Description

The Constructor Tool is the primary tool used for building in Archean. It enables you to create new builds, add or remove frames, and place blocks of various shapes.

Build Modes

Press C to open the radial menu and select a build mode:

Materials

When placing blocks (not frames), use the scroll wheel while holding C to select the material.

Material Masses

Note: Steel Beams (frames) weigh 10 kg each.

How Block Mass is Calculated

The base unit is a 25×25×25 cm cube. A block's total mass depends on:

1. Size: Larger blocks contain more units (e.g., a 50×50×50 cm block = 8 units)
2. Shape: Non-cubic shapes (slopes, corners, pyramids, inverted corners) weigh 50% of their cubic equivalent since they occupy less volume
3. Material: Each material has a different mass per unit (see table above)

Formula: Mass = units × shape_factor × material_mass

• units = (size_x) × (size_y) × (size_z) in 25cm increments
• shape_factor = 1.0 for cubes, 0.5 for other shapes

Why Masses Don't Match Reality

The masses are intentionally simplified:

• Values are rounded for readability
• Blocks are not 100% solid — they represent structural panels with internal framework, not solid chunks of material

Usage

Frame Mode

Creating a New Build

Hold left-click for one second then release. A new build will be created with a single 3x3x3 metallic frame.

Tip: Hold Shift while creating to align the new frame with the ground and set it as static (anchored).

Adding Frames

Aim at an existing frame face and quick press left-click.

Removing Frames

Aim at an existing frame face while holding right-click, then quick press left-click.

Adding Individual Beams

Aim at an existing frame where the beam would be while holding Shift, then quick press left-click.

Removing Individual Beams

Aim at an existing frame beam while holding Shift and right-click, then quick press left-click.

Block Modes (Cube, Slope, Corner, Pyramid, InvCorner)

Adding Blocks

1. Aim at a block or beam
2. Press left-click to place the block
3. Use the scroll wheel to rotate it (except for cubes)
4. Hold left-click and drag to resize
5. Use the scroll wheel while holding left-click to resize in the other dimension

Pro Tip: The drag/resize plane is determined by the block face normal you're aiming at. The scroll wheel scales towards that normal, while dragging scales across the other two axes.

Tip: Hold Shift before pressing left-click to copy the block you're aiming at or logically add the next block.

Removing Blocks

Aim at any block while holding right-click, then quick press left-click.

Wall / Platform Mode

Adding Walls

Aim at a frame face and quick press left-click.

Tip: Hold Shift to use the other logical frame face you're aiming at.

Tip: Hold Shift while placing to snap to the ground and create a static platform directly in front of you.

Removing Walls

Aim at any wall while holding right-click, then quick press left-click.

Symmetry Mode

The Constructor Tool supports symmetry building, allowing you to build mirrored structures automatically.

Symmetry can be enabled via the build's GetInfo menu (press V on any frame). When enabled:

• All frame and block operations are mirrored across the symmetry axis
• The symmetry axis position can be adjusted with 0.125m precision, allowing mirror placement at the center of blocks

Adventure Mode

In adventure mode, you need the required materials in your inventory:

• Steel Beams for frames
• Block items (Composite, Concrete, Steel, etc.) for blocks

The tool will show how many materials are required for each operation.

Tip: Enable tooltips through the F1 menu for context-sensitive help while using the Constructor Tool.