Mining
Mining is a core mechanic in Outpost Surge, allowing players to gather essential resources for survival and expansion. Resources on Mars are divided into two categories: Above-Ground Deposits and Below-Ground Deposits, each with distinct mechanics.
Resource Types
Above-Ground Deposits
Found on the surface of Mars, these resources are limited in supply and must be utilized efficiently.
Types of Resources:
Ice: Used for water production.
Ore: Used in construction.
Key Characteristics:
Deposits are finite and deplete once fully mined.
Randomly distributed within a set radius of the Command Center.
Placement rules ensure deposits are spaced out to prevent clustering.
Below-Ground Deposits
These resources are located underground and provide an unlimited supply, but they require advanced infrastructure to access.
Types of Resources:
Ice: Extracted for water.
Ore: Extracted for construction.
Key Characteristics:
Require specialized extraction buildings, such as Ice Mining Plants and Ore Processing Plants.
Gated behind research in future versions of the game.
Mining Methods
Manual Mining
Assign astronauts to mine surface deposits directly. This method is less efficient and slower than using dedicated mining buildings.
Key Mechanics:
Astronauts transport mined resources back to the Command Center.
Astronaut needs (food, oxygen) reduce their overall efficiency.
Strategic Use:
Useful for early-game resource collection before automated buildings are constructed.
Mining Buildings
Automated structures that improve mining efficiency by collecting resources within their range.
Key Mechanics:
Extract resources from all deposits within a defined hex radius.
Require power to function and provide support for assigned astronauts (food, oxygen refills).
Operate similarly to Gathering Posts in other strategy games, centralizing resource collection.
Below-Ground Extraction
Advanced mining operations requiring specialized buildings for unlimited resource extraction.
Key Mechanics:
Extractors are placed directly over underground deposits.
Require power and a crew of astronauts to operate efficiently.
Crew needs are managed within the building, minimizing downtime.
Extraction rates remain consistent but are limited to the building’s capacity.
Research Gating
Future Features:
Underground Extraction Unlocks:
Ice Mining Plants and Ore Processing Plants will be gated behind research, adding a progression element.
Advanced Upgrades:
Material Sciences: Unlock machinery for faster extraction rates.
Energy Efficiency: Reduce power consumption of extraction buildings.
Strategic Depth:
Players will need to balance research priorities with immediate resource needs.
Strategic Tips for Mining
Optimize Early Resource Collection:
Use manual mining to gather resources quickly in the early game.
Transition to automated buildings as soon as possible to improve efficiency.
Plan Generator Placement:
Ensure mining buildings are within generator ranges to maintain consistent operations.
Prioritize Research:
Focus on unlocking underground extraction for a steady, long-term resource supply.
Invest in energy efficiency to sustain high-power operations without excessive fuel use.
Expand Strategically:
Build extraction infrastructure near critical deposits to minimize transportation time.
Consider the hex radius of mining buildings to maximize resource collection.
By mastering these mining mechanics, you can ensure a steady flow of resources to support the growth and survival of your outpost in the harsh Martian environment.
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