Welcome to the (VALO) player guide! This mod transforms Space Engineers into a fresh experience, with rebalanced blocks, new resources, and revamped systems.

Important:
This mod is designed as a full conversion, meaning it replaces most vanilla mechanics. We recommend avoiding other mods that affect vanilla components, ores, or blocks to ensure smooth gameplay.

The mod introduces larger, smaller and stronger block variations. Depending on their tranche these blocks may require components enhanced in a particle accelerator.

All vanilla ores and ingots are now labeled as Light. Heavy versions of each resource have been added, offering better yields.

In addition to upgraded assemblers and refineries we have a pivotal new block type called a Particle Accelerator. This machine converts resources into Heavy Particles, which it then uses enhance components for advanced blocks.

In this section, we’ll walk you through resources and how they fit into the revamped production and upgraded systems. The introduction of Heavy versions of ores and ingots along with enhanced components opens up a whole new gameplay progression arc.

For an in-depth look at how ores are refined into ingots and how components are crafted and enhanced, check out the Production Overview tab in this Google Sheets document[docs.google.com]. This tab covers the entire production process, from ore to component, including the use of Heavy Particles for component enhancement. It’s kept up to date, making it a great resource for understanding the full production workflow.


Your journey through resource collection starts with Light (vanilla) and Heavy (new) ores. Light ores make Light ingots, Heavy ores make Heavy ingots. You’ll need to seek out asteroids to find Heavy ores. Light Ores can be refined in a basic refinery, for heavy ores you'll need at least a full sized refinery, there are faster options at higher tranches.

Once you’ve refined your ores, you’ll have access to Light and Heavy ingots. Light ingots are central to producing basic components. Heavy Ingots are used for mass producing basic components in an advanced assembler.

Consider Heavy resources as the premium, denser variants of their vanilla counterparts. While they might bear new names in themed adaptations of VALO, their essence remains the same—only richer and far more beneficial for your production processes.

For a detailed breakdown of each component and its production costs, refer to the Component Overview tab in this Google Sheets document[docs.google.com]. This doc is regularly updated, so while there’s a snapshot included in the guide, the most up-to-date information can always be found here.

The component system in this mod is layered, with three grades of components, each offering a progression in strength and utility. Here’s how it works:

These are the starting point and can be crafted using vanilla ores in regular assemblers. However, if you’ve progressed far enough, you can use an advanced assembler to produce these components in bulk (50 at a time) with Heavy Ores, streamlining your production process.

To upgrade from T1, you’ll need a Particle Accelerator. Here, you take 5 of a basic component (T1) and 5 Heavy Particles to craft 1 T2 component.

For the final tier, you’ll take 5 T2 components and combine them with 25 Heavy Particles in a Particle Accelerator. T3 components are the pinnacle of engineering, providing the strongest, most efficient performance.

In VALO, only the components that benefit from scaling are upgraded.
Let’s break down the three main types:

Power components scale across tiers (T1-T3) to support higher-output blocks. Take reactors, for instance—VALO offers larger reactors and two additional power-output tranches. Whether you're building a compact fighter with maximum power efficiency using a T3 reactor, or a base needing stable power with T1 5x5x5 reactors, scaling helps you find the right balance of size and performance.

Each power component in VALO serves a specific purpose, vital for different blocks and systems:

• Power Cells: Powers Batteries.
  
• Reactor Components: Essential for Reactors.
  
• Solar Cells: Used in Solar Panels.
  
• Conduit: High-voltage wiring for blocks with heavy power demands.
  
• Power Converter: Steps down high power flow, acting as resistors and impedance tools.
  
• Warp Stabilizer: Key component for Jump Drives.
  
• Thruster Components: Dedicated to Thrusters.
  
• Detector Components: For Ore Detectors, long-range scanners, and advanced weapon systems.

In summary, the Power Components in VALO introduce a strategic layer of scaling, allowing you to enhance your builds through tiered upgrades and specialized components.


In VALO, plating components are designed to offer specialized protection based on the type of damage—energy, kinetic, or a balance of both. Each tier offers more defense, with different plates optimized for specific situations:

• (T1) Plate (Energy): Replaces vanilla Steel Plate and is ideal for blocking energy projectiles.
  
• (T1) Plate (Kinetic): Replaces vanilla Metal Grids and excels at blocking kinetic projectiles.
  
• (T2) Plate (Dual): Provides balanced defense against both energy and kinetic damage.
  
• (T3) Plate (Energy): Offers superior protection against energy-based attacks.
  
• (T3) Plate (Kinetic): Specializes in mitigating kinetic damage.
  
• (T3) Plate (Dual): The ultimate in balanced defense for any scenario.

This system allows for flexibility in armor builds, enabling players to tailor their defenses to the threats they expect to face.

Scaling for plating components is less streamlined, as we’ve integrated an extensive armor mod with 6 levels of plating. While not as straightforward as power components, this system has become a core part of gameplay, offering a variety of armor options to suit different needs.

Some components, like Gravity Comps and Displays, remain in their vanilla form. These do not require scaling, as they serve specific purposes without needing higher tiers. Keeping them simple reduces unnecessary complexity and keeps the system optimized.

• Computer
  
• Motor
  
• Display
  
• Radio-comm_Comp.
  
• Construction Comp.
  
• Explosives
  
• Girder
  
• Gravity Comp.
  
• Medical Components
  
• Steel Tube, Large
  
• Steel Tube, Small

Whether you're advancing block output, optimizing defense with specialized plating, or building advanced systems, understanding the role and purpose of each component is essential for efficient gameplay. Be sure to consult the provided resources for detailed crafting costs and production processes to maximize your engineering potential.

In VALO, the blocks you’re familiar with in vanilla have been scaled up and, where applicable, enhanced through (T1)-(T3) tranches. These upgrades allow for more efficient and powerful builds, giving you options to tailor your constructions based on size, power needs, and efficiency.

• Reactors: Available in sizes 1x1x1, 3x3x3, and 5x5x5, these scale in power output through the (T1)-(T3) system. Whether building a small fighter or a large base, you can choose the right reactor to match your power demands.
  
  
• Batteries: Sizes range from 1x1x1 to 5x5x1, offering enhanced energy storage and output across tiers. This ensures energy sufficiency even in high-demand systems.
  
  
• Jumpdrives: Jumpdrive scaling is critical for long-range travel, offering sizes from 1x1x3 up to 5x5x2 across tranches. These scale recharge speed through the (T1)-(T3) system
  
  
• Gyros: These scale from small to large to support anything from nimble spacecraft to massive haulers, with sizes up to 5x5x5. They scale in force output through the (T1)-(T3) system.
  
  
• Tanks & Cargo: These scale from small to large to support anything from nimble spacecraft to massive haulers, with sizes up to 5x5x5. They scale in block resistances through the (T1)-(T3) system, it should be noted that the amount stored does not increase (T1)-(T3) (No bag of holding).
  
  
• H2O Engines & O2/H2 Generators: Efficient resource management is critical in VALO, and scaling hydrogen systems (engines and generators) provide flexibility for both power generation and oxygen production.
  
  
• Assemblers & Refineries: These production blocks scale from compact versions for small ships to large industrial sizes. Advanced assemblers in higher tranches can craft components in bulk, streamlining production.

Other block types, like Solar Panels or Wind Generators, are still in development, ensuring each can match your growing resource needs.

For a deeper dive into block scaling and specific sizes, visit the Blocks Overview tab in this Google Sheets document[docs.google.com]. This resource provides a comprehensive breakdown of each block type, showing how they scale across (T1)-(T3) and the different size mods available. The doc is regularly updated to ensure you have the most accurate data for your builds.

In VALO, transitioning from vanilla to our upgraded systems involves mastering the use of upgraded Refineries, Assemblers, and Particle Accelerators. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you set up and utilize these crucial blocks effectively.

• Place the Basic Refinery on your grid.
  
• Connect it to a conveyor system with access to your ore storage.
  
• Insure Light ores are in the refinery's inventory.
  
• Insure the refinery is turned on.
  
• The refinery will yield Light ingots.

• Build the Refinery.
  
• Connect it similarly to your conveyor system.
  
• Insure Heavy or Light ores are in the inventory for processing.
  
• Insure the refinery is turned on. The Advanced Refinery can produce Heavy ingots, essential for crafting upgraded components.

• Build the Refinery.
  
• Connect it similarly to your conveyor system.
  
• Insure Heavy or Light ores are in the inventory for processing.
  
• Insure the refinery is turned on. The Production Line can produce Heavy ingots, essential for crafting upgraded components.

• Place the Basic Assembler and connect it to your resource network.
  
• Insure Light ingots are in its inventory.
  
• In the production tab and que up components you have resources for.
  
• Note that only a potion of components are able to be crafted in this assembler.

• Place the Assembler and connect it to your resource network.
  
• Insure Light ingots are in its inventory.
  
• In the production tab and que up components you have resources for.
  
• Note that all (T1) components can be made in this assembler.

• Place the Assembler and connect it to your resource network.
  
• Insure Light or Heavy ingots are in its inventory.
  
• In the production tab and que up components you have resources for.
  
• Note that all (T1) components can be made in this assembler.
  
• Note (T1) components can be made in bulk with Heavy ingots in this assembler.

• Place the Particle Accelerator and pipe it up.
  
• Head over to the production tab and explore the new functions: Converting, Extraction, and Enhancing components.
  
• Converting – Transform Light ingots to Heavy ingots for whatever crafting your trying to do.
  
  • 5 Light Ingots = 1 Heavy Ingot
    
  • 1 Heavy Ingot = 5 Light Ingots
• Extracting – Progressing beyond (T1) requires Heavy Particles. Extract them from resources.
  
  • 1 Heavy ingots = 1 heavy particle
    
  • 5 Light ingots = 1 heavy particle
    
  • 1-5 Enhanced Components = 1 heavy particle
• Enhancing – Upgrade your components!
  
  • 5 (T1) components + 5 Heavy Particles = (T2)
    
  • 5 (T2) components + 25 Heavy Particles = (T3)

Becoming a top-tier engineer means mastering the intricacies of particle physics! Keep in mind that working with the Particle Accelerator involves some planned resource loss, thanks to a system known as One Way Crafting. It’s built into the design to ensure balance. It's based on a Survival Kit. Stay sharp, adapt, and remember—you can always respawn there to continue your work.

VALO was built to streamline multiplayer builds by scaling block sizes and outputs, cutting down on the need to spam blocks. The component enhancement system offers a fair way to strengthen blocks based on player effort. Moving forward, we’ll expand with cosmetic variations and specialized builds. Imperial scientists push the boundaries of power with (T3) reactors, channeling ancient Sith secrets to energize massive warships. Meanwhile, Kuati engineers master their planet-side hydrogen engines, designed for both elegance and raw efficiency in base power. From the Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engines, built by UNSC's finest to tear through slipspace, to the Imperium's fusion cores, ancient relics of mankind’s darkest wars, these advancements will revolutionize your fleet’s potential and VALO provides the backbone for balancing between all these gameplay options!

For vanilla modded gameplay, VALO brings fresh endgame content. However, when played with a Star Wars, Warhammer, or Star Trek theme override, it transforms your experience entirely!

We’ve got updates in the works—solar panels and wind turbines are on the horizon, and power rebalance for certain blocks is underway. Keep an eye on this guide for future updates!

We love hearing from our community! Join us on our social channels to keep up with the latest news, share your feedback, or just hang out:

Discord[discord.gg]
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Thanks for your support. See you in the stars!