Loving the depth of the simulation so far. I’ve hit a few bottlenecks in the mid-game (specifically Carbon sourcing and Electricity generation) and have some chemical reaction suggestions that would bridge the gap using real-world chemistry:
1. Methane Composting (Anaerobic Digestion)
With tree regrowth coming, we need a way to utilize organic waste for fuel rather than just burning wood directly.
- Reaction: Plant Matter/Wood + Water + Sealed (No Oxygen) + Warmth (~30-50°C) -> Methane (Gas) + Dirt/Sludge
- Gameplay: This encourages players to build "Bioreactors"—sealed tanks where wet organic matter breaks down. The Methane bubbles up for capture, and the byproduct is Dirt (useful for the upcoming farming update).
- Why: Methane is a perfect mid-tier fuel—easier to handle than Hydrogen but easier to pipe than Coal.
- Needed: Oxygen Pump/Extractor.
2. Renewable Carbon (The "Bosch Reaction")
Currently, running out of Coal/Carbon is a soft-lock if trees are scarce. Please add a high-temperature reaction to synthesize Carbon from waste gas.
- Reaction: CO2 + 2 H2 + Heat (>500°C) -> Carbon (Solid) + 2 H2O (Steam)
- Why: It gives a use for the Carbon Dioxide accumulating from furnaces and allows players to "print" Carbon using Hydrogen and Heat.
3. Magnesium Carbon Capture
A fun, pyrotechnic way to get Carbon.
- Reaction: 2 Mg (Dust) + CO2 -> 2 MgO (Ash) + Carbon
- Gameplay: Magnesium burns inside a CO2 atmosphere (it creates its own oxygen in real life). This creates Carbon deposits in a sealed chamber without needing fresh air.
4. Steam Turbines / Electricity Generation
I'm assuming this is coming, right now steam is mostly for condensation. It would be great to convert heat/pressure into power.
- Suggestion: Add a Turbine pixel or interaction.
- Mechanic: If High Pressure Steam touches Turbine -> Converts Steam to Water + generates Electricity.
5. Liquid Fuel Combustion (H8 + O2)
I found Liquid Hydrogen (H8) (stable at 13°C), but using it is tricky.
- Suggestion: Allow H8 to burn in regular air (creating Water) but with a much higher temperature than Coal.
- Rocket Fuel: Explicit mixing mechanic: 2 H8 + 1 Liquid Oxygen -> Rocket Fuel.
- Assuming: LOX is on the planning, as O2 on itself is 'not a source', see Oxygen pump, Vacuums, etc