It’s been a while since factory builder/automation game Shapez 2, currently in Early Access, has a content update. And now we know why. Developer tobspr has revealed the new update at the Triple-I Initiative showcase, and it’s a big one.
The Dimensions Update has so many features, but its headliner is the ability to build stuff in the macro layer in 3D.
Shapez 2’s selling point is this sequel allows you to build in 3D, providing you more space for your endless factory to grow with access to a whole new axis.
However, the multi-layer building was only for what we’ll refer as the micro-scale factory-building, where you build within platforms. For anything the connects platforms together like space belts and space pipes, usually built when zoomed out (hence, macro-scale), the game plays like Shapez 1 again with its flat layers.
Not anymore, as now space belts, space pipes, rails and even platforms can be built in 3D. The controls are similar to the zoomed-in platform-scale factory building too, so it should all feel familiar.
With this feature, now you have more opportunities to increase throughput with tight, efficient, multi-layer factory platforms. Or just make even more complicated spaghetti messes to rival the Penchala Interchange. At least those poor shapes don’t need to switch lanes.
Here’s the list of new features coming to the Shapez 2 Dimension update. Supposedly there are 22 new features.
Shapez 2 Dimension Update New Features
- 3D platform building
- build space belts, space pipes, rails (for trains) and platforms in multiple layers
- controls similar to when building factory buildings within platform
- Trains rework
- New train visuals (more pointy)
- Transfer stations – allows trains to transfer shapes/fluids from one wagon to another without undergoing the long unload-reload process
- Quick Wait And Stops – New behaviour setting for trains
- Unloader configuration- can specify what to unload on what train layer
- Smaller packages- instead of one package per layer (and filling up enough shapes for a package is really slow until it’s upgraded), there are now multiple, smaller packages. Upgrades adds more packages per layer instead of faster loading, hence increasing throughput of trains
- more train colours (3 more added, total of 7)
- Variable Belt Launchers, Fluid Launches, Wire Transmitters
- Instead of a fixed 4-tile wide gap, it can now be in-between 1-4 tiles wide.
- Dragging over an existing belt when placing a belt now automatically creates a launcher
- Faster Space Belts
- up to 400% throughput (4 times more)
- running Space Belts through a serial connection of platforms instead of parallel ones is now more efficient
- New: Overflow splitter
- prioritise one output, and only outputs to the other side if the output stalls
- In comparison, normal splitter output evenly splits output
- Shape search
- New platform layouts
- Improved UI
The new Dimension Update for Shapez 2 isn’t live yet, and will be released on June 2.
As per the post here, save games from prior versions are not quite compatible with the upcoming update, and it’s recommended to start a new playthrough.
Shapez 2 is out now on Steam Early Access. Check out our impressions of the game when it launched first into Early Access here.