On the harsh and unpredictable world of RimWorld, every resource can mean the difference between survival and collapse. Among the many materials players encounter, steel slag chunks stand out as both an obstacle and a valuable opportunity. These metallic remnants of ancient battles, industrial ruins, and mechanical destruction often litter the landscape, offering a steady, renewable source of raw materials. Though they may seem useless at first glance, steel slag chunks can become a foundation for long-term prosperity if handled correctly. Understanding their value and how to process them effectively is essential for any colony aiming to thrive under difficult conditions.
What Is a Steel Slag Chunk?
A Byproduct of War and Industry
Steel slag chunks are metallic debris generated primarily by destroyed structures and certain types of mechanical wreckage. In RimWorld, they appear as dull, grayish blocks scattered across the map, especially after raids involving mechs or turrets. These chunks are not usable in their initial form but can be refined into usable steel through specialized equipment.
Though not as immediately useful as mined steel or compacted machinery, steel slag chunks serve as a critical mid-to-late-game resource, especially when traditional mining areas become depleted or too dangerous to access. Because of their common appearance after combat, many colonies find themselves with large piles of slag waiting to be processed.
How to Obtain Steel Slag Chunks
Natural Spawning and Raids
There are several ways to acquire steel slag chunks in RimWorld:
- Mechanoid Raids– Defeated mechanoids and their destroyed infrastructure often leave behind slag chunks.
- Turret Explosions– When turrets are destroyed in combat, they typically leave a few steel slag chunks.
- Orbital Bombardments or Crashed Ship Parts– These events may also scatter slag debris across the map.
- Deep Drilling Waste– In some scenarios, deep drilling can yield steel slag chunks as a byproduct.
Though you cannot manually create them from structures, the frequency of combat in RimWorld ensures a regular supply, especially in more aggressive or late-game colonies.
Using Trade or Mods
While not typically offered by traders, certain modded gameplay versions allow colonists to purchase steel slag chunks in bulk. This can help colonies on maps with low steel generation, such as ice sheets or desert biomes where mining is limited. However, in vanilla gameplay, scavenging remains the primary method of collection.
Processing Steel Slag Chunks
Smelter and Refining
The primary way to turn steel slag chunks into usable steel is through an electric smelter. Colonists with crafting skill can operate the smelter to break down slag into steel. This process requires:
- Electricity– The smelter only operates when powered by your colony’s grid.
- Skilled Labor– The higher the colonist’s crafting skill, the faster and more efficiently they can process slag.
- Time and Space– Smelting takes time and produces heat, so placement in a ventilated, powered room is ideal.
Each chunk produces a small amount of steel typically around 15 units per chunk. While this might not seem like much, a large stockpile of slag can result in a significant steel reserve over time, especially if you assign multiple colonists or automate smelting with work priorities.
Efficiency Tips
To maximize the efficiency of steel slag chunk processing:
- Keep smelters close to storage zones containing slag chunks to reduce hauling time.
- Use colonists with high crafting skill for better speed and productivity.
- Set up dedicated smelting zones in industrial areas to keep your workflow organized.
Over time, you may even want to build multiple smelters to handle large quantities or establish a specific production line for steel refinement.
Storage and Hauling Strategies
Managing Space
Steel slag chunks are bulky and can quickly fill up your base’s outdoor areas. To avoid clutter and penalties to beauty or accessibility, designate slag dumping stockpiles far from your central living quarters. These stockpiles should ideally be:
- Close to your smelter for reduced hauling time
- Covered or indoors if you’re using weather-sensitive mods
- Prioritized lower than high-value resources but above general garbage
Using Haulers and Animals
Assign hauler pawns or trained animals like donkeys and muffalos to move slag chunks. This frees up your crafters to focus on smelting. In busy colonies, efficient hauling systems are essential to avoid production bottlenecks.
Strategic Importance of Steel Slag Chunks
Emergency Steel Supply
In situations where your colony is low on steel and mining is too dangerous or exhausted, steel slag chunks become a lifeline. Smelting slag offers a safe, renewable method of acquiring steel without exposing colonists to combat zones or infested caves. Keeping a reserve of slag chunks ensures that you always have the option to convert them when the need arises.
Environmental Control and Base Design
Sometimes slag chunks can also be used creatively in your base design. You can block pathways or create defensive obstacles by intentionally leaving them in strategic locations. While not as durable as walls or sandbags, they can slow down enemies or act as temporary cover during battles.
Endgame Utility and Automation
Integrating into Production Chains
In high-tech colonies with automated systems and plenty of power, steel slag chunk processing becomes part of a larger production ecosystem. Colonies producing large amounts of steel-based items like weapons, armor, and advanced machinery can benefit from a steady slag-to-steel conversion system to avoid mining burnout and improve sustainability.
Modded Enhancements
Various mods expand the utility of steel slag chunks. Some introduce new refining methods, automatic processing units, or even alternate uses such as crafting alloys. These additions deepen the strategic options available and allow players to turn slag into high-tier resources beyond just steel.
Steel slag chunks may appear as simple battlefield debris, but in the world of RimWorld, they represent untapped potential. From their humble beginnings as discarded scrap to their transformation into essential steel, slag chunks are a key element in building a lasting, resilient colony. Smart players recognize their value early, setting up systems to process and store them efficiently. Whether you’re just surviving or aiming for a thriving industrial empire, steel slag chunks are a reliable and often overlooked resource worth every bit of attention. Use them wisely, and your colony will stand strong even in the face of endless raids, limited mining, and harsh environments.