Mastering SteamWorld: Maximizing Workshops and Extractors

SteamWorld Build Workshops and Extractors are essential for gathering and collecting resources efficiently. Once your mine is operational, you'll have access to a variety of tools and devices to increase your material yield. Our guide provides detailed instructions on constructing and utilizing Workshops and Extractors in SteamWorld Build.

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 placing a single building, you will need to place several Workshop tiles instead. Each Workshop tile requires 300x Money, 1x Tool, and 1x Board. To have the initial Extractor function, a minimum of nine tiles are required for Workshops.

To add more Extractors, simply place down additional Workshop tiles. To do this, select the Workshop tool and hold down the left mouse button while dragging your mouse. As you add more tiles, you'll see a +1 value (or higher) indicating the number of Extractors you have integrated.

Like other items, you can use the Destroy tool (i.e. bulldozer icon) to reclaim materials. However, it's important to note that materials will not be refunded if you have selected the Difficult setting when starting a playthrough.

Consider the number of Extractor slots when placing Workshop tiles.

Extractor construction mechanics

SteamWorld Build offers several variations of Extractors, but they generally adhere to a common 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 required to enable additional Extractor slots to function, and they do not need to be directly connected to the Extractors. Adequate Prospector units are also necessary for each Extractor built, and the same principle applies for increasing the number of recruited units in Prospector Quarters and other Quarters similar to Workshops.

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.

Once the Extractors are obtained, the resources are automatically transported back to the overworld area and processed by production buildings to meet the needs of the citizens. For example, Spare Parts for Engineers are produced from Ironium and Scrap, while Water is essential for both Aristobots and Engineers.

That concludes our guide on utilizing 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 unlocking doors and mineshafts.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of SteamWorld Build, I am thrilled to share my opinions and feelings about the game's Workshops and Extractors. These structures are vital for maximizing resource acquisition and play a crucial role in the success of any mining operation.

The guide provided in the article offers valuable insights into constructing and utilizing Workshops and Extractors effectively. The detailed instructions and explanations make it easy to understand the mechanics involved, allowing players to optimize their resource gathering strategies. I appreciate the inclusion of information on Extractor variants, as each type has unique requirements and benefits. This knowledge helps players make informed decisions when allocating resources and planning their mining operations.

Overall, I believe that the Workshops and Extractors in SteamWorld Build add depth and complexity to the gameplay experience. They encourage players to explore the mines strategically, seeking out valuable resources and optimizing their production processes. The satisfaction of seeing resources flow back to the overworld and contribute to the growth and prosperity of the colony is immense.

I am excited to continue experimenting with different Workshop and Extractor configurations to maximize my efficiency and unlock the full potential of my mining operations. SteamWorld Build is a fantastic game that rewards creativity and strategic thinking, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys simulation and resource management games.