The next big thing for Slime Rancher is really different from anything we’ve created so far. We call it Slime Science, and it’s a suite of features that allow you to build crazy gadgets and place them throughout the world. Slime Science is a big, complex project so despite everyone at Monomi Park working very hard, it’ll likely take some time to complete. However we feel like you’re going to really enjoy the results and the added depth it brings to Slime Rancher. While things are still very much in development, here’s a little preview of what’s to come: The Lab The Lab is a new ranch expansion, much like the Grotto and Overgrowth. It features some new, empty ranch patches for you to customize, but the main attraction lies in the old barn that Hobson once built sitting near the back. Within this barn you’ll find a strange array of scientific equipment that will allow you to harness the power of plorts and other resources to create gadgets. Gadgets come in a variety of forms: everything from helpful utilities to decorative objects and more.
But before you build anything you’ll need the necessary ingredients. About half of the ingredients come in the form of plorts and the other half from resources previously undiscovered. The Refinery The Lab contains a large, silo-like device called the refinery. The refinery is a one-way storage unit for your plorts and resources you intend to use in Slime Science. No need to have the items in your vac tanks when fabricating gadgets, the refinery keeps it all neatly organized for you. The Builder’s Shop The builder’s shop is a special shop for budding Slime Scientists that allows them to purchase gadget blueprints. Once acquired, the specified gadgets can be fabricated so long as you have the necessary ingredients. The Fabricator The fabricator allows you to build any gadget so long as you have its blueprint. Once built, the gadget can be placed at any build site. Build Sites Once you built some gadgets you’ll want to place them. And using a special new upgrade to your vacpack, you’ll be able to see all the available build sites in the world. Then it’s just a matter of choosing which gadget goes where! Build sites are located all over the world, including your ranch. Extractors In addition to plorts, all gadgets will require new, unique resources. These resources can be acquired in a variety of ways, but the most dependable method is to use aa series of gadgets known as extractors. Extractors include drills, pumps, and apiaries and can be placed at any build site. Over time they collect resources and must be emptied periodically. Drills will unearth gems and minerals, pumps will siphon up oils and other fluids, and apiaries will harvest honey and other bee products.
And that about covers the basics of Slime Science! We look forward to sharing more as it develops and are very excited to see the way you’ll all further customize your worlds. Stay tuned!