Laser Turret (Vanilla/DLC)

Automate Critter Management with the Laser Turret Mod

Managing the burgeoning critter population in Oxygen Not Included can be a delicate balancing act. While some duplicants might prefer a more hands-on approach, others will relish the automation offered by the Laser Turret mod. This ingenious addition brings a powerful new tool to your asteroid, designed to streamline critter management through targeted, automated defense.

Defend Your Base with Precision

The Laser Turret is engineered to identify and engage nearby critters within the same room, provided there are no obstructions. This makes it an ideal solution for corralling and managing your critter populations without direct intervention. Its effectiveness can be further refined, allowing you to specify which critters the turret should prioritize, based on a sophisticated algorithm that considers their reproductive potential. This ensures that you’re not just passively defending, but actively controlling your colony’s growth.

Intelligent Targeting and Control

What sets the Laser Turret apart is its intelligent tracking system. It prioritizes critters based on several factors, including their presence in the current room, selection within a filter, and a calculation of their “reproduction profit.” This profit is determined by the critter’s remaining lifespan and its reproductive cycles, meaning the turret will focus on those that pose the greatest potential for population increase. For critters without a defined reproduction rate, they are automatically assigned the highest priority.

Versatile Signal Integration

The Laser Turret is not just an automated hazard; it’s a controllable asset. When not connected to a signal, it will continuously attack any designated targets. However, when connected to a logic signal, its behavior changes dynamically. A ‘True’ signal will cause the turret to engage its targets but wait until each one is completely eliminated before seeking a new threat. Conversely, a ‘False’ signal will completely disable the turret, offering a safe deactivation option.

Key Features of the Laser Turret Mod:

• Automated critter targeting within a defined room.
• Intelligent prioritization based on critter reproduction potential.
• Logic gate integration for dynamic control and deactivation.
• Requires Refined Metal for construction.
• Consumes 120W of power.
• Profession requirement: Critter Ranching II.
• Effective range of 7 tiles.

While the mod offers powerful automation, it is recommended to place the Laser Turret in a dedicated containment room to prevent unintended collateral damage. Minor visual glitches may occur when critters are extremely close to the turret, but these do not affect its functionality. Sandbox mode with spawners may occasionally require a room capacity adjustment or reload for optimal critter detection.