Difference between revisions of "Terraform"

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(→‎Terraforming Presets: Added more recent defaults.)
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All [[Unit_classes#Constructor|construction units]], [[Commander]]s and [[Caretaker]]s can modify the terrain in Zero-K. '''Terraforming''' costs [[Energy]], [[Metal]] and time.
 
All [[Unit_classes#Constructor|construction units]], [[Commander]]s and [[Caretaker]]s can modify the terrain in Zero-K. '''Terraforming''' costs [[Energy]], [[Metal]] and time.
  
http://licho.eu/alba/terraform/intro.png <div style="float:right;">__TOC__</div>
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{{TOC right}}
 +
[[File:Intro_terraform.png]]
  
== Terraform Types ==
 
  
There are also 5 terraform commands found under the 'Special' tab in the menu:
 
  
* https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ZeroK-RTS/Zero-K/master/LuaUI/Images/commands/ramp.png — Ramp
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== Terraform Types ==
* https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ZeroK-RTS/Zero-K/master/LuaUI/Images/commands/level.png — Level
 
* https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ZeroK-RTS/Zero-K/master/LuaUI/Images/commands/raise.png — Raise
 
* https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ZeroK-RTS/Zero-K/master/LuaUI/Images/commands/smooth.png — Smooth
 
* https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ZeroK-RTS/Zero-K/master/LuaUI/Images/commands/restore.png — Restore
 
  
 +
There are 5 terraform commands found under the 'Special' tab on the command panel:
 +
<div style="float:right;"><youtube>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pSigOsGJeo</youtube></div>
 +
* https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ZeroK-RTS/Zero-K/master/LuaUI/Images/commands/ramp.png —Ramp
 +
* https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ZeroK-RTS/Zero-K/master/LuaUI/Images/commands/level.png —Level
 +
* https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ZeroK-RTS/Zero-K/master/LuaUI/Images/commands/raise.png —Raise
 +
* https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ZeroK-RTS/Zero-K/master/LuaUI/Images/commands/smooth.png —Smooth
 +
* https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ZeroK-RTS/Zero-K/master/LuaUI/Images/commands/restore.png —Restore
  
Note: {{Key press|Right Click}} at any time during the terraform will cancel the command.
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'''Right-click''' at any time during the terraform will cancel the command.
  
 
== Interface: Lasso Selection ==  
 
== Interface: Lasso Selection ==  
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https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ZeroK-RTS/Zero-K/master/LuaUI/Images/commands/level.png https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ZeroK-RTS/Zero-K/master/LuaUI/Images/commands/raise.png https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ZeroK-RTS/Zero-K/master/LuaUI/Images/commands/smooth.png https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ZeroK-RTS/Zero-K/master/LuaUI/Images/commands/restore.png
 
https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ZeroK-RTS/Zero-K/master/LuaUI/Images/commands/level.png https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ZeroK-RTS/Zero-K/master/LuaUI/Images/commands/raise.png https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ZeroK-RTS/Zero-K/master/LuaUI/Images/commands/smooth.png https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ZeroK-RTS/Zero-K/master/LuaUI/Images/commands/restore.png
  
{{Key press|Left click}} on the ground and hold the mouse to start drawing a line.  Drawing the area selects the area to be terraformed. If the end of the line is close to the start when the left mouse button is released the area inside the loop will be terraformed (like lasso selection), if the ends are far away the drawn line will be terraformed (good for making walls).
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'''Left-click''' on the ground and hold the mouse to start drawing a line.  Drawing the area selects the area to be terraformed. If the end of the line is close to the start when the left mouse button is released the area inside the loop will be terraformed (like lasso selection), if the ends are far away the drawn line will be terraformed (good for making walls).
  
http://licho.eu/alba/terraform/lasso.jpg
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[[File:Lasso_terraform.jpg]]
  
 
If you are using '''Smooth''' or '''Restore''' the command will be given when you release the mouse. If you are using '''Level''' or '''Raise''' you will have to chose either which height to level to or how much to raise the land. This is done by moving the mouse up/down then clicking when it looks like it is at the desired height.
 
If you are using '''Smooth''' or '''Restore''' the command will be given when you release the mouse. If you are using '''Level''' or '''Raise''' you will have to chose either which height to level to or how much to raise the land. This is done by moving the mouse up/down then clicking when it looks like it is at the desired height.
  
http://licho.eu/alba/terraform/setheight.jpg
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[[File:Setheight_terraform.jpg]]
  
 
== Effects of Terraform and Modifiers ==
 
== Effects of Terraform and Modifiers ==
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=== Level ===
 
=== Level ===
  
http://licho.eu/alba/terraform/level.sized.jpg
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[[File:Level.sized_terraform.jpg]]
  
 
'''Level''' will move the terrain in the area to exactly the same height, the result terrain will be flat. For example a hill could be flattened.
 
'''Level''' will move the terrain in the area to exactly the same height, the result terrain will be flat. For example a hill could be flattened.
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=== Raise ===
 
=== Raise ===
  
http://licho.eu/alba/terraform/raise.sized.jpg
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[[File:Raise.sized_terraform.jpg]]
  
 
'''Raise''' raises or lowers the terrain in the area by the same amount, the relative height of the terrain within the area is not changed.
 
'''Raise''' raises or lowers the terrain in the area by the same amount, the relative height of the terrain within the area is not changed.
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=== Smooth ===
 
=== Smooth ===
  
<img src="http://licho.eu/alba/terraform/smooth1.sized.jpg" width="360"/><img src="http://licho.eu/alba/terraform/smooth2.sized.jpg" width="360"/>
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[[File:Smooth1.sized_terraform.jpg|360px]] [[File:Smooth2.sized_terraform.jpg|360px]]
  
'''Smooth''' smooths the terrain, cliffs become less sharp.
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'''Smooth''' flattens sharp edges of the terrain. Cliffs become less sharp.
  
 
=== Restore ===
 
=== Restore ===
  
<img src="http://licho.eu/alba/terraform/restore1.sized.jpg" width="360"/><img src="http://licho.eu/alba/terraform/restore2.sized.jpg" width="360"/>
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[[File:Restore1.sized_terraform.jpg|360px]] [[File:Restore2.sized_terraform.jpg|360px]]
  
 
'''Restore''' reverts the height of the terrain to what it was at the start of the game.
 
'''Restore''' reverts the height of the terrain to what it was at the start of the game.
  
* Tap {{Key press|Space}} to cycle through only raise or only level. This limits the terraform to either take away or add terrain instead of a mix of both. Toggle during Lasso stage.
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* Tap {{Key press|Space}} to cycle through ''only raise'' or ''only level''. This limits the terraform to either take away or to add terrain instead of a mix of both. Toggle during Lasso stage.
  
 
== Advanced Area Selection ==
 
== Advanced Area Selection ==
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For easier terraforming, {{Key press|Alt}} and/or {{Key press|Ctrl}} can be used to modify the way the lasso command is given.
 
For easier terraforming, {{Key press|Alt}} and/or {{Key press|Ctrl}} can be used to modify the way the lasso command is given.
  
* Hold {{Key press|Alt}} while clicking to terraform a rectangular area.
+
* Hold {{Key press|Alt}} while clicking to terraform a rectangular area.{{clear}}[[File:Square_terraform.jpg]]
 
+
* Hold {{Key press|Alt}} and click on a building or unit to create a wall around that unit.{{clear}}[[File:Autowall.sized_terraform.jpg]]
http://licho.eu/alba/terraform/square.jpg
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* Hold {{Key combo|Alt|Ctrl}} while clicking to create a hollow rectangle of terraform.{{clear}}[[File:Ring.sized_terraform.jpg]]
 
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* Hold {{Key press|Ctrl}} at any time during line drawing to create a straight section of line. Straight and non-straight lines can be mixed by pressing and releasing {{Key press|Ctrl}}.{{clear}}[[File:Loopy.sized_terraform.jpg]]
* Hold {{Key press|Alt}} and click on a building or unit to create a wall around that unit.
 
 
 
http://licho.eu/alba/terraform/autowall.sized.jpg
 
 
 
* Hold {{Key press|Alt}} + {{Key press|Ctrl}} while clicking to create a hollow rectangle of terraform.
 
 
 
http://licho.eu/alba/terraform/ring.sized.jpg
 
 
 
* Hold {{Key press|Ctrl}} at any time during line drawing to create a straight section of line. Straight and non-straight lines can be mixed by pressing and releasing {{Key press|Ctrl}}.
 
 
 
http://licho.eu/alba/terraform/loopy.sized.jpg
 
  
 
== Terraforming Under Buildings In One Click ==
 
== Terraforming Under Buildings In One Click ==
  
The default option of terraforming the ground under buildings is to press the {{Key press|B}} key after choosing the structure, changing the height of the project with {{Key press|C}} and {{Key press|V}} afterwards. By far the simplest way to use this kind of terraforming is to press {{Key press|Alt}} key while placing a structure and adjust the height of the structure by scrolling with the mouse wheel, but this option should first be enabled in the settings.
+
The default option of terraforming the ground under buildings is to press the {{Key press|B}} key after choosing the structure, changing the height of the project with {{Key press|C}} and {{Key press|V}} afterwards. An easier way to use this kind of terraforming is to press {{Key press|Alt}} key while placing a structure and adjust the height of the structure by scrolling with the mouse wheel, but this option should first be enabled in the settings.
  
 
[[File:terraform_structure.gif]]
 
[[File:terraform_structure.gif]]
  
Structure terrforming controls can be changed in the menu: <code>Settings > Interface > Building placement</code>. Tick the <code>Alt mouse wheel to set height</code> to enable the easier construction option.
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Structure terraforming controls can be changed in the [[Ingame Menu|game menu]]: <samp>Settings &rarr; Interface &rarr; Building placement</samp>. Tick the "<samp>Terraform by selecting with Alt</samp>" to enable the easier construction option.
  
See [[Structure Placement]] for more information on structure terraforming.
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{{See|Structure Placement}}
  
 
== Terraforming Presets ==
 
== Terraforming Presets ==
  
There are terraforming presets that allow to create terraforming with a specific height and can be configured under Hotkeys/Construction/Terraform Preset Hotkeys. Default hokeys include:
+
There are terraforming presets that allow to create terraforming with a specific height and can be configured in the game menu (Hotkeys/Construction section). Default hotkeys include:
* {{Key press|Alt}} + {{Key press|V}}: Make the smallest wall that is not Vehicle pathable.
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{{:Terraform hotkeys}}
* {{Key press|Alt}} + {{Key press|B}}: Make the smallest wall that is not Bot pathable.
 
* {{Key press|Alt}} + {{Key press|N}}: Make a wall that will block direct fire weapons like lasers. This allows indirect fire units like [[Rogue]] or [[Recluse]] to shoot at a [[Stinger]] with impunity.
 
* {{Key press|Alt}} + {{Key press|G}}: Levels the terrain to the height of the ground where the cursor was initially clocked.
 
* {{Key press|Alt}} + {{Key press|H}}: Make a tall spire to give high ground advantage for units like [[Crab]].
 
* {{Key press|Alt}} + {{Key press|J}}: Makes a deep hole.
 
  
 
== Ramp ==
 
== Ramp ==
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=== Simple Ramp ===
 
=== Simple Ramp ===
This is a simple way to make a ramp between 2 points on the ground. It uses exactly the same interface as advanced ramp but it can be unclear how to make a simple ramp just from the explanation of the full features of advanced ramp.
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This is a simple way to make a ramp between 2 points on the ground. It uses exactly the same interface as advanced ramp.
 
 
In short:
 
* {{Key press|Left Click}} the start of the ramp
 
* {{Key press|Left Click}} the end of the ramp
 
* {{Key press|Left Click}} again
 
 
 
==== Advanced Ramp ====
 
Using the full ramp interface you can make a ramp between any 2 arbitrary points above or below the terrain and chose the width of this ramp.
 
 
 
{{Key press|Left Click}} on the ground to set the start of the ramp. '''If''' you want to choose the height of the start of the ramp hold the click and move the mouse up or down. A little green line will appear out of the ground to indicate the height. The default height is the ground height, release the mouse to select the height.
 
 
 
* Hold {{Key press|Alt}} when choosing the start height to snap to the original ground height or just below water level(helpful for getting hovers out of the water).
 
 
 
<img src="http://licho.eu/alba/terraform/ramp1.sized.jpg" width="480"/>
 
 
 
* {{Key press|Left Click}} on the ground to set the end of the ramp. As with the start of the ramp, you can hold the mouse and move to choose the height.  
 
  
* Hold {{Key press|Alt}} when choosing the end height to snap the gradient of the ramp to either upwards bot pathable, upwards vehicle pathable, flat, downwards vehicle pathable, downwards  bot pathable, the original ground height or just below water level.
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* '''Left-click''' the start of the ramp.
 +
* '''Left-click''' the end of the ramp.
 +
* '''Left-click''' again.
  
<img src="http://licho.eu/alba/terraform/ramp2.sized.jpg" width="480"/>
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=== Advanced Ramp ===
 +
Using the full ramp interface you can make a ramp between any two arbitrary points above or below the terrain and choose the width of the ramp.
  
* Move the mouse up/down (not held down) and click to set the width of the ramp. Then {{Key press|Left Click}} to build it.
+
'''Left-click''' on the ground to set the start of the ramp. '''If''' you want to choose the height of the start of the ramp, hold the click and move the mouse up or down. A little green line will appear out of the ground to indicate the height. The default height is the ground height. Release the mouse to select the height.
  
<img src="http://licho.eu/alba/terraform/ramp3.sized.jpg" width="480"/>
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* Hold {{Key press|Alt}} when choosing the start height to snap to the original ground height or just below water level(helpful for getting hovers out of the water).{{clear}}[[File:Ramp1.sized_terraform.jpg|480px]]
 +
* '''Left-lick''' on the ground to set the end of the ramp. As with the start of the ramp, you can hold the mouse and move to choose the height.
 +
* Hold {{Key press|Alt}} when choosing the end height to snap the gradient of the ramp to either upwards bot pathable, upwards vehicle pathable, flat, downwards vehicle pathable, downwards  bot pathable, the original ground height or just below water level.{{clear}}[[File:Ramp2.sized_terraform.jpg|480px]]
 +
* Move the mouse up/down (not held down) and click to set the width of the ramp. Then '''left-click''' to build it.{{clear}}[[File:Ramp3.sized_terraform.jpg|480px]]
  
 
The ramp colour indicates whether all units will be able to use it, if vehicles/tanks will not be able to use it and if only spiders can use it.
 
The ramp colour indicates whether all units will be able to use it, if vehicles/tanks will not be able to use it and if only spiders can use it.
  
<img src="http://licho.eu/alba/terraform/ramp_green.jpg" width="240"/><img src="http://licho.eu/alba/terraform/ramp_yellow.jpg" width="240"/><img src="http://licho.eu/alba/terraform/ramp_red.jpg" width="240"/>
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<gallery mode="packed" widths="240px" heights="280px">
 +
File:Ramp_green_terraform.jpg|Green: Every land unit can use.
 +
File:Ramp_yellow_terraform.jpg|Yellow: Too steep for vehicles.
 +
File:Ramp_red_terraform.jpg|Red: Only spiders can climb.
 +
</gallery>
  
Optional: Tap {{Key press|Space}} to cycle through only raise or only level. This limits the terraform to either take away or add terrain instead of a mix of both. Can be toggled at any stage during the ramp command.
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Optional: Tap {{Key press|Space}} to cycle through ''only raise'' or ''only level''. This limits the terraform to either take away or add terrain instead of a mix of both. Can be toggled at any stage during the ramp command.
  
 
== Cost ==
 
== Cost ==
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You can protect non-combat structures not sensitive to terrain such as [[Cornea|cloak]]/[[Aegis|shield generators]], [[Caretaker|nanoturrets]], [[Gunship Plant]]s and [[Missile Silo]]s with walls or holes.
 
You can protect non-combat structures not sensitive to terrain such as [[Cornea|cloak]]/[[Aegis|shield generators]], [[Caretaker|nanoturrets]], [[Gunship Plant]]s and [[Missile Silo]]s with walls or holes.
  
Buildings cannot be moved vertically once placed. If you want to put a [[Fusion Reactor|Fusion]] in a hole for safety the hole will have to be built before the Fusion.  
+
Buildings cannot be moved vertically once placed. If you want to put a [[Fusion Reactor|Fusion]] in a hole for safety the hole will have to be built before the Fusion.
  
 
[[Big Bertha]]s, [[Crab]]s and [[Ogre]]s are very good at knocking down walls. [[Quake]] missiles are the ultimate solution against landscape designers.
 
[[Big Bertha]]s, [[Crab]]s and [[Ogre]]s are very good at knocking down walls. [[Quake]] missiles are the ultimate solution against landscape designers.
  
http://licho.eu/alba/terraform/crabesmooth.sized.jpg
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[[File:Crabesmooth.sized_terraform.jpg]]
  
 
You can use terraforming to make a trench or wall underwater to stop amphibious bots.
 
You can use terraforming to make a trench or wall underwater to stop amphibious bots.
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[[Lobster|Lobsters]] can throw units over low walls.
 
[[Lobster|Lobsters]] can throw units over low walls.
  
Terraform ramp can be used with [[Newton]]s [[Newton_Firezones|to fire units at the enemy]]!
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Terraform ramp can be used with [[Newton]]s [[Newton Firezones|to fire units at the enemy]]!
 +
 
 +
[[File:Newtonramp.sized_terraform.jpg]]
  
http://licho.eu/alba/terraform/newtonramp.sized.jpg
 
  
To set hotkeys for terraform commands, navigate into the game menu and look under hotkeys for <code>Levelground</code>, <code>Raiseground</code>, <code>Rampground</code>, <code>Smoothground</code> and <code>Restoreground</code>.
 
  
 
{{Navbox manual}}
 
{{Navbox manual}}

Revision as of 21:58, 24 January 2022

All construction units, Commanders and Caretakers can modify the terrain in Zero-K. Terraforming costs Energy, Metal and time.

Intro terraform.png


Terraform Types

There are 5 terraform commands found under the 'Special' tab on the command panel:

  • ramp.png —Ramp
  • level.png —Level
  • raise.png —Raise
  • smooth.png —Smooth
  • restore.png —Restore

Right-click at any time during the terraform will cancel the command.

Interface: Lasso Selection

Level, Raise, Smooth and Restore have the same interface for selecting the effected area. They differ in what they do to the terrain.

level.png raise.png smooth.png restore.png

Left-click on the ground and hold the mouse to start drawing a line. Drawing the area selects the area to be terraformed. If the end of the line is close to the start when the left mouse button is released the area inside the loop will be terraformed (like lasso selection), if the ends are far away the drawn line will be terraformed (good for making walls).

Lasso terraform.jpg

If you are using Smooth or Restore the command will be given when you release the mouse. If you are using Level or Raise you will have to chose either which height to level to or how much to raise the land. This is done by moving the mouse up/down then clicking when it looks like it is at the desired height.

Setheight terraform.jpg

Effects of Terraform and Modifiers

Here are the effects of Level, Raise, Smooth and Restore. The modifiers Alt and Ctrl can be held during the Height Choosing phase of the Level and Raise commands for more height choosing control.

Level

Level.sized terraform.jpg

Level will move the terrain in the area to exactly the same height, the result terrain will be flat. For example a hill could be flattened.

  • Hold Alt to snap to either the starting height, just below water level (so that ships can't pass) or the level just below water level that land units cannot pass (23 deep).
  • Hold Ctrl and move the mouse to select the height to be levelled to from terrain by mousing over the terrain.
  • Tap Space to cycle through only raise or only level. This limits the terraform to either take away or add terrain instead of a mix of both. Can be toggled during Lasso stage.

Raise

Raise.sized terraform.jpg

Raise raises or lowers the terrain in the area by the same amount, the relative height of the terrain within the area is not changed.

  • Hold Alt to snap to heights by steps of 15. A 15 high (or deep) wall (or trench) will be impassable to vehicles but passable to bots. A 18 high wall will be impassable to most common bots. A 30 high wall will be impassable to everything except spiders.
  • Press Ctrl to reset the height to 0.

Smooth

Smooth1.sized terraform.jpg Smooth2.sized terraform.jpg

Smooth flattens sharp edges of the terrain. Cliffs become less sharp.

Restore

Restore1.sized terraform.jpg Restore2.sized terraform.jpg

Restore reverts the height of the terrain to what it was at the start of the game.

  • Tap Space to cycle through only raise or only level. This limits the terraform to either take away or to add terrain instead of a mix of both. Toggle during Lasso stage.

Advanced Area Selection

For easier terraforming, Alt and/or Ctrl can be used to modify the way the lasso command is given.

  • Hold Alt while clicking to terraform a rectangular area.
    Square terraform.jpg
  • Hold Alt and click on a building or unit to create a wall around that unit.
    Autowall.sized terraform.jpg
  • Hold ‎Alt + Ctrl‎ while clicking to create a hollow rectangle of terraform.
    Ring.sized terraform.jpg
  • Hold Ctrl at any time during line drawing to create a straight section of line. Straight and non-straight lines can be mixed by pressing and releasing Ctrl.
    Loopy.sized terraform.jpg

Terraforming Under Buildings In One Click

The default option of terraforming the ground under buildings is to press the B key after choosing the structure, changing the height of the project with C and V afterwards. An easier way to use this kind of terraforming is to press Alt key while placing a structure and adjust the height of the structure by scrolling with the mouse wheel, but this option should first be enabled in the settings.

Terraform structure.gif

Structure terraforming controls can be changed in the game menu: Settings → Interface → Building placement. Tick the "Terraform by selecting with Alt" to enable the easier construction option.

Further information: Structure Placement

Terraforming Presets

There are terraforming presets that allow to create terraforming with a specific height and can be configured in the game menu (Hotkeys/Construction section). Default hotkeys include:

  • Alt + V‎: Cheaply stops vehicles from passing, while letting bots pass.
  • Alt + B‎: Cheaply stops bots and vehicles from passing.
  • Alt + N‎: Protects small to medium sized units from direct fire while allowing nearby turrets to shoot. This allows indirect fire units like Rogue or Recluse to shoot at a Stinger with impunity.
  • Alt + M‎: Raises to a height that blocks direct fire and most indirect fire too.
  • Alt + G‎: Levels terrain to the height of the ground at the clicked location.
  • Alt + H‎: Raises tall spire to give high ground advantage for units like Crab.
  • Alt + J‎: Makes a deep hole, which can be useful for hiding in a pinch.

Ramp

The ramp command interface is different from that of the other terraform commands.

First select the Ramp command from the command menu.

ramp.png

Simple Ramp

This is a simple way to make a ramp between 2 points on the ground. It uses exactly the same interface as advanced ramp.

  • Left-click the start of the ramp.
  • Left-click the end of the ramp.
  • Left-click again.

Advanced Ramp

Using the full ramp interface you can make a ramp between any two arbitrary points above or below the terrain and choose the width of the ramp.

Left-click on the ground to set the start of the ramp. If you want to choose the height of the start of the ramp, hold the click and move the mouse up or down. A little green line will appear out of the ground to indicate the height. The default height is the ground height. Release the mouse to select the height.

  • Hold Alt when choosing the start height to snap to the original ground height or just below water level(helpful for getting hovers out of the water).
    Ramp1.sized terraform.jpg
  • Left-lick on the ground to set the end of the ramp. As with the start of the ramp, you can hold the mouse and move to choose the height.
  • Hold Alt when choosing the end height to snap the gradient of the ramp to either upwards bot pathable, upwards vehicle pathable, flat, downwards vehicle pathable, downwards bot pathable, the original ground height or just below water level.
    Ramp2.sized terraform.jpg
  • Move the mouse up/down (not held down) and click to set the width of the ramp. Then left-click to build it.
    Ramp3.sized terraform.jpg

The ramp colour indicates whether all units will be able to use it, if vehicles/tanks will not be able to use it and if only spiders can use it.

Optional: Tap Space to cycle through only raise or only level. This limits the terraform to either take away or add terrain instead of a mix of both. Can be toggled at any stage during the ramp command.

Cost

Terraform by default costs 1 metal, energy and build power to raise or lower 1 heightmap grid, each vertex of the blue grid maps onto a point on the heightmap grid. Due to the sloped sides it will be costly to make a very high spire. Equal volumes of terraform will have the same cost regardless of shape. Cost can be changed with the "terraform cost multiplier" ModOption.

As a general guideline, assuming the base value for terraforming cost, creating a 15 deep wall (or trench) will cost roughly 19 resources per 'segment'.

Building a "skydust" (i.e. Stardust on a pillar) costs about 50 resources for a 50 height pillar, or 85 resources for 100 height.

Terraform blocking

By placing troops or structures near the terraforming projects of your opponent you can deny their construction indefinitely. Use this to stop the enemy from building mountain ranges in your backyard or to defend your own creations from being deconstructed by enemy builders.

Tera block.png

Tips

You can protect non-combat structures not sensitive to terrain such as cloak/shield generators, nanoturrets, Gunship Plants and Missile Silos with walls or holes.

Buildings cannot be moved vertically once placed. If you want to put a Fusion in a hole for safety the hole will have to be built before the Fusion.

Big Berthas, Crabs and Ogres are very good at knocking down walls. Quake missiles are the ultimate solution against landscape designers.

Crabesmooth.sized terraform.jpg

You can use terraforming to make a trench or wall underwater to stop amphibious bots.

Lobsters can throw units over low walls.

Terraform ramp can be used with Newtons to fire units at the enemy!

Newtonramp.sized terraform.jpg