Surface Ruins

Surface Ruins are the crumbling remains of human civilization scattered across the landscape of Timberborn, serving as the primary early-game source of Scrap Metal. These variable-height natural structures dot the terrain and can be harvested by assigning scavengers to work at a nearby Scavenger Flag. Unlike Underground Ruins, which offer unlimited scrap, Surface Ruins contain a finite amount of material and will eventually be depleted. This makes them a crucial but temporary resource that must be exploited efficiently during the early stages of colony development.

Scavenger Flags can be placed near clusters of Surface Ruins, and assigned beavers will travel to nearby ruin sites to collect Scrap Metal. The scrap gathered from these ruins fuels the initial production of metal components, gears, and other manufactured goods that are needed to unlock advanced buildings and technologies. On maps like Plains, which contain over 23,000 units of scrap in their Surface Ruins, early access to scavenging can give colonies a significant head start. On smaller or more challenging maps, surface scrap is scarcer, and players must transition to Underground Ruins mining more quickly.

Surface Ruins also have strategic implications for terrain management. Because they occupy space on the map, they can sometimes block building placement or interfere with planned infrastructure. Beavers can demolish Surface Ruins to clear land, but doing so sacrifices any remaining scrap within them. Careful players will fully scavenge a ruin before demolishing it, maximizing resource extraction while eventually freeing up the terrain for construction. The visual presence of Surface Ruins across the landscape reinforces Timberborn's post-apocalyptic setting, reminding players that their beaver colonies are rebuilding in the aftermath of humanity's downfall.