Metal Tile

Metal Tile is a refined-metal building tile that blocks both liquids and gases. Like other tiles, it can be used as part of room construction, but its main value comes from its combination of permeability blocking, decor, and thermal behavior. Because it is made from refined metal, it can also be used in situations where ordinary tiles are less useful, especially in heat management and critter containment.

Metal Tiles have the second-highest Decor value among tiles, behind Carpeted Tile, and their decor effect extends 3 tiles. This makes them a strong choice for improving colony morale without consuming much usable room space, especially when built from decorative refined metals such as Gold or Niobium. They are often used in corridors, dining areas, and other high-traffic spaces where a decor boost is desirable.

Their refined-metal composition also means they can be used as heat conductors. This is useful when a build needs to move heat deliberately rather than insulate against it. Among refined metals, Tungsten Metal Tiles have the highest melting point, while Thermium Metal Tiles have the highest thermal conductivity. Because of this, different materials suit different jobs: Tungsten is better for extreme-temperature environments, while Thermium is preferred when maximizing heat transfer.

Metal Tiles are also useful for animal containment. Shove Voles cannot dig through refined metal, so stables or enclosures built with Metal Tiles can help keep them from escaping. This makes them a practical choice in ranches or other holding areas where ordinary tiles would be vulnerable.

For high-temperature industrial or volcanic applications, some refined metals are especially resilient. Metal Tiles made from Niobium, Steel, Thermium, or Tungsten will not melt when exposed to magma, which makes them useful around Volcanoes and other magma-adjacent setups. However, a Metal Tile made from Steel cannot protect against a Meteor Shower, despite sharing ingredients with a Bunker Tile.

In practice, Metal Tiles are most valuable when a build needs several traits at once: a solid barrier, high decor, heat transfer, or magma resistance. Their usefulness depends heavily on the material chosen, since refined metals vary widely in conductivity and melting point.