- Builder Guide: Interactive part for teaching basic vehicle construction in Survival Mode
- Location: Found buried near the Crashed Maintenance Ship entrance
- Function: Projects hologram blueprints to guide your building process
- Quest: Starts the "Your First Car" quest upon pickup
- Cancellation: Remove the creation from the Lift to cancel anytime
Overview and Location
The Builder Guide is an essential interactive part in Scrap Mechanic designed to introduce new players to vehicle construction mechanics. Unlike the Handbook, which serves as a reference catalog, the Builder Guide provides a hands-on tutorial experience by projecting holographic blueprints directly onto the Lift.
To find this item, players must explore the starting area. It is specifically located near the entrance of the Crashed Maintenance Ship, often buried under dirt. Clearing the debris around the crash site will reveal the Guide, allowing you to pick it up and begin your engineering journey.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Interactive |
| Flammable | No |
| Game Mode | Survival Mode |
| Primary Function | Tutorial / Blueprint Projection |
Before the 0.6.0 Beta update, the Handbook was the only way to learn building. The Builder Guide now offers a much more intuitive, visual approach for beginners.
Activation and Usage
Activating the Builder Guide is a straightforward process that transforms the Lift into a structured workspace. Once obtained, placing the item on the Lift initializes the tutorial system. This triggers the "Your First Car" quest, which acts as the primary progression hook for new mechanics.
When active, the device projects a step-by-step hologram. Each phase of the build illuminates specific connection points on the vehicle frame, showing exactly where to place components like wheels, engines, and driver seats. This eliminates the guesswork often associated with complex physics connections.
If you wish to stop the tutorial or change your design, simply remove the unfinished creation from the Lift or take the Builder Guide off. This action cancels the current quest progress immediately.
| Step | Action Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the Guide near the Crashed Maintenance Ship |
| 2 | Pick up the item to start the "Your First Car" quest |
| 3 | Place the Builder Guide onto an available Lift |
| 4 | Follow the holographic projections to place parts |
First Car Construction Steps
Following the holographic instructions ensures a functional vehicle. The tutorial breaks down the complex assembly into manageable segments, covering the chassis, powertrain, and control systems. Adhering to this sequence guarantees that your first creation handles correctly on the rough terrain.
Chassis Assembly
Begin by placing the main bearing blocks as indicated by the hologram. This forms the skeleton of your vehicle and determines its stability.
Wheel Installation
Attach the wheels to the designated axle points. The Builder Guide will highlight the correct orientation for forward movement and steering.
Engine Placement
Mount the engine securely. Ensure it is connected to the drive train. The hologram will verify connection integrity before allowing the next step.
Driver Seat
Place the driver seat at the marked location. This is crucial as it allows you to control the vehicle once it is lowered from the Lift.
Finalization
Complete any remaining cosmetic or functional parts shown in the blueprint. Once finished, raise the lift to deploy your new car.
Following these steps creates a balanced starter car suitable for exploring the immediate surroundings and gathering initial resources.
Component Comparison
While the Builder Guide teaches the basics, understanding the specific components used in the tutorial helps you customize future vehicles. The starter car uses reliable, entry-level parts that are easily replaceable.
Starter Engine
- Reliable Power
- Low fuel consumption
- Easy to craft
Wooden Blocks
- Basic Durability
- Lightweight structure
- Abundant resource
Metal Bearings
- Reduced Friction
- Stable connection points
- Essential for movement
| Component Type | Durability | Function in Tutorial |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Medium | Provides kinetic energy to wheels |
| Driver Seat | Low | Allows player input/control |
| Wheels | High | Enables traversal over terrain |
| Bearings | Medium | Allows parts to rotate freely |
Progression Goals
Completing the Builder Guide tutorial is just the first step in your Scrap Mechanic adventure. Once you have mastered the basics, you should aim to expand your capabilities and explore more advanced engineering concepts.
Essential Milestones:
- Complete the 'Your First Car' quest
- Drive the vehicle to the nearest ruin
- Collect 50 Wood and 50 Metal
- Upgrade to a suspension system
- Build a storage container for loot
After mastering the Builder Guide, consult the Handbook for advanced parts like thrusters, pistons, and logic gates to automate your creations.
FAQ
Q: Can I use the Builder Guide in Creative Mode?
The Builder Guide is specifically designed for Survival Mode to teach progression mechanics. In Creative Mode, you have unlimited resources and flight, making the tutorial unnecessary, though the part exists in the game files.
Q: What happens if I lose my Builder Guide?
If you lose or destroy the Builder Guide, you can typically find another one or rely on the Handbook for instructions. However, it is best to keep it in your inventory or base for reference.
Q: Does the vehicle build have to match the hologram exactly?
While the hologram shows a recommended path, you have some freedom. However, deviating too far might prevent the quest from recognizing the step as complete. It is best to follow the guide for your first build.
Q: Where is the Crashed Maintenance Ship located?
The ship is the spawn point in Survival Mode. The Builder Guide is buried in the dirt immediately outside or near the entrance of this crash site.