How to Build a Shelter in Icarus Update
Surviving the Planet
Building a shelter is the foundation of survival in Icarus, a game where harsh environments and hostile wildlife make every moment challenging. Whether youre starting fresh or setting up an outpost, constructing a reliable shelter is essential to protect yourself and your resources.
Choosing Your Location
Begin by selecting a safe spawn point. Some areas of the planet are notorious for hostile wildlife like crocodiles and other deadly creatures. If youre unsure of your surroundings, avoid venturing into unexplored regions until youre better equipped. A good starting area will have nearby resources such as wood, fiber, and a water source, ensuring you can build efficiently and sustain yourself.
Essential Materials and Tools
Before construction begins, gather the following:
- Wood: For floors, walls, and roofs.
- Fiber: Used in crafting various structures.
- Sticks and Stone: Needed to make a Stone Axe for chopping wood.
For tools, prioritize:
- Stone Axe: Craft this with 2 Fiber, 4 Sticks, and 8 Stone.
- Knife: Vital for defense and harvesting materials from wildlife.
Blueprint Unlocks
Invest points in the Tech Tree to unlock critical building components. Aim to have the following:
- Wood Beam: A prerequisite for advanced structures.
- Wood Floors, Walls, and Roofs: The core elements of your shelter.
- Wood Door: Essential for sealing your structure.
Building a Shelter
Step 1: Foundation
Clear your chosen site of trees, rocks, and debris using your axe or pickaxe. Place 6 wooden floor pieces in a 3x2 layout.
Step 2: Walls
Add wooden walls around the floor. Include at least one wall with a door frame by holding R and selecting the frame variant. Consider walls with windows for light and visibility.
Step 3: Roof
Install wooden roofs. For corners, use corner roof pieces, ensuring they align properly by holding R and choosing the correct orientation.
Step 4: Door
Attach a door to the frame.
Equip the interior with essentials such as a bedroll, storage boxes, and a crafting bench.
Advanced Shelter Tips
You can dismantle built structure parts and rebuild your base or make changes by pressing 'Y' by default.
- Windows and Doors: Strategically place windows to maintain visibility and add doors to improve mobility.
- Structural Stability: Keep the shelter stable, as poorly supported structures can collapse during storms.
- Additional Bases: Consider setting up smaller outposts if you plan to explore far from your main base.
Combatting Exposure
Shelters are critical for avoiding Exposure, a mechanic in Icarus that drains stamina and health during storms or extreme weather. To protect yourself:
- Always retreat to your shelter during weather warnings.
- Build a portable mini-shelter for long treks, or use natural shelters like caves (but beware of cave worms).
- In emergencies, even a single roof piece can provide some cover.
Repairs and Upgrades
Shelters degrade over time or can be damaged by wildlife. Use a Wood Repair Hammer (crafted with 10 Fiber, 4 Sticks, and 8 Stone) to maintain your base. Upgrading to stone structures later offers better durability.
Setting Up Spawn Points
Craft a Bedroll to establish a respawn point within your shelter. Use these materials:
- 20 Fiber
- 10 Sticks
- 10 Fur
- 20 Leather
Place the bedroll in your shelter and press F to set it as your spawn point. However, note that sleeping requires a nearby heat source. While campfires can provide warmth, avoid placing them indoors to prevent fires.
Building a shelter is your first step toward survival and thriving on Icarus. With the right tools, blueprints, and strategy, you can create a safe haven against the planets relentless dangers. Plan your base carefully, stay vigilant, and adapt as you gather more resources and expand your territory.