Fluid

Fluid is a basic resource type used in Timberborn to satisfy several bot needs and to operate a number of buildings and production chains. It appears as a generic liquid commodity in the game economy and is distinct from solid goods like logs, planks, or metal parts. Fluid is primarily involved with needs and mechanics that represent energy, fuel, or process liquids depending on faction-specific systems and building interactions.

Fluid directly interacts with needs and boosts: some factions consume fluid to satisfy a Boost or Basic Need, while others require buildings that use fluid to provide area effects or services. For example, Folktails use consumables to satisfy their Fuel-related needs and will consume fluid-type resources when a building or worker action is defined to consume "Fuel". Iron Teeth rely on Energy needs satisfied by visiting specific buildings; those buildings often depend on fluid flows or machinery that uses fluid in their operation. Fluid is also used in production chains where liquids are inputs or outputs of factories and processing buildings.

Practical usage and interactions:

• Fluid is stored, transported, and consumed by designated buildings and jobs; plan storage and transport routes (pipelines, pumps, or worker hauls as appropriate) to keep consumers supplied.
• Buildings that satisfy area-based needs (Aesthetics, Spirituality, Social Life, Awe) may require fluid as part of their construction or operation if they are described as using a liquid resource; position such buildings to cover population centers.
• If a Basic Need that depends on fluid is not met, affected bots suffer severe penalties such as decreased movement speed and refusal to work. Ensure continuous supply to avoid negative status effects.
• Boosts that require fluid consumption improve bot performance when active; prioritize supplying Boost-related fluid consumption during critical production phases to raise overall efficiency.
• When designing new bases or expanding, factor in fluid logistics alongside solid goods: fluid consumers can create chokepoints if storages or delivery methods are insufficient.
• Monitor UI indicators for needs and satisfaction bars; unmet fluid-based needs show as red segments and may produce associated Status messages above bot models, signaling where supply or infrastructure is lacking.

Avoid building layouts that isolate fluid sources from the rest of the settlement. Centralize or provide redundant supply paths for important fluid consumers to maintain steady operation and prevent productivity stalls caused by unmet fluid-related needs.