Thorium Reactor

The Thorium Reactor is a late-game power generator that converts stored thorium into electricity, but it must be kept continuously cooled with Cryofluid. Unlike most other power-producing blocks, its output depends on how much thorium is inside it: each piece of thorium adds 30 power units per second, up to 900 power per second when completely full with 30 thorium.

While it contains thorium, the reactor consumes at least 2.4 Cryofluid per second to avoid building up heat. This coolant use does not increase with thorium fill level, so the reactor can become more efficient when fully stocked. If Cryofluid supply stops, heat begins to rise. The more thorium the reactor holds, the faster it overheats. When the heat meter fills, the reactor explodes and deals very heavy damage to nearby blocks, reaching out to roughly 18 tiles.

This makes the Thorium Reactor powerful but dangerous to run unattended. It is best placed where a steady Cryofluid line is guaranteed and where a blast would not cripple critical infrastructure.

• Keep a constant Cryofluid supply; even short interruptions can start heat buildup.
• Fully loading the reactor gives the best power output for the same coolant cost.
• Do not place it close to important production lines or defenses unless the area is protected against an explosion.
• If the coolant flow is interrupted, the reactor can be saved only by restoring Cryofluid before the heat meter fills.
• Its description and balance were adjusted in later updates, but its core behavior remains the same: strong power output, mandatory cooling, and a severe explosion on failure.