Building, resources and base protection - FAQ

How do I make a ramp, pillar or stairs instead of a cube?

Hold a block with shape selection and open its Shapes menu, normally by holding R on PC. Choose the shape before placing it. Shape selection does not change the block material.

How do I rotate blocks in different directions?

Select advanced rotation in the held block's menu. It enables additional axes instead of horizontal rotation alone. Available options depend on the block.

How do I upgrade frames through wood, cobblestone, concrete and steel?

Carry the required material and use the upgrade action of a stone axe, claw hammer or nailgun. The standard sequence is frame, wood, cobblestone, concrete and steel. The block message shows missing materials.

Read more: Frame Shapes, Wood Block, Cobblestone Block, Concrete Block, Steel Block.

Will upgrading a block preserve its shape?

Yes, normal upgrades within a construction family preserve the selected shape. Position frames carefully first, because upgraded blocks cannot be picked up as easily.

Why did my building collapse?

Check the connection to the ground, supporting columns and unsupported spans. Removing one important block can break the support chain. Steel alone does not guarantee stability.

Why did part of my base collapse after I upgraded blocks?

Upgrades change material properties, including weight and support. Strengthen the support path from the foundation before upgrading large overhangs. A stronger individual block cannot replace missing supports.

Does a thin shape always weigh less than a full block?

Do not judge weight and stability by appearance alone. Shapes in the same family may share material properties. A thin decorative beam does not necessarily behave like a lightweight real beam.

Why can I not pick up a placed block or workstation?

Ordinary upgraded blocks often require demolition. Many owned workstations can be picked up through the interaction menu inside an active claim. Empty the station, crafting queue and stored resources first.

What does a land claim block do?

It defines a claimed area, affects protection against other players and enables management of some owned workstations. It also limits certain enemy respawns. It does not stop zombies walking in from outside.

Do bedrolls and land claim blocks completely protect a base from zombies?

No. They have specific areas and spawning rules, not complete protection from every enemy spawn. Zombies can also enter from outside. You still need walls, secure entrances and horde preparations.

Why do I not respawn at my old bed?

The last placed respawn point is active. Placing another or picking up the active bedroll can remove your previous point. Check its map icon and the world's death settings.

Can starting a quest delete my base inside a building?

Activating the quest marker resets its location. An active bedroll or claim can block a reset, but check that it actually protects that building. Do not ignore reset warnings in your own base.

Where can I get clay, stone, iron and oil shale?

Dig normal soil for clay, break rocks for stone and mine or salvage suitable sources for iron. Surface ore boulders help locate underground deposits. Look for oil shale in the Desert.

How is Miner 69'er different from Mother Lode?

Miner 69'er improves the use of suitable tools, including block damage and stamina efficiency. Mother Lode increases resource yield from appropriate sources. Breaking blocks faster and obtaining more resources are separate benefits.

Why did salvaging a car not give me an engine?

Engines and some other resources require proper salvaging and a suitable object. Use a wrench, ratchet or impact driver. Even then, a particular component is not guaranteed from every car.

Do empty containers and locations refill automatically?

Loot respawn depends on world settings and container conditions. A quest reset and an unvisited area reset are separate systems. Do not treat all three as the same kind of respawn.