On-site Refining: Master Pipe Grinding & Efficient Builds

Combat Summary

• Prioritize Direct Lines: Plan the shortest, straightest routes to pumpjacks, minimizing turns for faster grinding and easier construction.
• Clear Terrain First: Utilize Driller and Engineer tools to flatten terrain and remove obstacles before laying pipe, preventing frustrating restarts.
• Grind for Speed: Use completed pipes for rapid Traversal between the Deposit and pumpjacks, especially when managing swarms or returning from deep caves.

Mastering pipe grinding and efficient placement is crucial for speeding up On-site Refining missions. A well-built pipe network not only ensures steady Morkite flow but also acts as a critical mobility tool, allowing Miners to quickly reposition, escape danger, or deliver additional resources.

Best Use Case

This approach is ideal for all On-site Refining missions, especially on higher Hazards where efficiency and rapid movement are paramount. Strategic pipe construction reduces mission time, minimizes exposure to enemy swarms, and provides a distinct advantage in navigating complex cave systems.

Recommended Tactics

• Driller’s Advance: The Driller should scout ahead, creating tunnels and clearing problematic terrain with their drills. This allows for straight, uninterrupted pipe segments. Coordinate Driller Tactics with the Engineer to pre-drill routes, making pipe placement significantly faster and smoother.
• Engineer’s Precision: The Engineer is the primary pipe layer. Place platforms strategically to bridge gaps or create stable ground for pipe segments in difficult areas. Focus on making connections logical and grindable. Good Engineer Tactics include pre-placing platforms for difficult pipe starts or ends.
• Team Coordination: Before laying the first pipe, take a moment to survey the cave and identify the most efficient path to each pumpjack. A brief discussion can save valuable time and Nitra later. This falls under overall Mission Strategy and ensures everyone is on the same page.
• Grinding Etiquette: When grinding pipes, jump to maintain momentum and avoid losing speed on slight inclines. Be mindful of teammates’ positions to avoid collisions, especially near active combat zones.

Common Mistakes

• Ignoring Terrain: Attempting to force pipes over jagged terrain or through dense flora leads to messy, inefficient routes and wasted pipe segments. Clear the path properly.
• Over-Engineering: Building excessively long or convoluted pipe networks where simple, direct routes would suffice. Keep it functional and direct.
• Building During Swarms: While sometimes necessary, attempting complex pipe construction during a major swarm often results in downed Miners and lost progress. Clear the immediate area of threats first.

When To Prioritize Pipes

Focus on establishing the primary pipe routes early in the mission, especially to the furthest pumpjacks. Once the main network is complete, you can use the pipes to quickly reinforce teammates, collect secondary objectives, or respond to new threats. The faster you get the Morkite flowing, the faster you can call the Drop Pod.