Planning a Mech Build

The first step in building your mech is planning. Do you want to build a combat-focused mech built for dealing maximum damage? Perhaps your Mechaneer needs a mech capable of hauling scientific equipment and taking specific measurements. Or maybe you earn a living as a field mechanic, and focus on equipment to make sophistocated repairs when far from a garage. Think about how you want to play, and how that relates to your mechaneer's personality.

Once you choose a focus, you should select a mech Frame and a Power Type. Read on for information on factors that you should consider when building your mech.

Tradeoffs to Consider

Frame Size and Speed

As the foundation of your mech, your frame has a significant impact on play style. Heavy frames provide more space for additional attachments, but are much slower as a result of their size. Large frames also offer a much larger target, and as such are easier to hit. Light frames are quick and hard to hit, but have very limited space for components. Standard frames are a good balance between the two.

Note that Plating also confers a speed penalty. Heavier armor can absorb a lot more damage before breaking, but will slow your mech down.

Power Type and Weapon Range

Mech play style varies quite a bit with power type. Mechanical mechs tend have short-range weaponry, while Electrical mechs tend to have the longest range. Steam-powered mechs have access to both short-range blunt force weapons which can compound damage and long-range artillery, so they're sort of a jack-of-all-trades.

Control Software

The Components compatible with each software have distinct costs and benefits. As such, you'll want to choose software that fits well with your focus.

Fuel Type and Power Plant Class

Power Plants are categorized based on what type of Power they generate and what type of Fuel they require. Some fuels deplete quickly, and some are much more scarce than others, so you'll want to pay attention to the type of fuel your power plant uses.

Fuel Tank Capacity and Depletion

Each day, your mech will use up an amount of fuel equal to its Used Power. If you run out of fuel, your mech will be unable to move or use attachments until refueled.

Some fuel types are much more energy-dense than others, which means that mechs using those types of fuel will typically need to refuel less often. The table below shows how much Power can be stored in small and large Fuel Tanks of each type.

Depending on how much power your mech uses, you may need to consider a larger fuel tank or even a different fuel type.