Slag needs more uses or a disposal method

[Galllant Light]

I can't be the only one who is constantly being over run by slag. If it could be used for ground leveling or something even just general dumping.

[Almasty]

I just have several bulk storage cans for slag, when they get full I change it to ice, and back to slag. just dump 18k+ on ground. I have been doing that for awhile and now is over 330k on ground. Has not bothered my drones they just drive right through it. Am hoping the dust it kicks up will settle on someones solar panels

[IRAKLE]

slag is required for the construction of large quantities of concrete, for the operation of farms, as well as for the fulfillment of some contracts, it can be transported outside the base.

[IRAKLE]

We want to introduce another way to use slag into the game and are currently thinking about it, if you have any ideas we'd love to hear them

[Bijbel]

Originally posted by IRAKLE:

We want to introduce another way to use slag into the game and are currently thinking about it, if you have any ideas we'd love to hear them

Some kind of refinery where you can 'destroy' large amounts for trace materials would go a long way :)

[Time Drake]

They could make slag Pillars IE so it looks like we are holding up the roof in the caves

[Staalby]

Originally posted by IRAKLE:

We want to introduce another way to use slag into the game and are currently thinking about it, if you have any ideas we'd love to hear them

Some ideas

1. Construction and Infrastructure
- Lunar Concrete/Regolith Composite: Let players combine slag with lunar regolith to create building materials for habitats, roads, or launch pads. This encourages base expansion and resource efficiency.
- Radiation Shielding: Slag could be processed into dense tiles or mixed with polymers to protect habitats from cosmic radiation, adding strategic value to survival mechanics.

2. Resource Recycling
- Secondary Extraction: Introduce late-game tech to "re-smelt" slag into trace rare minerals (e.g., titanium, silicon) or gases (e.g., oxygen), rewarding players for stockpiling it.
- Synthetic Regolith: Use slag to simulate soil for hydroponics or terraforming experiments, enabling greenhouse modules or oxygen farms.

3. Energy and Manufacturing
- Thermal Mass: Slag could store heat for solar-thermal power systems or insulate machinery, improving energy efficiency during the moon’s frigid nights.
- Glass/Ceramics: Process slag into glass for solar panels, domes, or optics, creating a mid-game production chain.

4. Progression and Challenges
- Tech Tree Unlocks: Gate advanced slag uses behind research (e.g., "Slag Refinement" or "Composite Engineering"), turning it into a late-game asset.
- Environmental Pressure: If slag accumulates, impose penalties (e.g., reduced mobility, equipment corrosion) to incentivize proactive management.

5. Trade or Aesthetic Customization
- Barter with Factions: Let players trade slag to lunar colonies for rare resources or blueprints.
- Cosmetic Uses: Allow slag to be molded into decorative structures or sculptures, appealing to creative players.

Example Gameplay Loop:
1. Mine ore → Smelt into metal (creates slag).
2. Early game: Use slag for basic structures/radiation shielding.
3. Mid-game: Refine slag into glass for solar panels.
4. Late-game: Extract rare elements from slag for advanced tech.

This approach turns slag into a strategic resource, deepening gameplay and rewarding problem-solving while maintaining realism. Players feel clever for repurposing waste, and the moon’s harsh environment justifies creative recycling.

Or just look at the plethora of similar games and steal ideas

[Almasty]

Give us a slingshot so we can hurl slag at earth.
Maybe make it belt fed so we can do multiple shots

[Galllant Light]

Originally posted by Almasty:

Give us a slingshot so we can hurl slag at earth.
Maybe make it belt fed so we can do multiple shots

Beltalowda! ♥♥♥♥ inyalowda!

[Tankqull]

Slags are used as a fertilzer too, would be of use aswell if you implement food contracts.

[len.weaver]

We could have an upgrade or two for the smart concrete module that cause the module to use a little more slag and a little less silicon.

[Klandor]

Originally posted by Tankqull:

Slags are used as a fertilzer too, would be of use aswell if you implement food contracts.

Umm, doesn't Slag contain elements of Toxic Waste or Heavy Metals?!?

[SirDrinksalot]

Originally posted by Klandor:

Originally posted by Tankqull:

Slags are used as a fertilzer too, would be of use aswell if you implement food contracts.

Umm, doesn't Slag contain elements of Toxic Waste or Heavy Metals?!?

Not in a game, just 1's and 0's - unless you are thinking of uses for toxic waste and heavy metals, then fair play.

[Annonymous]

In the current version of the game, you can't really have too much Concrete. I generally end up with 4 Smart Concrete factories, and keep them upgraded. Those churn through all my Slag.

Granted, this takes obscene volumes of Silicon, but with a single MDR farming that for me, I usually have more than enough left for other tasks

[shteyner]

Originally posted by IRAKLE:

We want to introduce another way to use slag into the game and are currently thinking about it, if you have any ideas we'd love to hear them

Since the new version will have outposts on the global map, add the ability to build roads so that rovers can move faster.
Even for railway tracks, the main expense is dumping, and this is where slag in any quantity will be used.

[Wvor]

slag brickettes.. plasma smelter that requires high energy source.. helium 3.. such a thing actually exists, input is waste of all forms, output is glass bricks..