Best New Features In Space Engineers: Contact

Key Takeaways

Prototech gyroscopes are much stronger than standard gyros
Prototech batteries offer better power storage and efficiency.
Prototech thrusters are much more powerful than standard ion thrusters.

As a seasoned spacefarer who’s spent countless hours navigating the cosmos in Space Engineers, I can confidently say that the latest update, dubbed “Contact”, has brought about a veritable cornucopia of delights for us intergalactic tinkerers.

This year, I’m celebrating my 11th gaming anniversary with Space Engineers! Over these years, it has been consistently updated, each time bringing fresh gameplay elements for free. The developer, Keen, is always adding new features, and they also offer optional DLC packed with cosmetic items. The latest update is called “Contact,” which brings PvE encounters to the game, along with some fantastic new loot for this space survival title.

Boasting robust construction elements for bases alongside intricate ship and vehicle customization options, this game offers an engaging and fulfilling experience. It’s delightful to play, and the fresh PvE content has been eagerly anticipated by the dedicated community. In essence, it’s a splendid addition to an already excellent title.

8. Prototech Gyroscopes

Much Stronger Than Standard Gyroscopes

Best New Features In Space Engineers: Contact

Individuals who have dabbled in crafting spaceships or rovers within the game Space Engineers, understand that meticulously adjusting the placement and number of gyroscopes can significantly impact performance. Gyroscopes serve a crucial role in maintaining the stability of ground-based rovers, and enabling spaceships to maneuver effectively by facilitating turns.

The recent update for the game now incorporates Prototech equipment as loot, which encompasses advanced Prototech gyroscopes. These items come in both spacious and compact designs, known as large grid and small grid form factors respectively. Notably, these Prototech gyroscopes boast significantly greater power compared to standard ones, with one of them possessing the strength equivalent to two or three ordinary ones.

7. Prototech Batteries

Better Power Storage And Efficiency

In the game Space Engineers, batteries play a crucial role across various space constructions. Bases require continuous power supply, and often vehicles necessitate electricity for movement. While renewable energy options like solar or wind turbines are beneficial, they don’t always meet the power demands. Therefore, having some charged batteries on hand helps to bridge power gaps during high-demand situations.

In the game Space Engineers, the latest Protech batteries boast improved efficiency and a higher capacity compared to regular batteries. They’re available in both large and small grid options, and they have a slightly bigger size relative to their standard counterparts.

6. Prototech Thrusters

Much More Powerful Than Standard Ion Thrusters

Ion thrusters are sometimes rather annoying in Space Engineers. Yes, they work well in space and only require electricity to operate. However, their performance within a gravity well is pretty dire. The player either has to add additional thrusters such as hydrogen or atmospheric, or add a large amount of Ion thrusters to work near a planet with gravity.

The advanced Prototech propulsion systems boast significantly greater power compared to standard Ion thrusters, potentially filling a performance gap. Yet, they come exclusively in a larger grid format, making them noticeably bulkier than their larger counterpart Ion thrusters.

5. New Cockpit

Free Flush Cockpit

Individuals who register for the Space Engineers newsletter post-the Contact update will gain access to a sleek, freshly designed cockpit at no cost. This cockpit shares the same conveyor connections as the default one.

The revamped flush cockpit offers a sleeker, more contemporary design compared to the initial one, making it an ideal match for compact designs where builders want to incorporate the cockpit area into their overall creation, such as setting up mining drills on the grid. This modification simplifies the process significantly. For those yet to experience this upgrade, simply leave the game and subscribe to our Keen newsletter from the main menu to stay updated.

4. Prototech Jumpdrives

Hugely Increased Jump Range

In the game Space Engineers, jumpdrives can sometimes pose challenges. Unlike jumping a fixed distance, the range a jumpdrive covers depends on the ship’s weight. Essentially, the heavier the ship, the shorter the distance it can travel using a jumpdrive.

Previously, addressing this issue typically involved constructing vast ships equipped with numerous jump drives to link together and expand the jump distance. This strategy was effective up until the introduction of the Prototech update. The novelty in the Prototech update is a jumpdrive that boasts an extended range, albeit it requires more space. Interestingly, there’s also a compact version suitable for smaller grids, which has been a gap in the game’s exploration gameplay until now, enhancing the experience for small grid pilots.

3. Prototech Production

Assembler And Refinery

The freshly introduced Prototech refinery in Space Engineers is an outstanding upgrade, offering a production advantage that equates to five typical refineries while occupying only as much room as a standard one.

The Prototech Assembler is a novel block with a unique role. It’s employed to transform Prototech leftovers (obtained by dismantling Prototech modules) into various kinds of Prototech components, which are essential for crafting new Prototech artifacts. However, it’s important to note that the Prototech Assembler doesn’t produce standard parts; instead, it complements the regular assembler without replacing it entirely.

2. Planetary Encounters

New Ground-Based PvE Encounters

In the latest “Contact” update for “Space Engineers”, a novel form of Player vs Environment (PvE) gameplay called “Planetary Encounters” has been added. These encounters are structures that may appear randomly within approximately 7,000 meters of a player. They are equipped with defensive turrets and occasionally drones to protect them.

Through handling these fresh setups, the gamer stands a chance to acquire Prototech parts, such as Prototech frames. These elements serve as essential pieces for fabricating additional Prototech modules if the player fails to obtain them intact from global conflicts.

1. Global Encounters

Endgame Space PvE Encounters

In the latest update called “Contact” for Space Engineers, there have been introduced demanding PvE space combats known as global encounters. These encounters are no walk in the park, but they offer a valuable reward – new Porotech blocks. Each encounter contains two types of these blocks that can be obtained as loot. You’ll need to extract and collect them yourself.

There are several new encounters, ranging from quite simple, through to the epic Prototech Warship encounter, which sees the player facing off against a full-blown battleship with an escort. Overall, a fantastic new challenge for veteran players, and something for new players to aspire to.

2024-12-08 07:34