Payload Mass Driver

The Payload Mass Driver is a block that transfers payload-form items (blocks or units that exist as unspawned payloads inside other blocks) across long distances or over obstacles by linking two drivers. It is used when Reinforced Payload Conveyors are impractical or impossible due to range or terrain. Payloads include items held inside buildings (for example, a Stell inside a Tank Fabricator) and certain units in their payload state.

Before placement, the Payload Mass Driver displays an arrow indicating the direction that received payloads will exit; this exit should generally connect to a Reinforced Payload Conveyor or an open tile where units can spawn. If the payload is a unit and the output tile’s middle space is unobstructed by solid blocks (conveyors and conduits are allowed), the unit will spawn at the output and can later be reloaded into a payload only if another unit deposits it or, from Build 147 onward, if commanded to enter the block.

Two or more Payload Mass Drivers are linked manually. Selecting a driver visualizes its range; clicking another driver within that range links them, designating the first as the input and the second as the output (the output is shown with a purple circle). When the input driver is powered, any payload stored in it is instantaneously sent to the linked output driver.

Practical notes and behavior:

• The driver moves payload-form items only when it is powered; power is required on the input driver to launch payloads.
• The exit arrow on placement indicates where incoming payloads will be deposited at the output; plan connections so outputs feed conveyors or free tiles for unit spawning.
• Units spawned at an output require an unobstructed central tile to appear. Conveyors and conduits do not block spawning; solid blocks do.
• Re-linking is performed by selecting a driver and clicking another driver within range; the UI shows range and the chosen output with a purple highlight.
• Payload Mass Drivers enable logistical designs that bypass terrain, long corridors, or isolated bases by teleporting payloads between distant hubs.

Historical note: an earlier variant called the Payload Propulsion Tower existed on Serpulo between builds 127 and 135.2. It was removed after Erekir’s introduction and replaced by the current Payload Mass Driver design used in later maps.