Slag

Slag is a high-temperature liquid tile in Mindustry representing molten waste from smelting processes. It appears as a hazardous ground type that interacts with units and buildings: units that move over Slag tiles receive damaging and debuffing status effects, and structures in contact with Slag can be ignited. The in-game Slag item is produced by Melters and is a component used by the Separator and Disassembler; molten Slag can be handled by pumps placed on Slag tiles.

Slag tiles apply the Scorch status effect, which deals heavy periodic damage while reducing both effective health and movement speed. Exposure to Scorch is one of the primary dangers of Slag terrain and of incendiary ammunition or effects that create molten pools. Slag can also set buildings on fire, producing the Burning status on nearby units; Burning deals continuous damage over time. These interactions make Slag both an environmental hazard to enemy forces and a risky obstacle for player units and structures.

Practical notes and interactions:

• Production and processing: Slag is produced in the Melter and is consumed by the Separator and Disassembler. Any pump placed on Slag tiles can move the liquid if the map and game mode allow it.
• Combat and zoning: Use Slag to create denial zones against enemy units; Molten Slag tiles and incendiary weapons that produce puddles can force attackers to take heavy damage and move slowly through affected areas.
• Friendly unit risks: Keep your own mobile units and fragile buildings away from Slag unless they are specifically armored or immune; buildings contacting Slag may catch fire and spread Burning to nearby units.
• Status specifics: Scorch inflicted by Slag heavily damages and weakens units (reducing health and speed), while Burning applies continuous damage over time. Treat Slag like both a damaging surface and a movement debuff.
• Tactical placement: Combining Slag pools with area-damage defenses or slowing terrain amplifies defensive effectiveness; similarly, spawning or funneling enemy waves through Slag maximizes incidental damage.
• Real-world context: The term refers to molten byproducts of ore smelting, matching its portrayal as a hot, hazardous liquid in-game.