Mastering SteamWorld: A Guide to Utilizing Workshops and Extractors

Learn how to construct and utilize Workshops and Extractors in SteamWorld Build

Mechanics of building a Workshop

Extractor construction mechanics

Extractor variants in SteamWorld Build

How to build and use Workshops and Extractors in SteamWorld Build

The SteamWorld Build Workshops and Extractors can only be built in underground mine areas. Generally speaking, they're quite different from how you'd construct buildings and residences in the overworld section. You'll find these structure options in the Facilities tab when you switch to the mines overview.

Workshop construction mechanics

Workshops in SteamWorld Build follow the same mechanic as Quarters (i.e. the main method of recruiting units in the mines). Here's what you need to know:

Instead of using a single building, it's necessary to use several Workshop tiles instead. Each Workshop tile needs 300x Money, 1x Tools, and 1x Boards. At a minimum, nine tiles are needed for Workshops to function for the initial Extractor.

If you require more Extractors, you will need to lay down additional Workshop tiles. To view the value, click on the Workshop tool and hold down the left mouse button while dragging your mouse. As you add more tiles, you will notice an increase in the +1 value (or higher).

Like other objects, you can utilize the Destroy tool (represented by the bulldozer icon) to receive a refund on materials. Keep in mind that materials will not be refunded if you choose the Difficult setting when starting a playthrough.

When placing Workshop tiles, pay attention to the number of Extractor slots available.

Extractor construction mechanics

SteamWorld Build offers several variants of Extractors, all following a similar concept:

You must first discover a particular resource node in the mines.

The node must be connected to the general area, which means you might need to build the Bridge infrastructure to cross chasms.

Sufficient Workshop tiles are needed to enable additional Extractor slots to function, and they do not have to be connected or placed adjacent to the Extractors themselves.

Adequate Prospector units are required for each Extractor that is constructed. Prospector Quarters (as well as all other Quarters) operate in a similar manner to Workshops, requiring more tiles to increase the number of recruited units.

Lastly, you should have the required materials to complete construction.

Dirty Water Extractors are needed to make the Water resource, which satisfies the needs of citizens.

Extractor variants in SteamWorld Build

Here are some examples of early-game Workshop Extractors in SteamWorld Build:

Scrap Extractor - Requires 1,000x Money, 5x Tools, and 8x Boards.

Dirty Water Extractor - Requires 6,000x Money, 6x Tools, and 8x Sheet Metal.

Ironium Extractor - Requires 4,000x Money, 10x Tools, and 6x Sheet Metal.

After obtaining Extractors, the resources are automatically returned to the overworld area and processed by production buildings to meet citizen needs. For example, Engineers require Spare Parts made from Ironium and Scrap, while both Aristobots and Engineers need Water.

This concludes our guide to using Workshops and Extractors in SteamWorld Build. As you explore the mines for resources, you may also be interested in learning about trading and purchasing items, locating Old World technology, and accessing locked doors and mineshafts.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am excited about the new SteamWorld Build game. I have been playing the SteamWorld series for years, and I am always impressed with the developers' creativity and attention to detail.

The new game looks like it will be a lot of fun, and I can't wait to get my hands on it. I am especially interested in the new Workshops and Extractors mechanics. These buildings will allow players to gather resources more efficiently, which will be essential for building a successful colony. I think the new Workshops and Extractors mechanics are a great addition to the game. They will add more depth and strategy to the gameplay and allow players to customize their colonies. I can't wait to experiment with different combinations of Workshops and Extractors to find the most efficient way to gather resources.