Tubeway System

Tubeways are an in-game transport network that lets Beavers and Bots move rapidly between connected Tubeway Stations. When traveling inside tubeways, Commuters gain an additional +300% movement speed (x4), which greatly reduces travel time and causes distance estimates at Tubeway Stations and path travel lines to be adjusted to reflect the faster travel. Tubeways include horizontal Tubeway blocks and stacking Vertical Tubeway blocks, and access to the network is only possible through Tubeway Stations.

Tubeways differ from ordinary Paths in several ways. They allow vertical movement by stacking Vertical Tubeway, they require entry and exit through Tubeway Stations rather than free access like Paths, and they have lower travel costs per block traversed. Tubeways permit two-way travel and let Commuters turn back at any point, so open-ended tubes can still be used for construction and reach. Builders can construct at any point from inside the tube. Tubeways must be supported and cannot span empty space like a drawbridge. Tubeway and Vertical Tubeway blocks do not pass Power; while Tubeway Stations can transmit Power to adjacent buildings, transporting Power along a tube network still requires Power Shaft.

Tubeways automatically connect to each other: placing a new Tubeway block adjacent to an existing one forms a dynamic connection, simplifying network expansion. Tubeway Station can be fully submerged, and Commuters can enter and exit tubeways underwater. While inside the tubeway network, Commuters are fully insulated from environmental effects, so they do not acquire wet fur or contamination when the tube path goes through water or badwater. If part of a tube network is deleted so that a Commuter inside it loses connection to any available Tubeway Station, the Commuter becomes Stranded; demolishing the disconnected tube can free the Commuter so it can attempt to return to civilian areas.

Tubeways extend the effective working range of several buildings and flags, including Gatherer Flag, Lumberjack Flag, Scavenger Flag, Farmhouse, Forester, Builders' Hut, Tapper's Shack, and other buildings that have a limited working range. This makes tubeways useful not only for transportation but also for extending service and work zones across difficult terrain or water.

• Tubeways grant Beavers and Bots +300% movement speed (x4) while inside the network.
• Access is through Tubeway Stations; tubes and vertical tubes cannot be entered or exited except at stations.
• Tubeway blocks do not transmit Power; use Power Shafts to carry power along a route.
• Tubeway Stations can be submerged and allow dry, uncontaminated travel through water.
• Tubeways auto-connect when adjacent blocks are placed; deleting tube segments can strand Commuters.
• Introduced in Update 7; version 1 added L-shaped drawing of tubes in a single drag.
• Historical note: the real-world term “tube” traces to early underground railways such as London’s 1863 line and cut-and-cover construction techniques.