Engine

The Engine (also known as the Steam Engine) is a mid-game power generation building exclusive to the Iron Teeth faction, requiring 750 Science Points to unlock. Unlike passive generators such as Water Wheels and Wind Turbines, the Engine actively burns Logs and consumes Water to produce a steady 200 to 400 horsepower. It holds up to 5 Logs and 16 units of water internally, consuming them at rates of approximately 0.1 Logs per hour and 0.3 water per hour respectively. A full fuel buffer allows the Engine to operate continuously for just over two in-game days before needing resupply.

The Engine's greatest strength is its reliability. While Water Wheels and Wind Turbines depend on environmental conditions that fluctuate with seasons and weather, the Engine produces consistent power as long as fuel and water are available. This makes it the go-to solution for Iron Teeth players who need guaranteed energy output during droughts when water-based generators go offline. The Engine will automatically shut down when there is no power demand on the connected grid, conserving fuel during periods of low usage, which helps manage resource consumption.

Operating an Engine requires a steady supply chain of Logs from Lumberjack Flags and Forester buildings, plus reliable water access from Pumps or other water infrastructure. For colonies with mature forestry operations, the fuel cost is manageable, but newer settlements may struggle to spare the wood. The Engine pairs well with the Iron Teeth's industrial playstyle, powering energy-hungry buildings like the Numbercruncher, Bot Assembler, and Charging Station. As the colony grows, players can transition to Geothermal Engines on suitable maps for even higher output, while keeping Engines as supplemental or backup power sources.