- atomcraft guide: Master physics-based chemistry and crafting.
- Core mechanic: Every pixel is physically simulated.
- First step: Gather flint and pyite for a fire starter.
- Survival: Build a forge and manage oxygen flow.
- Goal: Repair your spaceship and explore deeper.
Understanding Core Mechanics
Atomcraft is a sandbox adventure that blends Terraria-style digging with real-world chemistry simulation. Every pixel in the game represents a physical element that interacts with heat, oxygen, and gravity. Your primary goal is to fix your crash-landed spaceship by gathering resources from the underground. However, you cannot simply punch rocks to get metal; you must build forges, manage chemical reactions, and design complex machines to extract elements.
The game features a steep learning curve. Unlike standard crafting games, you must understand basic chemistry principles such as reduction reactions and melting points. For example, extracting iron from hematite requires a specific temperature and airflow setup.
Video Highlights:
- Introduction to the physics-based pixel simulation.
- Tutorial on crafting a fire starter and copper drill.
- Building a V-shaped forge for efficient smelting.
- Exploring the periodic table and chemical reactions.
The tutorial covers basics, but advanced systems like reduction reactions and machine building rely on experimentation. Do not expect instant mastery of the chemistry mechanics.
Use the in-game Periodic Table (Tab key) frequently. It helps identify unknown elements and tracks the materials you have discovered.
Early Game Progression Steps
Starting on planet Primora can be overwhelming. Follow these steps to establish a base and acquire your first set of tools. This progression path focuses on getting your first drill, securing a food source, and setting up a smelting operation.
Gather Starter Materials
Search the surface for Flint and Pyrite. You need 50 units of each to craft a Fire Starter. Also, collect wood for fuel. Use the mouse wheel or Q/E keys to switch tools.
Craft Basic Wrench
Open the upgrades tab (U key) and purchase the Fire Starter. Drill Copperite to gather copper, then smelt it to buy the Copper Drill upgrade. This drill allows you to dig through harder rocks like limestone.
Acquire Iron and Steel
Mine Hematite to get iron. To create Steel, you must mix molten iron with carbon. Use charcoal or coal as your carbon source. This is essential for advanced upgrades like the Hammer and Jetpack.
Build a Shelter and Forge
Use the hammer (left-click to draw) to build a shelter. Construct a Forge using clay or stone. Ensure the design allows airflow to prevent smothering the fire. A simple V-shape is recommended for beginners.
Explore the Underground
Equip your compass (C key) to locate your ship. Dig deeper to find rare metals like Gold, Silver, and Cobalt. Be wary of gas pockets and high-pressure environments that require a helmet.
Forge Designs and Smelting
Smelting is the heart of progression in Atomcraft. You cannot just place ore on fire; you must design a forge that separates fuel from the material being smelted. If ore falls directly onto burning fuel, it may block oxygen and extinguish the fire.
Always separate your fuel (coal/wood) from your ore. Use gravity to drop molten metal into a collection tray. Clay is an excellent building material as it turns into ceramic when heated, rather than melting.
Below are the primary forge designs you will need for different stages of the game.
| Design Type | Complexity | Best For | Fuel Placement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple V-Shape | Low | Copper, Iron, Early Game | Bottom layer |
| Runoff Forge | Medium | High Volume, Gold, Silver | Side channels |
| Reduction Setup | High | Galena, Celestium, Oxides | Bottom + Top layers |
| Mechanical | Very High | Automated production | Conveyor fed |
For ores like Galena (which yields Lead), you must perform a reduction reaction. Heat the ore until it becomes an oxide, then mix it with Carbon to remove the oxygen. Use a hood to capture the escaping Carbon Monoxide/CO2 gas.
Wrench, Upgrades, and Combat
Survival depends on upgrading your equipment and managing your inventory. The game features a weight limit, so you must be strategic about what you carry and what you store in your spaceship.
Essential Upgrades
| Upgrade Name | Cost | Function | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Starter | 50 Flint, 50 Pyrite | Ignites wood/coal | High |
| Copper Drill | Copper | Mines Limestone, Copperite | High |
| Hammer | Iron | Builds structures | High |
| Steel Jetpack | Steel, Aluminum | Vertical mobility, Space access | Medium |
| Compass | Basic Materials | Locates spaceship | Medium |
| Geiger Counter | Advanced | Detects radiation | Low |
You will become "Over Encumbered" if you carry too much weight. Use your ship's inventory (press E near ship) to store heavy ores like stone and dirt. Keep valuable metals and tools on your person.
Weaponry and Defense
As you dig deeper, you will encounter hostile creatures. While you can use basic tools to fight, crafting specific weapons provides better range and damage.
| Weapon | Ammo/Type | Uses | Damage Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blender Gun | Aluminum, Strontium | Scrambles pixels | Medium |
| Rocket Launcher | Nitroglycerin | Area damage | Very High |
| Crowbar | None | Removes pixels, Melee | Low |
| Slime Thrower | Slime | Slows enemies | Low |
Nitroglycerin for rocket launchers must be crafted by mixing Glycerin and Nitric Acid, requiring a complex blending setup.
Farming Strategy
- Plant nuts for endless wood.
- Use farms for Wheat and Sugar Cane.
- Cook food to trade with NPCs.
Space Exploration
- Use Jetpack to reach atmosphere.
- Wear Helmet (press H) to breathe.
- Harvest gases like Nitrogen.
NPC Trading
- Find crash survivors like Zulie.
- Trade cooked food for blueprints.
- Help repair their ships for rewards.
Progression Checklist
Use this checklist to track your progress from a crash survivor to a master chemist. Focus on securing the basic needs before attempting to build complex factories or explore deep caves.
Essential Milestones:
- Craft Fire Starter and Copper Drill
- Build a functional Simple V-Shape Forge
- Smelt 64 Iron and craft Steel
- Unlock Hammer and build a permanent shelter
- Craft a Helmet and Compass
- Establish a farm for wood and food
- Perform a Reduction Reaction (e.g., Galena to Lead)
- Reach the upper atmosphere with a Jetpack
- Find and trade with at least 2 other survivors
Once you have steel production automated, shift your focus to finding Cobalt and Lithium. These materials are required for the Tool Belt and advanced machinery that will allow for pixel crafting and automation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does my forge keep going out?
Your fuel is likely being smothered by the ore or lack of oxygen. Ensure there is a gap between the burning coal and the material you are melting. Use a V-shape design to let heat rise without blocking airflow.
Q: How do I get Steel in this atomcraft guide?
You must mix Carbon with Molten Iron. Smelt Hematite to get iron, then ensure it stays hot while you add Charcoal or Coal. The carbon reduces the iron, creating Molten Steel which you can collect.
Q: Can I play with friends?
Currently, Atomcraft is a single-player experience only. You cannot join servers or play co-op, but the developers may add multiplayer features in the future.
Q: What is the best early game drill?
The Copper Drill is the first essential upgrade. It allows you to mine through Limestone (Hardness 3), unlocking access to the first caves where Iron and Coal are abundant.