The “Drive, Automate, and Detonate” update for Space Engineers 2 introduces significant new features and improvements across various gameplay aspects. Starting with driving, the update adds six sizes of wheels that handle the bumpy terrain much better than in the previous game. Wheels now have customizable settings such as acceleration, suspension stiffness, and damping, and the game automatically manages wheel turning directions. Mechanical blocks are completed with the addition of hinges, complementing the pistons and rotors from the last update, all of which now support angle limits for better control.
Automation has been greatly expanded with new blocks like the event controller, timer, sensor, sound block, and LCDs. The event controller acts as an advanced “if this then that” system with more detection options, enabling complex automation such as mechanical arm control and brake lights. Timers can trigger multiple actions with customizable intervals, while sensors detect entities within adjustable radii and trigger lights or sounds. Sound blocks can play various sounds with loop and randomization options, and LCD screens now support text, images, and automation, allowing for dynamic in-game displays and control panels that can be placed anywhere on a ship.
The detonation aspect of the update adds new explosive mechanics with warheads that feature interactive arming animations and large explosions accompanied by realistic scorch marks that enhance visual impact. Other blocks like hydrogen tanks, active reactors, and ammo containers now explode under damage, requiring players to rethink ship design for safety. Rocket turrets and static rocket launchers have been added, with manual control options and satisfying visual effects. Additionally, hand weapons now have aim down sights and create scorch marks, further enriching combat immersion.
Beyond the core themes, the update overhauls the colonization and contract systems. Sectors now have multiple colonization stages—unexplored, explored, settled, developed, and colonized—each unlocking new contracts, trading opportunities, and outposts. Fast travel features new cutscenes, and completing contracts advances sector progress, unlocking endless colonization mode for continuous gameplay. Environmental hazards like wind during sandstorms affect vehicle handling realistically, and new wind turbines generate energy dynamically, including the ability to stack turbines for increased output. Ore distribution has been adjusted to include rarer resources deeper underground and in volcanic regions, adding strategic value to exploration.
Other notable additions include new survival mode options with tutorials and classic modes, a skin system featuring the Pioneer suit, UI improvements like a new flight interface, decorative blocks, and various optimizations that reduce stuttering. The update also introduces a decal system for bullet impacts, drill marks, and tire tracks, new foliage types, enhanced sound effects, particle effect randomization, and localization in Russian and Ukrainian. The developers plan further updates and optimizations, with more details expected in a live stream coinciding with the update release.
