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− | All [[ | + | All [[Unit_classes#Constructor|construction units]], [[Commander]]s and [[Caretaker]]s can modify the terrain in Zero-K by paying [[Metal]] and [[Energy]]. Terraform has many shapes and applications but not all are needed all the time. This page is roughly sorted from the most common forms of terraform to the most complex. |
− | <div style="float:right;"><youtube>//www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pSigOsGJeo</youtube></div> | + | <div style="float:right;"><youtube>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pSigOsGJeo</youtube></div> |
− | [[File: | + | [[File:Intro_terraform.png]] |
== Terraform Presets == | == Terraform Presets == | ||
The quickest way to terraform is with a preset height command. These are hotkeys that raise/lower the terrain by some amount, or level it to a particular height. The default presets are as follows. | The quickest way to terraform is with a preset height command. These are hotkeys that raise/lower the terrain by some amount, or level it to a particular height. The default presets are as follows. | ||
− | |||
[[File:TerraPresetsSmall.png]] | [[File:TerraPresetsSmall.png]] | ||
{{:Terraform hotkeys}} | {{:Terraform hotkeys}} | ||
− | To select a preset ensure that you have a constructor selected and press the hotkey. The cursor should turn into a terraform icon. Release the hotkey then click and drag the mouse to draw a shape. A single click will create a spike or hole, while a dragged line creates a | + | To select a preset ensure that you have a constructor selected and press the hotkey. The cursor should turn into a terraform icon. Release the hotkey then click and drag the mouse to draw a shape. A single click will create a spike or hole, while a dragged line creates a while. The selected constructors will then work on terraform in that shape, with height being determined by the preset. |
− | Heights and hotkeys can be tweaked via Terraform Preset Hotkeys section of Hotkeys/Construction in the | + | Heights and hotkeys can be tweaked via Terraform Preset Hotkeys section of Hotkeys/Construction in the ingame menu (F10). |
== Raising and Lowering Structures == | == Raising and Lowering Structures == | ||
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The height of the structure is indicated by a green rectangle. Once the height is set, place the structure. A terraform command will be queued for selected constructors in front of the structure command. | The height of the structure is indicated by a green rectangle. Once the height is set, place the structure. A terraform command will be queued for selected constructors in front of the structure command. | ||
− | The height you last set for each structure type is remembered by the interface, even between games. This system can also be used to place structures in areas that would otherwise be too steep. The hotkeys for height changing can be set in the Terraform Structure Placement section of Hotkeys/Construction in the | + | The height you last set for each structure type is remembered by the interface, even between games. This system can also be used to place structures in areas that would otherwise be too steep. The hotkeys for height changing can be set in the Terraform Structure Placement section of Hotkeys/Construction in the ingame menu (F10). |
{{See|Structure Placement}} | {{See|Structure Placement}} | ||
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=== Ramp === | === Ramp === | ||
[[File:RampLevelRaise.png|thumb]] | [[File:RampLevelRaise.png|thumb]] | ||
− | + | https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ZeroK-RTS/Zero-K/master/LuaUI/Images/commands/ramp.png | |
'''Ramp''' creates a slope between two points. It is not drawn as a shape in the same way as each of the other commands. To make a simple ramp do the following. | '''Ramp''' creates a slope between two points. It is not drawn as a shape in the same way as each of the other commands. To make a simple ramp do the following. | ||
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=== Level === | === Level === | ||
− | + | https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ZeroK-RTS/Zero-K/master/LuaUI/Images/commands/level.png | |
'''Level''' sets terrain in an area to exactly the same height. The result will always be flat. | '''Level''' sets terrain in an area to exactly the same height. The result will always be flat. | ||
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=== Raise === | === Raise === | ||
[[File:SmoothRestore.png|thumb]] | [[File:SmoothRestore.png|thumb]] | ||
− | + | https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ZeroK-RTS/Zero-K/master/LuaUI/Images/commands/raise.png | |
'''Raise''' raises or lowers the terrain in an area by the same amount. The relative height of the terrain within the area is not changed. | '''Raise''' raises or lowers the terrain in an area by the same amount. The relative height of the terrain within the area is not changed. | ||
=== Restore === | === Restore === | ||
− | + | https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ZeroK-RTS/Zero-K/master/LuaUI/Images/commands/restore.png | |
'''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. | ||
=== Smooth === | === Smooth === | ||
− | + | https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ZeroK-RTS/Zero-K/master/LuaUI/Images/commands/smooth.png | |
'''Smooth''' flattens sharp edges of the terrain. Hills and cliffs are blunted. Smooth is useful for joining ramps together. | '''Smooth''' flattens sharp edges of the terrain. Hills and cliffs are blunted. Smooth is useful for joining ramps together. | ||
== Height Selection == | == Height Selection == | ||
− | [[File: | + | [[File:Setheight_terraform.jpg|thumb]] |
The height of full '''Level''' and '''Raise''' commands is selected by moving the mouse up or down after the shape is set. '''Restore''' and '''Smooth''' do not have height selection, while '''Ramp''' commands are issued in a different way. | The height of full '''Level''' and '''Raise''' commands is selected by moving the mouse up or down after the shape is set. '''Restore''' and '''Smooth''' do not have height selection, while '''Ramp''' commands are issued in a different way. | ||
'''Level''' height selection has the following modifiers. | '''Level''' height selection has the following modifiers. | ||
* Hold {{Key press|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 {{Key press|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 {{Key press|Ctrl}} and move the mouse to select the height to be | + | * Hold {{Key press|Ctrl}} and move the mouse to select the height to be levelled to from terrain by mousing over the terrain. |
'''Raise''' height selection has the following modifiers. | '''Raise''' height selection has the following modifiers. | ||
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Additionally, pressing {{Key press|Space}} at any time during a '''Ramp''', '''Level''', '''Restore''' or '''Smooth''' command toggles through 'Only Raise' and 'Only Lower'. This tells the command to avoid removing terrain or to avoid adding it. | Additionally, pressing {{Key press|Space}} at any time during a '''Ramp''', '''Level''', '''Restore''' or '''Smooth''' command toggles through 'Only Raise' and 'Only Lower'. This tells the command to avoid removing terrain or to avoid adding it. | ||
− | == Drawing Shapes == | + | == Drawing Shapes == |
− | [[File: | + | [[File:Lasso_terraform.jpg|thumb]] |
The first step of a '''Level''', '''Raise''', '''Smooth''' or '''Restore''' command is to draw a shape. | The first step of a '''Level''', '''Raise''', '''Smooth''' or '''Restore''' command is to draw a shape. | ||
− | + | 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 | |
The simplest shapes are the line and the blob. '''Left-click''' on the ground and hold the mouse to start drawing a line. | The simplest shapes are the line and the blob. '''Left-click''' on the ground and hold the mouse to start drawing a line. | ||
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== Advanced Ramp == | == Advanced Ramp == | ||
− | [[File:Ramp1. | + | [[File:Ramp1.sized_terraform.jpg|thumb]] |
The full '''Ramp''' can make a slope between any two points above or below the terrain. Here is the process. | The full '''Ramp''' can make a slope between any two points above or below the terrain. Here is the process. | ||
* Hold {{Key press|Ctrl}} and '''Left-click and drag''' to set the start height, then '''release'''. If you want to start at the height of the terrain, then just '''Left-click'''. | * Hold {{Key press|Ctrl}} and '''Left-click and drag''' to set the start height, then '''release'''. If you want to start at the height of the terrain, then just '''Left-click'''. | ||
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A few modifiers are available. | A few modifiers are available. | ||
− | * Hold {{Key press|Alt}} instead of {{Key press|Ctrl}} for the first click to snap the height to just below water level, which is helpful for getting hovercraft out of the water. | + | * Hold {{Key press|Alt}} instead of {{Key press|Ctrl}} for the first click to snap the height to just below water level, which is helpful for getting hovercraft out of the water). |
* Hold {{Key press|Alt}} when setting the height of the end of the ramp to snap to useful heights and gradients. These are the maximum bot pathable slopes, the maximum vehicle pathable slopes, flat, the original ground height, and just below water level. | * Hold {{Key press|Alt}} when setting the height of the end of the ramp to snap to useful heights and gradients. These are the maximum bot pathable slopes, the maximum vehicle pathable slopes, flat, the original ground height, and just below water level. | ||
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. | ||
<gallery mode="packed" widths="240px" heights="280px"> | <gallery mode="packed" widths="240px" heights="280px"> | ||
− | File: | + | File:Ramp_green_terraform.jpg|Green: Every land unit can use. |
− | File: | + | File:Ramp_yellow_terraform.jpg|Yellow: Too steep for vehicles. |
− | File: | + | File:Ramp_red_terraform.jpg|Red: Only spiders can climb. |
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
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A few factors determine terraform cost so it is difficult to estimate precisely. Here are some common shapes that all cost around 300 metal and energy. | A few factors determine terraform cost so it is difficult to estimate precisely. Here are some common shapes that all cost around 300 metal and energy. | ||
− | |||
[[File:Terraform300Cost2.png]] | [[File:Terraform300Cost2.png]] | ||
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* A relatively high cost on height added or subtracted around the edge of the shape, capped at a height of 14. | * A relatively high cost on height added or subtracted around the edge of the shape, capped at a height of 14. | ||
* A cost per volume added or subtracted. The volume cost is paid for the buttress that builds up around large height differences as well. | * A cost per volume added or subtracted. The volume cost is paid for the buttress that builds up around large height differences as well. | ||
− | The costs are balanced to make a wide range of interesting terraform shapes balanced and cost effective. | + | The costs are balanced to make a wide range of interesting terraform shapes balanced and cost effective. Th perimeter cost keeps bulky areas reasonably priced compared to thin walls, and the height cap on thin walls allows short vehicle-blocking walls to be relatively expensive for the volume they move. The main cost of thin high spires or deep holes is the volumne cost for all the buttressing. |
== Combat Construction == | == Combat Construction == | ||
− | Terraform takes | + | Terraform takes 20x longer if you can see an enemy unit or structure near the terraform construction point. The area around the point is always large enough to cover the whole segment. This prevents most uses of terraform in close quarters combat (burying enemies etc), but still allows walls and holes to be dug for damage mitigation in long range exchanges. A tanky structure, such as a [[Razor]], can be placed on a wall to stop enemies tearing it down with constructors, although it will only block weapon-based deformation under its footprint. |
− | [[Image: | + | [[Image:Tera_block.png]] |
= Tips = | = Tips = | ||
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[[Big Bertha]]s, [[Crab]]s and [[Ogre]]s are very good at knocking down walls. [[Quake]] missiles are the ultimate solution against landscape designers, and are even able to move buildings vertically. | [[Big Bertha]]s, [[Crab]]s and [[Ogre]]s are very good at knocking down walls. [[Quake]] missiles are the ultimate solution against landscape designers, and are even able to move buildings vertically. | ||
− | [[File:Crabesmooth. | + | [[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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Terraform ramp can be used with [[Newton]]s [[Newton Firezones|to fire units at the enemy]]! | Terraform ramp can be used with [[Newton]]s [[Newton Firezones|to fire units at the enemy]]! | ||
− | [[File:Newtonramp. | + | [[File:Newtonramp.sized_terraform.jpg]] |
{{Navbox manual}} | {{Navbox manual}} |