Real Fuel - Immersive Exploration

Contact/Feedback

I can be reached in the official BGS Discord as S1nderion. You can also join the Spacefarer Discord server via the QR code.

Fuel Usage

Helium-3 Fuel is withdrawn from your Fuel Tanks when travelling between Star Systems. You will have to buy, craft, harvest, and maybe even 'borrow' fuel as you make your way throughout the Settled Systems. Please note that fuel usage may vary from the amount shown in the map interface. Using Cruise Mode does not consume Fuel.

Refueling System

Refueling can be performed in several ways: • At Ship Services - just talk to the guy and he'll fix you up. • Purchase directly from Starstations or Spaceports via SmartFuel. • Consume Helium-3 directly from your hold via SmartFuel. • Use Ship Fuel - found as loot or at vendors - via SmartFuel. • Siphon fuel from docked ships - although, this is a crime in the Settled Systems, so be careful! • Activate Dispensers containing Helium-3 directly.

Ship Fuel

Ship Fuel has a higher Fuel to Mass ratio than loose Helium-3. Ship Fuel can be crafted, bought from vendors, found in destroyed ships, or found in Cargo Holds. Basic tier Ship Fuel can also be Fabricated at outposts. Empty canisters can be re-filled with the Scavenging skill.

SmartFuel™

A new prompt is available on your ship's Cargo panel when using Real Fuel. Activating this prompt will intelligently find the best Refueling method available: • Drain fuel from your previously used ship if you are docked to it. • Purchase fuel from docked Starstation or moored Spaceports. • Withdraw from a Dispenser in an Outpost you are landed in. • Utilize Helium-3 or Ship Fuel directly from the Cargo Hold.

Fuel Panel

Place a Fuel Panel onboard your ship via the Decorate menu to conveniently access SmartFuel and diagnostic info. The Fuel Panel requires a rank of Astrodynamics to place.

Siphoning

Placing a Siphon Panel onboard your ship via the Decorate menu unlocks Siphoning. The Siphon Panel requires a rank of Security to place. Siphoning will attempt to draw fuel from a currently docked vessel or Station. It is illegal to Siphon fuel from non-hostile vessels, so use this feature wisely. • Your companions may have opinions about Siphoning from friendly ships. • Starstations always have plenty of Fuel to Siphon, but have strict Security.

Anti-Exfiltration Security

Some vessels will have Anti-Exfiltration Security locks that you must hack with a Digipick to circumvent. You can also use a Siphon Protocol to bypass Security.

Siphon Protocol

You may find new Contraband items that allow you to Siphon without being detected and bypass Anti-Exfiltration Security. With Special Projects Rank 2, the Siphon Protocol can be made re-usable and undetectable to scanners.

Exploration System

When using Real Fuel, Fast Travel to other planets or systems is only available when in space or in the Pilot's Seat of your vessel. Please note that this behavior is configurable via Gameplay Options.

Emergency Jump

Anytime your fuel is Low, you can enable Emergency Jumps by using the prompt on the Panel or Pilot's Seat. This will transfer some Reserve Fuel to your tanks. You can then choose to travel further afield or return to a port to restock.

Malfunctions

• Performing an Emergency Jump may trigger Graviton Entanglement, damaging your Ship and Grav Drive. • Jumping too frequently may cause a Loop Array Overheat, requiring some time before you can Jump again.

Survival Mode

Survival mode changes various system parameters to offer a more immersive and realistic experience. • Fast Travel back to Cities is unavailable from non-Settled systems. • Ship Fuel items appear less frequently as loot. • Your Cargo Hold has limited slots for Ship Fuel items. • Loop Array Overheats occur more frequently. • Taking hull damage in combat can trigger Leaks, which can trigger Ruptures. • You must refuel after an Emergency Jump to replenish your Reserves. • Ships are more likely to be Secured when attempting Siphoning.

In-Game Guidance

Core systems are explained in a simple pop-up when the mod begins. Most Tutorial pop-ups can be opted out of, if you prefer to learn on your own. The new Help Menu entries can be consulted anytime for more information on Real Fuel's systems.

Compatibility

Real Fuel is generally compatible with everything that does not have overlapping features. It is generally load order neutral.

Configuration

Main: Disable or enable all systems. Exploration System: Adjust which travel restrictions are active. Refuel Priority: Allow or block use of HE-3 from cargo hold. Survival Mode: Enable or disable survival mode. Notifications: Choose whether to display common corner notifications.

Gameplay Tips

• Ship Fuel can be crafted, bought, or looted from other ships. • You can also use Fabricators at your outposts to produce Ship Fuel. • Siphoning is illegal, but siphoning from Spacers or defeated vessels is generally fair game. • When changing ships, you will lose any excess fuel. • Newly purchased vessels come with some complementary fuel. • Adding more tanks to small ships like the Frontier is recommended.

Notes

I would like to thank all of my users for their support and feedback. I hope this mod brings you joy.