Overview#
SteamWorks is a classic technology mod developed by Zaedes that revolves around the generation and utilization of steam power. Unlike modern energy systems like Redstone Flux (RF), SteamWorks uses physical steam blocks and pressurized energy to drive automated systems. The mod introduces a variety of industrial machines, including automated miners, farmers, and experience generators, alongside a unique Steam Golem and a complex gas mechanic. Players must manage water, fuel, and heat to maintain their steam production and power their growing industrial base.
Mobs#
Steam Golem
The Steam Golem is the primary mob added by the mod. It is a powerful, steam-powered construct designed to protect the player and their machinery.
- Health: 100 (50 Hearts)
- Damage: 7 - 21 (Variable based on version)
- Spawn: Created by the player using a specific block configuration (similar to an Iron Golem) or crafted via the Steam Golem item.
- Behavior: The Steam Golem is naturally protective of its creator. In later versions, it was updated to be more "social," interacting with other golems and players. It attacks hostile mobs with high-velocity strikes. It requires steam to remain active; if its internal steam reserves deplete, it will become sluggish or deactivate.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Health | 100 |
| Attack Strength | High (Nerfed in v2.2.0) |
| Movement Speed | Moderate |
| Special | Powered by Steam |
Blocks#
The mod adds several machine blocks, most of which require steam to function. These machines can often deposit items directly into chests placed above them.
Power Generation & Storage
- Heater (Boiler): The core of any steam system. It requires fuel (such as Coal) and water (supplied via a Cauldron or pipes). It heats the water to produce steam blocks.
- Steam-o-matic: A more advanced steam producer that relies on Redstone signals rather than traditional fuel.
- Steam Storage Block: Used to store large quantities of steam for later use.
- Engine: Converts steam into mechanical power. Engines are required to drive most machines in the mod.
- Transporter: A block used to move power between machines. It has a green side (input) and a red side (output).
Automation Machines
- Miner Block: Automatically mines blocks in a set range in front of it. It requires a steady supply of power from an Engine.
- Farmer: Automatically harvests and replants crops. It supports Wheat, Sugar Cane, Carrots, and Potatoes.
- Lumberjack: Automatically cuts down trees in its vicinity.
- Experience Machine: Uses steam to generate Experience Orbs or "Exper Dust."
- Ore Refiner: Processes raw ores into multiple ingots. For example, refining Diamond Ore can yield 2 Diamonds.
Utility & Weather
- Gas Trap: Releases various gases into the environment when powered.
- Rain Manipulator: A high-tech block that allows the player to start or stop rain by consuming steam.
- Conveyor Belts: Used to transport items between machines. Golden Conveyor Belts allow for faster transport and specialized funneling.
Items#
Capsules
Capsules are the primary method for transporting and utilizing fluids and gases in a portable form.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Steam Capsule | Stores steam for use in portable tools or the Steam Golem. |
| Sleep Gas Capsule | Releases a gas that slows or pacifies mobs. |
| Berserker Gas Capsule | Causes mobs to attack each other in a frenzy. |
| Hyper Gas Capsule | Significantly increases the movement speed of mobs and players. |
| Carbon Gas Capsule | A suffocating gas that deals damage over time. |
| Explosive Gas Capsule | Highly volatile; explodes if it touches fire or a torch. |
Components & Materials
- Exper Dust / Exper Gem: Items produced by the Experience Machine, used in high-tier crafting.
- Upgrade Items: Various components used to improve the efficiency, speed, or range of machines.
- Pipe Base: The foundational item for crafting steam pipes and transporters.
- Capsulizer: A tool or machine used to fill empty capsules with steam or gas.
Mechanics#
Steam Power System
Steam is generated as a physical block or fluid. It naturally rises and must be captured by an Engine to be converted into usable power. Power is then moved through Transporters. There is a small power loss (approximately 1%) when moving energy through transporters, requiring efficient layout designs.
Gas Dynamics
Gases in SteamWorks behave realistically, filling enclosed spaces and reacting to the environment.
- Sleep Gas: Inflicts a heavy Slowness effect.
- Berserker Gas: Forces mobs to target the nearest entity regardless of faction.
- Hyper Gas: Grants a Speed and Haste boost.
- Carbon Gas: Depletes the oxygen bar and deals suffocation damage.
- Explosive Gas: If this gas comes into contact with a Torch, Fire, or Lava, it triggers a powerful explosion.
Machine Upgrades
Most machines can be upgraded by right-clicking them with specific Upgrade Items. These can increase the mining speed of the Miner Block, the range of the Farmer, or the steam efficiency of the Boiler.
Recipes#
Crafting in SteamWorks primarily involves Iron, Gold, and Refined Stone. Below are the standard recipes for core components.
| Result | Recipe Components |
|---|---|
| Heater (Boiler) | 1x Furnace + 8x Iron Ingot |
| Transporter | 6x Refined Stone |
| Engine | 1x Piston + 4x Iron Ingot + 2x Gold Ingot + 1x Redstone |
| Conveyor Belt | 6x Iron Ingot + 3x Leather |
| Miner Block | 1x Diamond Pickaxe + 4x Iron Ingot + 4x Stone |
| Experience Machine | 4x Exper Dust + 4x Iron Ingot + 1x Glass |
| Pipe Base | 3x Iron Ingot (Linear arrangement) |
Note: Recipes may vary slightly depending on the Minecraft version (1.4.7 vs 1.7.10).
Configuration#
The mod generates a configuration file located at minecraft/config/Zaedes_SteamWorks.cfg. This file allows server administrators to adjust:
- Block IDs: To prevent conflicts with other mods.
- Steam Consumption Rates: Adjust how much steam machines use per operation.
- Gas Spawn Rates: Control how often gas pockets appear in the world.
- Machine Efficiency: Tweak the output of the Ore Refiner and Experience Machine.

