Mastering Tethers in Hardspace: Shipbreaker: Your Guide to Salvage Efficiency
You don’t directly buy tethers in Hardspace: Shipbreaker in the conventional sense. Instead, tethers are a replenishable resource that you recollect after use, assuming you haven’t lost them to the void. The game provides you with a finite number of tether slots, and mastering their usage and replenishment is crucial for efficient salvage.
Understanding Tethers: The Shipbreaker’s Lifeline
Tethers are arguably the most essential tool in Hardspace: Shipbreaker. They allow you to manipulate large pieces of salvage, bringing them towards the barge (for valuable materials) or the processor (for scrap). Efficient tether usage translates directly to higher profits and a faster climb out of debt. The game provides a tutorial at Certification Rank 4 when the equipment tab opens up, where you get introduced to the Tether Module and how to use it.
How Tethers Work
- Placement: Aim at an object and press and hold the right mouse button to place the first tether point.
- Connection: While still holding the right mouse button, aim at a second object and release to create the tether.
- Attraction: The two tethered objects will then be pulled towards each other. The strength of the tether is finite, indicated by a bar, so be mindful of the mass you are pulling.
- Recollection: If the tether does not break due to excessive stress, it can be recollected. This is done by aiming your hand tool, pressing the right button to select the tether, and pressing the left button to cut it loose from its anchor points. It will then fly back into your inventory.
Optimizing Tether Usage
- Strategic Placement: Consider the mass and direction of pull when placing tethers. Using multiple tethers on larger objects may be necessary.
- Leverage Environment: Utilize the environment to your advantage. Tethers can be used to swing objects around obstacles or into desired locations.
- Careful Cutting: Understanding the properties of your cutting tools is very important. You can select different cutting modes with the Q and E keys.
- Managing Inventory: Keep an eye on your tether inventory. Regularly recollect tethers to ensure you always have enough on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tethers
Here are some frequently asked questions related to tethers in Hardspace: Shipbreaker that will help you master this essential tool:
1. How do I get more tethers if I run out?
While you don’t buy more tethers, the game replenishes your supply after each shift if you’ve dropped below the maximum capacity. Focus on recollecting existing tethers whenever possible. You can also look for them floating around the work area; sometimes, they can be found stuck to surfaces.
2. What determines the strength of a tether?
The strength of a tether is indicated by a bar when placing it. Heavier objects and greater distances will strain tethers more. Consider using multiple tethers for larger objects. The strength can not be upgraded or changed.
3. Can tethers break?
Yes, tethers can break if they are subjected to too much stress. This happens when pulling very heavy objects or when the tether is stretched too far. When a tether breaks, it is lost.
4. How do I recollect tethers efficiently?
The best way to recollect tethers is to shift-click on them with your hand tool after cutting them loose. This will automatically pull them back into your inventory if you have available slots. Make sure the tether you are trying to recollect is selected on your scanner (right click with the hand tool) and make sure you left click to sever the tether. The tether will then be added back to your inventory if there is room.
5. What happens if I lose a tether in the void?
Lost tethers are gone permanently until the next shift. Be careful not to let tethers drift away into space. Always recollect them immediately after use.
6. Does my Certification Rank affect tether capacity or strength?
No, your Certification Rank does not directly affect tether capacity or strength. Rank progression mainly unlocks access to new ships and tools.
7. Can I use tethers to stabilize objects during decompression?
Yes, tethers can be incredibly useful for stabilizing objects during decompression. By tethering objects to the frame of the ship, you can prevent them from being blown away by the force of decompression.
8. Are there any upgrades related to tethers?
No, there are no direct upgrades for tethers themselves. However, upgrading your cutter and grapple tools can indirectly improve tether efficiency by allowing you to cut and manipulate objects more easily.
9. What’s the best strategy for using tethers on Mackerels?
On Mackerels, focus on detaching the outer hull panels and then tethering them to the barge. For the internal components, carefully detach them and use tethers to guide them to the appropriate destination.
10. How do I deal with fuel lines and reactors using tethers?
Fuel lines and reactors are dangerous and require careful handling. Always depressurize the area before attempting to detach them. Use tethers to carefully guide them towards the processor, avoiding any collisions. It’s important to note these objects may explode on impact.
11. Can I use tethers to move the entire ship?
While you can use tethers to exert force on the ship, it’s not practical to move the entire ship with tethers. The ship is too massive, and the tethers would likely break.
12. What’s the difference between tethers and the grapple?
Tethers pull objects together, while the grapple pulls you towards objects (or pulls objects towards you). The grapple is useful for quickly navigating the ship and retrieving smaller items.
13. How do I use tethers in conjunction with the scanner?
Use the scanner (press F) to highlight valuable components and plan your tether routes. This will help you prioritize salvage and maximize efficiency.
14. Do tethers have unlimited range?
No, tethers have a limited range. The maximum distance between the two tether points is capped. Attempting to place tethers beyond this range will fail.
15. Are there any mods that affect tether behavior?
Yes, there are mods available that can alter tether behavior, such as increasing their strength or range. However, using mods may affect game balance and are not officially supported.
Mastering Shipbreaking: More Than Just Tethers
While mastering tether usage is crucial, remember that Hardspace: Shipbreaker is about more than just that. Efficient resource management, understanding ship layouts, and risk assessment are all equally important for success. Take time to learn the intricacies of each ship type, experiment with different salvage techniques, and always prioritize your safety.
Consider exploring educational games that promote problem-solving skills similar to those used in Hardspace: Shipbreaker. The Games Learning Society organization is a great resource for learning about the intersection of games and education. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.
By combining a solid understanding of tether mechanics with broader shipbreaking knowledge, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a salvage master and paying off that pesky debt. Good luck, Shipbreaker!