Summary
The new update toSpace Engineersbrings some great new changes and additions to thisopen-world game. It also comes with an optional DLC that adds a lot of new blocks, following the theme of the update, which is named Fieldwork. So think of laboratories and experimentation.
It is great to see that Keen is still putting out new content for the originalSpace Engineersgame, even though they are now actively working on the vertical slices forSpace Engineers 2. The new Fieldworks update is one of the best that have ever been released for thisspace explorationgame.
5Quality Of Life Updates
Some Very Sensible Changes
The Fieldwork update forSpace Engineersincludes some very well thought-outquality of lifechanges. Keybindings can now be remapped, which is something the community has been asking for. Some blocks now have additional values that can be changed. For example, wheels now have overrides for steering and propulsion. One of the more useful new settings is being able to switch mining drills over terrain clearance mode only, perfect for drilling tunnels or excavating caves.
The GPS window now allows multiple selection of GPS entries, and a search function has been added to the blocks menu, which is very useful. The admin tools have also received some love, and overall, these QoL changes are all impactful and should be well-received.
4Overhauled Cargo Ships
Now Using Modern Blocks And Weapons
In this update, the old cargo ships, which have not received any improvements for many years, have been completely overhauled. What this means is that they now use many of the blocks that have been added to improve functionality and features. This includes the AI blocks, the modern weapons systems, and also broadcast controllers, with these being used to call in drone reinforcements.
Each faction now has cargo ships using their color scheme, which will make them instantly recognisable. These PvE encounters are a little tougher now and are aimed at being a mid-tier challenge. Using broadcast antennas, when a cargo ship is attacked, they may call in between two and four combat drones to assist them. Whether a cargo ship is aggressive towards the player is driven by the faction system, which hasn’t changed. Sopirate shipswill always attack, and mining ships won’t initially be aggressive but will become so when attacked, for example.
3Updated PvE Encounters
Including Unknown Signals And Strong Unknown Signals
The Contact update forSpace Engineersadded a whole host of newPvE contentto the game. The Fieldwork update has tweaked much of this content to make it more engaging and compelling. There are three main changes that this update has made to how PvE content works.
Firstly, Unknown Signals will now use modern blocks, and the loot table has also been changed. Secondly, Strong Unknown Signals now use only large grids and have better salvage and loot, such as Prototech blocks. And lastly, the spawn system for Planetary Encounters has been changed. Previously, it could be quite difficult to find Planetary Encounters, but now they should be more common and simple to locate.
2New Free Blocks
Free For All Players
As with all previous updates toSpace Engineers, Fieldwork introduces some new blocks that are available to every player, regardless of whether they purchase the optional DLC. There is a new Prototech fusion reactor, which is a pretty large device, and actually runs on hydrogen rather than uranium, as all of the existing reactors do.
A small oxygen tank has been added, which is a nice new addition as well, and will save room on some small grids. A new refill station has been added, which players can use to top up their oxygen, energy, and hydrogen supplies, but it does not heal health, so it is not a replacement for a med bay or survival kit. And last but by no means least, a large grid, small connector has been added, which is absolutely amazing. Small grids can now dock to large grids using a small connector for the first time.
1Fieldwork DLC Blocks
Only For Players Who Purchase The DLC
Something that Keen has always done well is making sure that owners ofSpace Engineerswho don’t want to pay for any of the DLC don’t miss out on functionality. And as usual, the Fieldworks DLC consists of only cosmetic blocks.
That being said, there are some great-looking new blocks in this DLC that can be used to add a whole new level of diversity to player builds. All of these blocks follow the theme of a research lab. Blocks include desks, animated experiments, a new version of the cryo tube, which is modeled as a vat, doors, and a new O2/H2 generator and hydrogen tank. There is also a whole range of new, round passage blocks, which are really impressive looking. Overall, this is one of the better cosmetic DLCs the game has ever received.
