Guide to Construction
Construction, or building, is one of the most accessible mechanics. It allows you to create walls, furniture, makeshift weapons and machines, all via a few clicks of some buttons and the needed materials. There are arguably three types of construction; structures/furniture, items and grids/floors. The former two using the build menu, while the latter just takes items in your inventory.
Build Menu
- The first thing you want to familiarize yourself with is the build menu, opened by pressing G or clicking the hammer icon in the top left.
- On the left you should see a list of objects and items, when you click on these the right side should change to match the item you clicked on.
- Above the left side there is a search bar to sift through all the many things you can make.
- The right side shows the materials you need and steps you need to follow to actually construct the object.
- On the bottom right side there should be a "Place construction ghost" button, this is what you use to choose the location you want to build something. Right click to cancel this action
- Rotate your construction ghost by clicking the middle mouse button
- The "Eraser Mode" is what you use to remove unwanted construction ghosts
- "Clear All" removes ALL of your construction ghosts
Build Structures and Furniture
To build a machine or furniture via the Build menu:
- you need its required materials around you
- click the construct button in the build menu
- locate the desired item (note that for many machines, you'll need to start with a Machine Frame and have the associated Circuit Board).
- click 'Place Construction Ghost'
- click the desired location of the machine
- ensure you now see a green 'ghost' of the machine at the desired location.
- close the Build menu
- right click to exit the Construction mode
- examine the construction ghost to determine what items it needs
- place the required item(s) in your hand and click on the construction ghost
For example, if it were a basic wall you would place 2 steel on the construction ghost to build it.
Craft Items
To make an item via the Build menu:
- you need its required materials around you
- click the construct button in the build menu
- locate the desired item
- click Craft
Deconstruction
Deconstruction is the act of taking apart an object down to its raw components. For example taking a chair and reverting it back into a steel sheet. Deconstruction often causes a loss of value. Note that a lot of objects can be simply pulled out of the way rather than deconstructed. Some objects will first need to be unanchored with a wrench in order to be pulled.
To find deconstruction instructions, right-click the object to bring up the drop-down menu and click ‘Begin Deconstruction’. Afterwards, every time you examine the object, it will tell you your next step. Most objects will require engineering tools to deconstruct. If a Welding Tool is required, be sure to first wear a Welding Mask.