Unloader

The Unloader is a transport-related block that removes specified items from nearby non-transportation blocks and outputs them to adjacent tiles. It is primarily used to tidy production and power centers by linking the item inventories of production blocks and factories without running conveyors into every building. The Unloader does not share liquids and does not function as an item storage: it has no internal item capacity and does not buffer items between input and output.

An Unloader's raw throughput matches a Titanium Conveyor's throughput and is split evenly among its four output sides; adding additional Titanium or Plastanium Conveyors to a single Unloader does not increase that Unloader's maximum output. When configured with a filter, the Unloader will only output the selected item; when unconfigured it distributes output across eligible items (older behavior used randomness; newer builds choose items more evenly).

The Unloader can move items between production blocks and factory outputs, effectively equalizing or linking their inventories. On Serpulo maps the Unloader is omnidirectional and bidirectional between blocks: when placed directly between two blocks with no conveyors, it will equalize their contents rather than pulling one resource into another. To force unidirectional transfer like the Erekir Duct Unloader, place a conveyor between the Unloader and the receiving block. The Unloader cannot unload into Container-class blocks such as the core and Vault; it also does not unload from turrets and certain special blocks.

Behavioral notes and recent changes: the Unloader had an item capacity in early versions but that capacity was removed; it later gained the ability to unload from production blocks and, in a subsequent update, to unload from Plastanium Conveyors as well. Updates also changed selection behavior so unconfigured unloaders now choose items evenly, reduced build time slightly, and improved reliability on low frame rates. The Unloader prioritizes unloading from storage and full blocks rather than unloading into them, which helps avoid wasting unloading attempts.

Practical usage and strategy

• Use Unloaders to connect factories and production chains without routing conveyors into every building; they effectively let production blocks share outputs when placed nearby.
• Avoid expecting an Unloader to act as a buffer: because it has no item capacity, it will not clog or store unwanted items, but it also cannot accumulate throughput beyond its locked rate (equivalent to a Titanium Conveyor).
• Place a conveyor between an Unloader and a receiving block to force one-way transfer if you need directional flow instead of automatic equalization.
• Do not rely on Unloaders to feed Container-class blocks (core, Vault); plan direct transport into those blocks. The Unloader will instead prefer to remove items from full/storage blocks, which can be used to offload excess production.
• Since Unloaders do not affect liquids, keep liquid logistics separate with pumps and pipes.
• Because they are grouped with effect/storage/core blocks in the block browser despite their transport role, remember their placement and selection options are treated differently from typical conveyor components.

The Unloader excels at decluttering factories and creating implicit links between nearby inventories but must be used with attention to its directional/equalizing behavior and its fixed throughput.