This is a basic article describing some of the most common and critical blocks for use in structures including not only mobile ships, but also stationary space stations. Where keyboard commands are shown, the keyboard command is the default key binding. If the keybinding has been changed for your game, you will need to use the newly bound key instead of the default key. Blocks are normally placed in build mode with the left mouse button, and they are typically removed with the right mouse button.
1. Ship Core (include a link to an incomplete page dedicated solely to the Ship Core block)
(Insert core texture and maybe a picture of a core block floating in space here)<indent>
This is the primary block for creating a new ship. You can use it by typing "X" while in space. (Creating a new ship inside an enclosed area, such as another ship, inside a space station, inside a planet, or inside an asteroid is not recommended, unless you have a detailed plan and way of leaving the enclosed area.)
When initially placed, you will be prompted to enter the name of the new ship. Have the name ready when you place the ship core, because as of (current date), the ship name cannot be changed! Once placed, the Ship Core block (include a tiny picture of the ship core texture here) is by itself and can be accessed directly by pressing "R" while in range and facing the Ship Core. (There will be an on-screen prompt to press "R" to enter the ship.)
Once you have entered the ship core, an on-screen text notification will tell you if you are in Flight Mode or Build mode. (Insert a small, cropped screen capture of both texts) You can switch between the two modes with the space bar.
Flight Mode:
(repeat cropped screen capture of "Flight Mode" text.)
This is the default ship-flying mode, where you can move with the regular flight controls. (Link to incomplete page dedicated to flight tutorial information and flight keybindings.)
In flight mode in solitary Ship Core with no additional blocks attached (see Build Mode), you can fly without thrusters (see below), but are vulnerable to more feature-complete ships. (link to incomplete ship-building tutorial page.)
Build Mode:
(repeat cropped screen capture of "Flight Mode" text.)
This is the block-placement mode for building up structures using blocks in inventory. (link to incomplete page, maybe either a page about the initial blocks given in the default game, or the complete block list)
In build mode, you can create your structure with any blocks you have on hand. (link to incomplete page for initial build mode tutorial, which in turn should lead to basic tutorial and more tutorials involving Advanced Mode.)
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2. Reactor Block (include a link to an incomplete page dedicated solely to the Reactor block)
(Insert Reactor texture and maybe a picture of a reactor block floating in space here)<indent>
This is the primary block for generating electricity and other forms of power on board the structure being built. Almost all other systems on a structure will rely on the power provided by this block type. Once placed, it is automatically activated, generating power at a basic rate of 25 e/s. (repeat link to the Reactor block dedicated page, with maybe a # title link to the power generation detail subsection of that page.) You can normally see basic details on that block's power generation by pressing "R" in range of the block while facing it. (maybe insert a screenshot, showing a cropped screen shot of this action)
Typically, the best way to lay out multiple reactor blocks, is to lay out a long, single-block-wide line of Reactor blocks, where each Reactor block touches a maximum of two other Reactor blocks. Naturally, Reactor blocks at the end of the line will only be in contact with one other Reactor block. (screenshot, showing a single line of reactor blocks) (maybe a link to reactor block tutorial page) (maybe a link to advanced reactor tutorial page.)
When placed in build mode, the Reactor block will automatically contribute power to the structure's power generation pool.
You currently do not need to add Reactor blocks to planets or asteroids. They should only be needed on ships and stations, as of (current date).
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3. Computer Block (include a link to an incomplete page dedicated to a list of the various computer blocks)
(Insert Salvage Computer texture and maybe a picture of a weapon computer block floating in space here)<indent>
This is a generic description for a controller block that controls a group of blocks that perform a function on the structure. This function could be a weapon system, an effect system, a jump drive system, or some other system.
Once placed, a computer block will automatically be selected. The block can be unselected and reselected using the "C" key. Related system blocks that are placed while the computer is selected will automatically be assigned to that computer, as long as the system blocks are of the same type as the computer. For example, when a salvage computer block is placed (tiny image of salvage computer texture here), salvage beam blocks that are placed while the salvage computer is selected will automatically be assigned to that salvage computer. Computers can typically be used from the hotbar while in flight mode. (link to an incomplete page describing computer hotbar assignment and usage tutorial.)
Typically, you will only need to place one computer per system. For example, even if you plan to place a 100-block weapon system, you will only need one related computer to drive that system, for a total of 101 blocks. You can increase that weapon system to 200 weapon system blocks, plus the computer for a total of 201 blocks. As of (current date) the computer-driven system can be any size and still only require one system computer.
The system computer does not need to be directly attached to the system that it drives. However, the computer should "face" the direction in which the system will act. For most computers, the "face" of the computer (show small image of a random system computer's main screen) should face away from the direction of action. For instance, to fire a weapon system forward, the main screen face of the computer (repeat the small image of a random system computer's main screen) should face towards the rear of the ship.
(Show a cropped screen capture of a weapon computer directly behind it's linked weapon system, shaped and pointed away from the face, with a building arrow pointing in the direction that the weapon will fire, to illustrate "forward").
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4. System Block (include a link to an incomplete page dedicated to a list of the various systems )
(Insert Salvage cannon block texture in reference to match to the computer block texture used above in point 3 and maybe a picture of a salvage cannon block floating in space here)<indent>
This is a generic description for a type of block that will be controlled by a computer to do some work, whether that be mining blocks from an asteroid with a salvage system, or shooting a bullet with a cannon system, or activating a support particle beam.
Once placed, the system block will need to be connected to the related computer block. If the computer block is already selected ("C") when the system block is placed, the system block will automatically be connected to the selected computer block. You can tell when a system block is connected, when it is highlighted with a purple frame. (Insert a cropped screenshot showing this here.) You can detach and reattach a system block by pressing "V" while in range and facing the block. (link to an unfinished page for a tutorial about building weapon systems.)
You can attach as many system blocks as you like in any pattern that you like. It is recommended that you create large solid shapes for maximum effect. The effect receives a bonus when more attached system blocks. The system blocks do not need to be directly attached to the computer as of (current date). You can attach entire system block groups to an active computer by pressing "Shift-V" in range while facing one of the system blocks in the group. This should select or de-select the entire group.
The system blocks can be placed in any orientation desired. As of (current date) only the direction of the controlling computer effects the direction of the effect.
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5. Shield Storage Block (include a link to an incomplete page dedicated to the shield system tutorial )
(Insert shield storage block texture and maybe a picture of a shield storage block floating in space here.) <indent>
This is one of two blocks necessary for an energy shield system on a structure. This block stores the shield energy while the other block, described below (link to point 6 here?) will generate the shield energy to be stored.
Once placed, the Shield Storage Block will immediately add to the structure's shield storage count. It does not need to be activated to start working.
The Shield Storage block can be placed anywhere in the structure in any configuration. As of (current date) it does not receive a bonus when touching other Shield Storage blocks or Shield Generator Blocks. You do not need to attach Shield Storage Blocks to Shield Generator Blocks for them to work together. They will start working as soon as they are placed.
This is a very good block to fill in empty space on a ship or space station, because shield blocks do not require grouping.
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6. Shield Generator Block (include a link to an incomplete page dedicated to the shield system tutorial )
(Insert shield generator block texture and maybe a picture of a shield generator block floating in space here.) <indent>
This is one of two blocks necessary for an energy shield system on a structure. This block builds shield energy while the other block, described above (link to point 5 here?) will store the shield energy.
Once placed, the Shield Generator Block will immediately add to the structure's shield generation count. It does not need to be activated to start working.
The Shield Generation block can be placed anywhere in the structure in any configuration. As of (current date) it does not receive a bonus when touching other Shield Storage blocks or Shield Generator Blocks. You do not need to attach Shield Storage Blocks to Shield Generator Blocks for them to work together. They will start working as soon as they are placed.
This is a very good block to fill in empty space on a ship or space station, because shield blocks do not require grouping.
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7. Thruster Block (include a link to an incomplete page dedicated to thrust )
(Insert Thruster block texture and maybe a picture of a Thruster block floating in space here.) <indent>
This is a standalone block that does not require a computer to work. As of (current date) it immediately adds to the structure's overall thrust rating.
Once placed, the Thruster block immediately adds to the thrust rating of the structure. Since space stations do not move, thrusters are not required for station structures, and can be placed as decoration if desired. On ships, Thruster blocks are essential for being able to maneuver. Thruster blocks do not need to be activated to start working.
Like system blocks (link to point # 4 here?), the Thruster Block type gains a bonus for being placed in large, solid groups. As of (current date), Thruster blocks can add to the thrust rating and will not effect structural integrity, so they can be placed anywhere in the ship.
As of (current date), Thruster blocks can be placed in any orientation desired.
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