Matter Network

Matter Network is my attempt at a digital storage network mod. If you've played with AE2/RS from Minecraft or Magic Storage from Terraria, you know very well what I am talking about here. If not, please watch this video to understand the core idea behind the mod.

Addon Mods

• Matter Anywhere: Link networks across maps!

Please READ / Beta Disclaimer

This mod is in an early state. Things will change, and things will break. I’ve had to perform some serious surgery on the game's code to make this work, so play at your own risk and keep frequent backups. My 3 top priorities are bug fixing, optimization and mod compatibility.

Mechanics

• Research Matter Digitization unlocked after Advanced Fabrication.
• Disks are crafted at the fabrication bench.
• Build network cables to connect all Matter Network buildings into one shared grid.
• Place exactly one network controller on that connected network. The controller is the active storage core.
• Add one or more disk drives, then load them with storage disks to increase capacity.
• Place network interfaces anywhere on the connected grid so pawns can upload and retrieve items from nearby access points.

Every connected building becomes part of the same network. If you connect two separate networks, they merge. If you cut a cable line, the network splits into separate systems automatically.

• Storage capacity is measured in bytes.
• Each stored item unit uses 1 byte. A stack of 75 steel uses 75 bytes.
• Total capacity is the sum of all disks installed in connected disk drives.
• Disk drives hold up to 6 disks each.
• Interfaces share one common storage filter across the whole network, so changing the filter on one interface updates the network.

• A connected network can only have one active controller.
• No active controller = no usable digital storage for that network.
• No interface = items can remain stored, but pawns cannot extract them from the network.
• The controller is the active storage hub. Protect it, but if it is destroyed your items are automatically archived onto disks instead of being lost.
• Archived items can be restored by reconnecting those disks to a functioning network with an active controller.
• Networked items count toward colony resource checks and can be used by trade systems.

Power System

Matter Networks now require electricity to function.

• The network controller draws power from Rimworld's power grid for the entire connected network.
• Each connected Matter Network building contributes to the network's total power demand.
• Stored items can also increase power draw based on how many bytes are currently stored.
• If the controller loses grid power, the network can continue running from internal reserve power.
• If both grid power and reserve power are unavailable, the network goes offline until power is restored.

You can configure network power balance in the mod settings menu.

Network Power Storage

A new research project, Network Power Storage, unlocks reserve power buildings for your network.

• Network capacitor provides basic reserve power storage.
• Network reserve cell provides larger reserve power storage.
• Reserve power is shared by the whole connected network.
• Reserve power helps protect the network from power shortages, disconnected grids, and solar flares.

It is strongly recommended to research Network Power Storage and build reserve storage before relying heavily on digital storage.

Compatible With

• Pick Up and Haul
• Choose Your Medicine
• Stellar Logistics
• Perspective Shift
• Bulk Load For Transporters
• VFE Factory hoppers
• Adaptive Storage Framework mods
• Infinite Reinforce
• Isekai Leveling
• Orbital Market
• Power++
• TradeNetwork-Multiplayer Trade System
• VRE Androids
• Ariandel Library
• Vanilla Vehicles Expanded
• Empire Refactored
• XVStar II
• Combat Extended
• Unique Weapons Unbounded
• Manipulator Beam Emitter
• Rimatomics
• Save Our Ship 2
• Vanilla Trading Expanded
• RimDark
• Dragons Descent
• Better Workbench Management
• Composite Loadouts

Always assume any mod is incompatible unless added to the list above. You can also help expand this list by testing mods and letting me know if they work out of the box or need any patching.

Translations

• Simplified Chinese by 路人还是路人
• Russian by Kaifolog (embedded into the mod)

Suggestions/Bugs?

Let me know in the comments if there's any bugs. I am also open to any suggestions or improvements. I have also set up a Discord server for direct communication. It should help get issues sorted out faster.

Thanks

- Tynan and the RimWorld team for making a spectacular game that is extremely addicting as well.
- Brrainz (Mod Author of Harmony): Without his library, lots of mods wouldn't be here.
- Oskar Potocki / VE Team: Providing free textures to the modding community. I've used their textures as placeholders for a while.
- TheFarawayDev: Matter Anywhere addon mod.
- Kaifolog: Russian translation
- Neronix17: Took their own time to make textures for this mod. I really appreciate it!
- This mod uses icons, licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0.

Links

Github