 4,
+    "ArrivalThreshold": 16,
+    "MiningRate": 10,
+    "MiningCycleSeconds": 10,
+    "TransferRate": 56,
+    "DockingDuration": 1.2,
+    "UndockingDuration": 1.2,
+    "UndockDistance": 42
+  },
   "OrbitalSimulation": {
     "SimulatedSecondsPerRealSecond": 0
   },
diff --git a/shared/data/balance.json b/shared/data/balance.json
deleted file mode 100644
index 8293647..0000000
--- a/shared/data/balance.json
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,11 +0,0 @@
-{
-  "simulationSpeedMultiplier": 1.5,
-  "yPlane": 4,
-  "arrivalThreshold": 16,
-  "miningRate": 10,
-  "miningCycleSeconds": 10,
-  "transferRate": 56,
-  "dockingDuration": 1.2,
-  "undockingDuration": 1.2,
-  "undockDistance": 42
-}
diff --git a/shared/data/scenario.json b/shared/data/scenario.json
index 71d0b80..1225592 100644
--- a/shared/data/scenario.json
+++ b/shared/data/scenario.json
@@ -1,4 +1,12 @@
 {
+  "gameStartOptions": {
+    "seed": 1,
+    "worldGeneration": {
+      "targetSystemCount": 2,
+      "aiControllerFactionCount": 0,
+      "generatePlayerFaction": false
+    }
+  },
   "initialStations": [
     {
       "label": "Dominion Power Relay",