How To Get A Constant Source Of Steel In Rimworld

Steel is one of the most crucial resources in Rimworld, and once you’ve depleted the initial deposits on your map, obtaining a steady supply becomes challenging. This guide will show you two effective methods to secure a constant source of steel: using the Long Range Mineral Scanner to locate compacted steel deposits across the planet, or using the Ground Penetrating Scanner to find underground ore reserves. Both methods require research and power investment, but they’ll ensure you never run out of this essential material again.

Method 1: Using the Long Range Mineral Scanner

Understanding the Scanner

The Long Range Mineral Scanner is a powerful tool for locating mineral deposits across your planet. Once you’ve researched it, assign one of your colonists to research duty, and they’ll begin scanning. The scanner is specifically designed for researchers, so you’ll want your colonist with the highest research skill operating it to maximize detection chances.

The scanning speed depends directly on your researcher’s skill level. In this example, with a skilled researcher, the scanning speed is at 200 percent. Keep in mind that the scan progress increases very slowly—roughly 0.1 percent every few seconds—so patience is required.

Power Requirements and Tuning

The Long Range Mineral Scanner requires 700 watts of power to operate, so ensure your power infrastructure is sufficient before setting it up. The scanner can be tuned to search for specific resource types. You can designate it to find steel, gold, silver, plastic steel components, uranium, or jade. To change the target resource, simply click the “tuned to” option at the bottom of the scanner interface and select your desired mineral.

Setting Up a Caravan to Mine Steel

Once the scanner has located a lump of compacted steel, you’ll see it marked on your map. Click on the deposit to select it, and you’ll have the option to “send caravan.” This automatically sets up a caravan that will travel to the location where you can dig up the steel.

Transporting Heavy Steel

Steel is extremely heavy, making transport difficult for your colonists. It’s strongly recommended that you bring large pack animals like elephants or mules to carry the steel back to your settlement. These animals can handle the weight far better than your colonists, making the return journey much faster and more efficient.

Method 2: Using the Ground Penetrating Scanner

How It Works

The Ground Penetrating Scanner offers an alternative method for securing steel without traveling across the map. This scanner finds random pieces of ore buried beneath the surface of your current map. Like the Long Range Mineral Scanner, it consumes 700 watts of power and has a progress guarantee of 87 percent, meaning it will reliably locate deposits.

Locating Underground Deposits

When the Ground Penetrating Scanner discovers an ore deposit, a green indicator appears on your map. Hover your mouse over the indicator to see exactly how much ore is underground at that location. For example, you might see deposits containing 300 steel or other valuable resources like jade.

Mining Underground Steel with Deep Drills

To extract the steel once you’ve located it, place a deep drill at the site and assign a colonist with mining duties to operate it. The drill will bore downward to reach the ore, but you’ll need to ensure the drill is powered. This method requires more setup and management compared to sending a caravan, as you must move and power the drill for each deposit location.

Summary

Both methods provide reliable ways to maintain a constant supply of steel in Rimworld. The Long Range Mineral Scanner is ideal if you’re willing to organize caravan expeditions and have the pack animals to transport heavy loads. The Ground Penetrating Scanner is better suited for those who prefer mining operations closer to home, though it requires more micromanagement of deep drill placement and power allocation. Choose the method that best fits your colony’s playstyle and resources.

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