Impact Reactor

The Impact Reactor is a high-output power generator that appears as an advanced late-game reactor in Mindustry. It produces a large amount of power when running but requires continuous inputs and an initial power draw to start; it is mechanically distinct from Thorium Reactors and plays a specialized role in high-capacity power grids and aggressive base designs. Because it can violently explode when destroyed while active, placement, isolation and defensive planning are integral to using Impact Reactors effectively.

Impact Reactors require a constant power input of 1500 power units per second in addition to their other resource inputs to function. At maximum output they generate 7200 power units per second, so when running and supplied continuously they provide a net gain of 6300 power units per second after accounting for their self-consumption. During startup an Impact Reactor repeatedly attempts to draw that initial 1500 power/sec; if resource supply is intermittent the reactor will repeatedly try to start and can drain large amounts of power from the grid.

If an Impact Reactor is destroyed while active it deals heavy area damage: 7900 damage in a radius of 12 tiles, so explosions can trigger chain destruction of nearby structures. For safety, build Impact Reactors well away from common enemy paths and other critical facilities such as Thorium Reactors to avoid catastrophic chain reactions. Enemy AI units with air capability (for example Eclipses under AI control) will prioritize reactors; maintain strong anti-air defenses around reactor sites.

Practical deployment and safeguards:

• Maintain a sizable reserve of Large Batteries and isolate them with Plastanium Walls when possible. Controlled isolation using Battery Diodes (and automation via Logic Processors) lets you switch reactor output into isolated buffer banks so a failing grid does not collapse the reactors or the rest of the base.
• Because startup draws can spike demand, ensure the reactor has access to stable power and resource feeds; otherwise it will cycle and waste power.
• Defend reactors with turrets that can use Blast Compound as ammo (Ripple, Swarmer, Cyclone), as these can redirect or unload Blast Compound from nearby sources and reduce the fuel available to melee attacks or certain enemy mechanics. Turrets like Wave or Tsunami primed with Cryofluid exploit the freezing and blasted status effects around attackers, but you must provide adequate liquid storage so the reactor does not accidentally shut down under heavy fire. Unlike Thorium Reactors, Impact Reactors do not explode simply from running out of Cryofluid, but losing Cryofluid will stop generation.
• Pyratite is an ingredient for Blast Compound and can be used in defensive ammunition chains; depending on your production route you may also have Oil or Slag available to create incendiary combos (Tarred + Burning + Melting effects). Exercise caution: Oil and Slag puddles can start fires and damage nearby buildings, including reactors.
• Use Battery Diodes and logic-controlled valves to allow Impact Reactors to run independently of the main grid deficit when needed; isolating reactors makes them reliable power insurance during large, temporary draws or when experimenting with grid changes.

Because of the combination of very high output, startup power demands, and destructive explosion on loss, the Impact Reactor is most valuable when incorporated into a thoughtfully isolated, automated power system with redundant backups and layered defenses.