Tungsten

Tungsten is a refined metal element used primarily as a high-melting-point material and as the main feedstock for Thermium production in the Molecular Forge. It appears in the game as a refined metal obtained from the ore Wolframite and as a molten liquid in specific Space POIs. Tungsten’s chief design role is enabling construction and wiring in extremely hot environments where most other refined metals would melt; it is commonly used around Rocket exhaust and in magma-adjacent builds.

Tungsten is required for Thermium synthesis in the Molecular Forge using Niobium: 5 kg Niobium + 95 kg Tungsten = 100 kg Thermium. Thermium is generally superior to Tungsten for most refined-metal applications, so Tungsten is most commonly held as an intermediate material for Thermium production or used in niche cases where Thermium is unavailable or where Tungsten’s particular properties are needed.

Tungsten production and sources:

• Metal Refinery converts Wolframite to Tungsten at 100% efficiency: 100 kg Wolframite = 100 kg Tungsten.
• Smooth Hatch consumes Wolframite and excretes Tungsten at roughly ~75% efficiency.
• Rock Crusher can process Wolframite into Tungsten with 50% efficiency: 100 kg Wolframite → 50 kg Tungsten + 50 kg Sand.
• Abyssalite can be melted at 3421.85 °C into Liquid Tungsten; cooling that liquid produces solid Tungsten, though achieving and handling such temperatures is exceptional and situational.
• Tungsten Volcanoes exist on one planet introduced in Spaced Out and provide continuous local tungsten production.
• Some Space POIs (Glimmering Asteroid Fields) yield molten Tungsten on rocket missions at rates of 60–180 kg per cycle.

Practical usage and design notes:

• Use Tungsten for power and automation wires exposed to Rocket exhaust or direct high-temperature plumes because it resists melting under extremely hot gases. Build Rocket-adjacent wires and components with Tungsten to avoid rapid failure.
• Tungsten is appropriate for constructing structures or lines in magma or other ultra-high-temperature areas due to its very high melting point.
• While Tungsten can substitute for Refined Metal in Liquid Pipes and Insulated Liquid Pipes when needed, its relatively high thermal conductivity makes it a poor choice for Insulated Liquid Pipes. Tungsten liquid pipes are inferior to dedicated Radiant Liquid Pipes and consume twice the material of Radiant variants; use them only as a short-term option until smelting / liquid tuning techs enable better choices.
• Tempshift Plates and Metal Tiles can be made from Tungsten for high-temperature flooring, but Diamond and certain tile strategies typically offer both higher melting points and better thermal conductivity or decor tradeoffs, making Diamond preferable when available.
• Given Thermium’s general superiority, avoid using Tungsten for general-purpose construction unless its melting point or availability specifically justifies it; prioritize converting Tungsten into Thermium when possible.

Keep in mind sourcing strategies: refining Wolframite in a Metal Refinery is the most material-efficient method, while Smooth Hatches and Rock Crushers offer alternative conversion routes at reduced yields. Liquid Tungsten harvesting and volcanic sources can supplement local supply on specialized planets or rocket missions.