Scavenger Flag

The Scavenger Flag is the entry-level metal collection building in Timberborn, available to both Folktails and Iron Teeth and costing nothing to construct. It employs 1 scavenger who gathers Scrap Metal from surface Ruins scattered across the map. The work area spans a generous 40 by 41 tiles centered on the flag, displayed as an outline when you place or select the structure. Scrap Metal is the raw material that feeds into the Smelter to produce Metal Blocks, making the Scavenger Flag your first step into metal production chains that unlock advanced construction and technology throughout the game.

Scavengers work at ground level and do not need Paths to access Ruins, simplifying placement in undeveloped areas of the map. When their internal inventory fills up, they transport the collected Scrap Metal to the nearest available Storage, which temporarily reduces gathering efficiency while they make the trip. Adequate haulers and nearby warehouses significantly improve throughput by keeping the scavenger focused on gathering rather than transporting. The flag itself cannot operate if flooded, so position it on dry ground above the flood line. Once all nearby surface Ruins are depleted, the scavenger becomes idle and displays a "Nothing to do in range" message, signaling that you have exhausted the local supply.

Surface Ruins are a finite resource, making the Scavenger Flag a temporary solution for metal needs. Early in the game, Scavenger Flags provide enough Scrap Metal for initial Smelter operations and the construction of metal-requiring buildings like the Printing Press and Food Factory. As Ruins run dry, you must transition to the Mine or Efficient Mine for sustainable underground Scrap Metal extraction using Treated Planks. Smart players place multiple Scavenger Flags covering different Ruin clusters to maximize early-game metal income, then repurpose those workers once the surface deposits are exhausted. Pair your Scavenger Flags with at least one Smelter early on to start building a Metal Block reserve for the mid-game infrastructure push.