Hello! In this dev log, I'll be taking a look at some of the features available in Synthaar's build mode, and what kind of creative control you have over the creation of not only your home base, but other buildings as well. Synthaar will allow you to create buildings for both public and personal use, and to do so with or without a legacy for the times you might want a more unlimited approach to construction. The design of the build mode is intended to be both simplistic and familiar, inspired by and building on tried and true concepts. Building is only one aspect of the whole of Synthaar, but being able to create unique and complex structures is a critical aspect to its design.

Every planet will have a large amount of lots available to build on. These will range in price based on the value of the planet itself, and the vicinity to the city that may or may not be on the planet. Planets without a city will be colonizable and allow you to help build up new cities. However, cities are not required to build on a planet, allowing for a harsher but more private experience. This can be valuable if you intend to embark on less than legal activities. Any tile on a planet that is not occupied by a structure, an existing building, or open ocean is buildable. Each tile has its own biome, based on its appearance in the overworld planet map. 

In this particular example, we'll be building without a legacy. What this means is that you'll have unlimited funds for the construction, and you'll be able to set whether or not your construction will be a purchasable lot, or a communal area that can be visited to meet other citizens in the city. There are two categories of build mode. There is the "Buy" category, which features items and objects that are useful for characters to interact with, and "Build" which offers options for constructing and outfitting those constructions. We'll start off with the Build category, and start to build some walls. 

You may note that in the planet screen, we selected a lot with two adjacent roads, and a coast. This is reflected in the lot that you'll have, which gives a greater sense of connectivity to the world you're in, even if you're only looking at one square at a time. With the grid, we can select the wall tool and begin constructing walls. Once we have walls blocking out the structure we want, we can decorate those walls with wall coverings, and lay down floors in order to define our rooms. 

This particular structure is a little dark, but fortunately we have options to add windows and doors individually, which can brighten up the rooms and give characters access to them. Because of Synthaar's focus on the individuals with in a legacy, rather than a broader village or colony, I felt it to be imprudent to take a more broad and generic approach to constructing and the spaces these characters live in. The home is often the source of most drama, and drama is a key part of a space opera. This is a place where your characters may live or die, and other spaces like it will be places for exploration, immersion, and where powerful moments can unfold. 

Once you've got your building created, the Buy category gives you the option to furnish and decorate your new structure. Many objects have some use, like storing items, cooking food, crafting objects, and more. You have to keep in mind however, that many objects require power or water to operate. In such cases, you'll need to ensure that there is sufficient power generation and water acquisition. However, if your lot has road access (like the one above), you can install a utility box that allows you access to the city's utilities in exchange for a small fee. Cities give you many features such as increased security, easier access to essentials, and shopping, in exchange for a bit more exposure and less privacy. This is a trade off that you'll have to consider when planning where to move your characters, and what kind of legacy you'll be building up. 

Last but not least, you don't want to forget the upper floors! Synthaar allows you to build up to 6 floors on any lot, giving you the freedom to go big, small, or tall. How will you design your space? What kind of homestead, living quarters, or base might you construct? In the future, the ability to export and share lots with fellow players will be available, allowing for a lot of potential for your galaxy as you play. 

I hope this dev log on Synthaar's building system has been interesting and enlightening! Stay tuned every other week for a new Devlog regarding the development of Synthaar! Thank you so much to those who have been interested in my game. Please join our Discord for more information, and help us out by wishlisting Synthaar on Steam today!