Starbound, the popular sci-fi sandbox game, is all about exploration, building, and surviving in a vast, procedurally generated galaxy. As you venture forth into the unknown, you’ll encounter various resources that are crucial to your progress. One such resource is oil, a versatile and essential material that plays a significant role in your intergalactic adventure. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Starbound and explore what oil is used for in this exciting game.
The Basics of Oil in Starbound
Oil is a type of liquid resource that can be found on various planets and moons throughout the Starbound galaxy. It’s a valued commodity that can be extracted from oil deposits, which are typically located in underground caves or hidden beneath the surface of planets. You can extract oil using an Oil Drill, a specialized tool that can be crafted or purchased from vendors.
Oil as a Crafting Material
One of the primary uses of oil in Starbound is as a crafting material. It’s a key ingredient in the production of various items, including fuel, machines, and building materials. Oil is used to craft items such as:
- Fuel: Oil is used to create fuel for your spacecraft, allowing you to travel to new planets and moons.
You can craft fuel by combining oil with other materials, such as minerals and metals, in a Refinery. This process converts the oil into a usable fuel source, which can then be used to power your spacecraft.
Oil in Machinery and Tools
Oil is also used in the construction of machinery and tools, such as the Oil Drill, which is used to extract oil from deposits. Other machines that require oil as a crafting material include:
- Generators: These provide power to your base, allowing you to craft and build new items.
Generators, in particular, are crucial to your progress in Starbound, as they enable you to power your base and craft new items. Without oil, you wouldn’t be able to construct these essential machines.
Oil in Starbound’s Economy
Oil plays a significant role in Starbound’s economy, as it’s a valuable resource that can be bought and sold on the in-game market. As you explore the galaxy, you’ll encounter various vendors who offer oil and oil-based products for sale. You can also sell your excess oil to these vendors, earning valuable credits in the process.
Oil Prices and Fluctuations
The price of oil in Starbound can fluctuate depending on various factors, such as the availability of oil deposits, the demand for oil-based products, and the overall state of the in-game economy. As a result, it’s essential to keep an eye on oil prices and adjust your crafting and trading strategies accordingly.
Oil-Based Trade Routes
Establishing oil-based trade routes is an excellent way to earn credits in Starbound. By extracting oil from deposits and selling it to vendors, you can create a lucrative trade route that generates a steady income. You can also use oil to craft valuable items, such as fuel, and sell them to other players or vendors.
Oil in Exploration and Survival
Oil is not only essential for crafting and trading but also plays a critical role in exploration and survival in Starbound.
Oil for Spacecraft Customization
Oil is used to craft customization items for your spacecraft, such as decals, paint, and other cosmetic upgrades. These upgrades not only enhance the appearance of your spacecraft but also provide functional benefits, such as increased speed or maneuverability.
Oil for Base Building
Oil is used in the construction of various base building materials, such as walls, floors, and roofs. These materials are essential for building and customizing your base, which serves as a safe haven from the dangers of the galaxy.
Oil Exploration and Extraction
Extracting oil from deposits is a crucial aspect of Starbound’s gameplay. To extract oil, you’ll need to locate oil deposits, which can be found on various planets and moons. Once you’ve located a deposit, you’ll need to use an Oil Drill to extract the oil.
Locating Oil Deposits
Oil deposits can be located using various methods, including:
- Scanning: Use a Scanner to detect oil deposits on a planet or moon.
Scanning is an essential skill in Starbound, as it allows you to detect valuable resources, including oil deposits.
Oil Drill Maintenance
To ensure efficient oil extraction, it’s essential to maintain your Oil Drill regularly. You can upgrade and repair your Oil Drill using various materials, including oil, which helps to increase its efficiency and lifespan.
Conclusion
Oil is a vital resource in Starbound, playing a crucial role in crafting, trading, exploration, and survival. Whether you’re building a base, customizing your spacecraft, or simply exploring the galaxy, oil is an essential component of your intergalactic adventure. By understanding the various uses of oil in Starbound, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the challenges of the galaxy and build a thriving presence in the Starbound universe.
What is the purpose of oil in Starbound?
Oil is a crucial resource in Starbound that serves as a fuel source for various machines and vehicles. It is used to power engines, generators, and other devices that are essential for exploration, combat, and base-building. Without oil, players would not be able to access certain areas, craft essential items, or defend themselves against hostile alien creatures.
In Starbound, oil is harvested from oil deposits found on various planets, which can be extracted using specialized equipment. The extracted oil is then stored in tanks and used to fuel machines, vehicles, and other devices. Players must carefully manage their oil reserves, as running out of fuel can leave them stranded and vulnerable to attack.
What machines and vehicles use oil in Starbound?
A variety of machines and vehicles in Starbound rely on oil to function. This includes spacecraft, which require oil to travel between planets and explore the galaxy. Players also use oil to power generators, which provide energy for their bases and equipment. Additionally, oil is used to fuel turrets and other defensive systems, which are essential for protecting against hostile alien attacks.
Other machines and vehicles that use oil in Starbound include mining drills, which extract resources from planets, and agricultural equipment, which facilitate farming and resource production. Players must prioritize their oil usage to ensure that they have enough fuel to power the machines and vehicles that are essential to their intergalactic adventure.
How do I extract oil in Starbound?
Extracting oil in Starbound is a straightforward process that requires specialized equipment. Players must first locate oil deposits on a planet, which are typically marked by a distinctive oil well structure. Once they have found an oil deposit, they must deploy an oil extractor, which will begin harvesting the oil.
The extracted oil is then stored in tanks, which can be accessed and managed by the player. Players must regularly check their oil reserves and refill their tanks as needed to ensure that they have a steady supply of fuel for their machines and vehicles. Effective oil extraction and management are critical to success in Starbound.
Can I use alternative fuels in Starbound?
While oil is the primary fuel source in Starbound, there are alternative fuels that players can use in certain circumstances. For example, some machines and vehicles can be powered by electricity, which can be generated using solar panels or other renewable energy sources. Additionally, players may discover rare or exotic fuels on certain planets, which can be used to power specialized equipment.
However, oil remains the most widely used and versatile fuel source in Starbound, and players will need to prioritize oil extraction and management to succeed in the game. Alternative fuels may be useful in certain situations, but they are not a substitute for oil in most cases.
How do I store and manage oil in Starbound?
Storing and managing oil is critical to success in Starbound, as running out of fuel can leave players stranded and vulnerable to attack. Players can store oil in tanks, which can be accessed and managed through the game’s inventory system. Oilers can be used to refill tanks and transfer oil between containers.
Effective oil management requires players to regularly check their oil reserves, prioritize fuel usage, and extract oil from deposits as needed. Players should also consider building fuel-efficient machines and vehicles, and investing in technologies that improve oil extraction and storage.
What are the consequences of running out of oil in Starbound?
Running out of oil in Starbound can have serious consequences for players. Without fuel, players will not be able to power their spacecraft, generators, and other essential machines, which can leave them stranded and vulnerable to attack. This can make it difficult or impossible to access certain areas, craft essential items, or defend against hostile alien creatures.
In extreme cases, running out of oil can lead to the loss of entire bases or fleets, as well as the loss of valuable resources and equipment. Players who fail to manage their oil reserves effectively may find themselves struggling to survive in the harsh environment of Starbound.
Are there any oil-related technologies or upgrades in Starbound?
Yes, there are several oil-related technologies and upgrades available in Starbound that can improve oil extraction, storage, and usage. For example, players can research and develop new oil extraction technologies that increase the efficiency and yield of their oil extractors. They can also upgrade their oil storage tanks to hold more fuel, or invest in fuel-efficient machines and vehicles.
Additionally, players can discover or craft specialized equipment that helps them manage their oil reserves more effectively. These technologies and upgrades can be critical to success in Starbound, as they allow players to extract and use oil more efficiently, and expand their intergalactic adventure.