block-beam-link

The Beam Link is a utility block introduced in Build 136 and made available for general use in Build 147. It functions as a directional power-control relay that can connect and disconnect power between circuits over a distance, enabling players and map designers to selectively enable or disable groups of powered buildings. The block has a limited power transmission range (reduced from 1000 to 500 in later builds) and requires a moderate construction investment and time to place: 250 Silicon, 75 Phase Fabric, 75 Surge Alloy, 250 Beryllium, 150 Oxide, 75 Carbide, with a build time of 16.20 seconds as of Build 147.

Beam Links are commonly used on custom maps and campaign sectors to control the powering of particular structures or entire bases. On several official and community maps they appear as part of scripted or pre-built power networks: for example, they have been used to power bases immediately south of a starting core on Basin, to isolate and control multiple Large Shield Projectors on Crossroads so they can be depowered when an enemy power source is destroyed, and to share power between bases on Origin. Because the Beam Link can be toggled off by severing its power source, it is useful for creating fail-safes, stage-based power activation, or enemy objectives that require cutting a specific power feed.

Practical notes for use and interaction:

• Beam Links require Phase Fabric to build, so although they unlock on some sectors, you may need to research or obtain Phase Fabric first (for example by unlocking it on Serpulo or landing on Karst) before you can construct them yourself.
• Place Beam Links between a power-producing network and the target devices; when powered, the link transmits power to whatever it is connected to, and when the link loses its input power it effectively depowers the downstream network.
• Their 500-unit power range makes positioning important—plan link locations so the transmitter and receiver are within that radius or use intermediary power nodes consistent with map constraints.
• Because Beam Links are often part of map scripting or objectives, destroying or disabling them can be a viable strategy to neutralize defenses or disable opponent infrastructure without needing to destroy every powered building individually.
• Beam Links can be combined with other control and logic systems to create staged bases, emergency shutdowns, or to protect expensive installations by gating their power.