User Interface

The User Interface in shapez 2 is the collection of screens, panels, tools, indicators and interactive elements that let the player control the game before and during a session. It includes pre-game screens such as splash screens and the title screen with the Play list of savegames, Settings, Mods, and About sections (Changelog, Credits, Licenses). The New Game flow includes mode selection, scenario selection, and scenario settings. In-game, the User Interface is composed of the Main UI with multiple primary views (Machine View, Space View, Map View), a set of gameplay panels (Milestones, Jobs, Shop, Trades, Operator), and tools for managing and inspecting content (Codex, Blueprint Library, Statistics, Shape Viewer).

The Toolbar provides quick access to buildable categories and essential systems: Shape Machines, Fluid Machines, Wire Machines, Sandbox Machines, Space Platforms, Trains, Trade Stations, and Blueprints. The UI also exposes a variety of indicators and aids such as the Compass, Pinned Shapes, Toggle Buttons, and Location Markers that help orient and streamline play. Context windows surface relevant information for selected objects, with Machine Info and Selection Info being the primary contextual panels. The pause screen contains its own Settings access. A Debug Console is available for development and troubleshooting purposes.

The User Interface integrates gameplay management features. Milestones show progression and unlocks. Jobs present objectives and rewards. The Shop and Trades panels handle purchasing and exchange mechanics. The Operator panel exposes controls related to the operator system. Tools like the Codex and Shape Viewer allow inspection of game elements and recipes. The Blueprint Library centralizes saved layouts for reuse. Statistics presents metrics about the current game state or overall performance.

Practical notes:

• The title screen separates pre-game functions (load, settings, mods, about) from starting a new run (mode and scenario selection). Use the Play list to resume saves and New Game to configure scenario settings before starting.
• Switch between Machine View, Space View, and Map View in the Main UI to focus on base building, interplanetary logistics, or the overall map, respectively.
• Use the Toolbar to rapidly select building categories; Blueprints on the Toolbar let you place saved designs without opening the Blueprint Library.
• Context windows update based on the current selection; consult Machine Info for machine-specific stats and Selection Info for group selections.
• Indicators like the Compass and Location Markers assist navigation and orientation on large maps; Pinned Shapes keep important items readily accessible.
• The Codex, Shape Viewer, and Statistics are reference and diagnostic tools. The Blueprint Library and Shop/Trades panels are the primary interfaces for planning and resource acquisition.
• The Debug Console is intended for debugging and advanced troubleshooting rather than normal play.

The User Interface groups functionality logically to separate configuration, construction, inspection, and macro management, enabling players to navigate game systems from pre-game setup through detailed in-game operations.