Large Water Wheel

The Large Water Wheel is a mid-game power source that provides a stronger and more efficient alternative to the Compact Water Wheel. It is unlocked with 200 science points and costs 70 logs and 80 planks to construct. Although it is expensive, it pays off by producing much more power than the smaller wheel, making it the preferred choice once available.

A Large Water Wheel must be placed on a river with flowing water; without current it produces no power at all. Its output scales with the strength of the flow, so faster water generates more power. It also has a placement requirement that distinguishes it from many other buildings: one side needs additional support, and the middle section of that side cannot hang over empty space. Any structure that can support construction on top of it can satisfy this requirement, so players often use cheaper solid blocks to anchor the wheel.

Because it is a power generator, the Large Water Wheel should be connected to the rest of a settlement either directly or through power shafts so its output can drive machines. In practice, it is most useful when placed on rivers that are wide enough to take advantage of the stronger flow and when the river layout allows repeated placement in a chain or in parallel. Since it is significantly more efficient than the Compact Water Wheel, it is generally better to replace compact wheels with large ones whenever the colony has the science and materials to unlock them.

• Requires flowing river water to operate.
• Higher water current means higher power output.
• Needs support on one side; the axle-side middle section cannot be over open air.
• Can be supported by any solid structure, though cheap support blocks are a common solution.
• Best used as a replacement for Compact Water Wheels once unlocked.
• Can power buildings directly or through power shafts.