This guide will outline how weather impacts the environment you’re playing in, the best methods for staying safe when a hazardous weather event occurs.

Checking the Weather

When exploring a new environment it may be important to keep an eye on the weather. You can set up any LCD panel or screen to display the active weather of the area you’re in by selecting the “Apps” option in the screen’s terminal, and selecting “Weather” as the current app. This display can then serve as an early warning system, letting you take appropriate action before any storm reaches full intensity.

Environmental Effects

Each weather type can impact a variety of elements within your current location. These range from a change in wind speed to radically reducing breathability. Most weather events also have light and heavy variants, impacting these factors in even more extreme ways.

Variable elements:

• • Wind and Solar – Wind and Solar power can be drastically affected by weather patterns, causing Wind Turbines and Solar Panels to output more or less power. Overcome this by harnessing alternative power sources, such as batteries, hydrogen engines, or reactors.
  • Temperature – The temperature of the environment can experience a large shift. Freezing and Inferno temperatures can tax the heating or cooling of your suit, draining power at a much faster rate than comfortable temperatures ranges. Be sure to have easy access to a Refill Station, Power Kit, or other recharging method nearby.
  • Breathability – Oxygen levels may decrease in severe weather conditions. Having an adequate source of oxygen to refill may be critical to surviving these moments of reduced oxygen.
  • Lightning – Lightning strikes can damage grids or characters. Decoy Blocks can act as lighting rods, drawing lightning to strike at specific points – use them to protect your more critical infrastructure.

• Radiation – In extreme cases, weather events could be filled with radioactive particles. These can pose a significant threat to characters in the area. Seek a sealed and pressurized environment to avoid exposure.
• Character Damage Over Time – Some weather may pose a physical threat to your character, potentially harming them when exposed and applying physical damage over time. This could be in the form of caustic rain drops, or airborne debris. Shelters do not necessarily need to be sealed or airtight to protect you from this type of damage.

Modding

If you’d like to learn how to create custom weather effects or systems, see the links below:

• Modding Guide: Automatic Weather System
• Modding Guide: Weather Effects