In SteamWorld Build, a starting map is the default city silhouette. The game boasts five such starter zones: Tumbleton, Highroller Dunes, Fossil Park, Grand Gully, and Giddy-Up Gorge. Although the primary distinction between these maps lies in their themes, each one promises a slightly distinct gameplay experience.
This guide delves into the noteworthy differences, scrutinizing the advantages and disadvantages of each starting map to help players make informed choices. Here's a breakdown of how players should go about selecting their initial map in SteamWorld Build.
SteamWorld Build: Every Map, Explained
Discover all the maps in Steamworld Build and find out what each one has to offer in this comprehensive guide.
The Best Starting Map in SteamWorld Build
Considering resource distribution and ease of use, the best starting maps are Grand Gully and Giddy-Up Gorge. These two cities come with accessible forests, clutter-free surfaces, and manageable topographies.
The following table shows the pros and cons of each map in SteamWorld Build.
|
Map |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Fossil Park |
Innovative |
Limited build zone |
|
Highroller Dunes |
Thematic and unique |
Excessive decoration |
|
Tumbleton |
Extra resources |
Poor lighting |
|
Grand Gully |
Wide space |
Scattered resources |
|
Giddy-Up Gorge |
Open space with maximum resources |
Beginner-level map |
Of course, the resource problems can be solved for all maps by playing the game in the Casual or Creative mode. But note that the difficulty settings don’t affect zoning and construction spaces. (It’s best to go with wide-open starters so that the city expansions are not hindered.)
How to Pick the Best Starting Map
SteamWorld Build’s map roster is fairly balanced, creating little to no major disadvantages. However, the starting city skins can be cherry-picked based on four factors: lighting, resources, barriers, and building zones.
To select the optimal plan, choose the city that provides the largest open space, the nearest resource zones, the longest daylight duration, and minimal decorations.
- Prioritize urban planning. SteamWorld Build’s starting maps have different sizes. Choose the one with the largest build zones—unless the desired master plan requires dense spots.
- Choose based on lighting. Some maps offer constant daylight, while others are nighttime cities. Choose the illumination that suits the graphics settings. (Detecting items such as Tumbleweeds is much harder in the nighttime maps.)
- Consider resource management challenges. Natural resources like forests are different in all starting maps. Pick the one with extra resources closer to the train station.
- Beware of indestructible objects. Ornaments and abandoned materials clog the map’s build zone. Start with a city skin with minimum decoration and junk so there’s more space for workers.
SteamWorld Build
- Released
- December 1, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
HOMESTEAD
One final landrush! The planet is dyin', Astrid, and it's dig or die trying!
That mine under our town is sitting empty, and wouldn't you know there's rumours of ancient tech down there that might help us out of this predicament. Round up the posse, circle the wagons, and let's get to building a new home! Collect resources above ground and ores down below so we can get those wealthy bots in here to help us build bigger, and we can get the heck out of here!
MANAGE
As your borders expand, new steamfolk will find their way to you! Every bot is crotchety in their own way, and it's up to you to keep them steaming along. Barter to boost efficiency, keep goods flowing to and from the mines and keep everyone happy to make them work their darndest and hardest.
DIG DEEP
Stare into the abyss long enough and it might just stare back... We're going looking for riches and something down there doesn't want to share! Have gun, dig gravel, and make sure the mines don't collapse upon you as you defend yourselves from the creepy crawlies that lurk within...
