Space Engineers: Fieldwork Live Now!

SUMMARY:Cargo Ships & Unknown Signals OverhaulNew Prototech: Fusion ReactorTons of Quality of Life ImprovementsFieldwork PackThe Great Skin Hunt...and much more!Hello, Engineers!The Fieldwork update is here! We’ve improved PvE Encounters, including a full rework of Cargo Ship and Unknown Signal encounters. This update also adds the new Prototech Fusion Reactor, a Small Oxygen Tank, and a Large Grid Small Connector - along with a wide range of quality of life fixes and improvements.The Fieldwork Pack includes new decorative blocks with visuals ideal for building secret bunkers, mad scientist labs, mobile research outposts, and more. Perfect for engineers working off the grid.Free ContentWe’re bringing you all the important gameplay changes for free in our Fieldwork Update.PvE EncountersAll the Cargo Ship encounters and all Unknown Signals have been overhauled. You do not need to start a new world to experience them.Cargo Ships OverhaulNPC Cargo Ships have been completely revamped and updated for a fresh new experience. These grids now make use of modern weapon systems, AI blocks, and communicate using Broadcast Controllers. They’re designed to sit between the simpler Unknown Signal encounters and the more dangerous Factorum threats - offering a mid-tier challenge and rewards.The factions are randomly generated when you create a world. These include traders, builders, miners, military groups, pirate factions, and two special global factions: The Factorum and Unknown. This system hasn’t changed in this update - but the ships they use have. Cargo ships now use the same faction-based system and colors. This means ships will inherit the colors of the faction they belong to, adding more visual variety. Pirate factions are an exception - instead of their usual black color, they now use random paint schemes to reflect their scavenger nature, suggesting they steal parts and ships from other factions rather than build their own.Cargo ships can now call for reinforcements via their antennas if your reputation with that faction is negative. Some ships may appear lightly defended at first, but once you go hostile, they’ll dispatch additional drones to respond. Each faction type has individual behaviors and 2 to 4 unique drone variants, adding more tactical depth and variety to these encounters.Trade Factions: Least hostile. Tend to flee on sight. Lightly armed.Mining Factions: Tolerate nearby players but may become hostile if approached. Often flee rather than fight.Builder Factions: Behave similarly to mining factions.Military Factions: Do not like being approached. Will pursue players who get too close.Pirate Factions: Hostile on sight. Will engage whenever possible. Some larger ships can launch salvage-seeking drones.Unknown Faction: Rare and unique spawns.Unknown Signals OverhaulNew grids for all Unknown Signals. Like Cargo Ships, these grids now take advantage of modern blocks and we also made adjustments to their loot.Strong Unknown Signals OverhaulStrong Unknown Signals are now composed entirely of Large Grid blocks. Their location is visible to all players on the server, and they have a chance to contain high-end loot and salvage - making them valuable targets worth cooperating to take down... or competing over.Improvements to Planetary Encounter SpawningWe’ve made improvements to the spawn system for Planetary Encounters which should make these encounters spawn more reliably and frequently, ensuring players regularly have content to explore on the surface of planets.The Great Skin HuntStarting today and running through May 30, we’ve substantially increased the drop rates for all skins on Steam from Unknown Signals. Strong Unknown Signals, which have a chance to drop the rarest skins, are especially rewarding during this period. We’ve also reduced the cooldown between possible skin drops, so you’ll have more chances to earn cosmetic rewards as you play.Happy hunting, Engineers! New Free BlocksPrototech Fusion Reactor(1 block, L grid)A highly efficient power generator which utilizes hydrogen as a fuel source. It can provide large amounts of power to grids. Challenge the Factorum to obtain one for yourself!Small Oxygen Tank(1 block, S grid)A compact oxygen tank perfect for exploring low oxygen environments.Large Grid Small Connector(1 block, L grid)This block serves as an adapter which allows Small Grids utilizing the Small Connector to dock directly to Large Grids.Refill Station(2 blocks, L grid + 1 block, S grid)This block allows engineers to quickly refill their suit’s oxygen, hydrogen, and energy. Any player can refill from these stations, regardless of faction standing or ownership - making them great for cooperative play and the PvPvE on the servers.Want to call a temporary truce and team up with a rival faction to take down a hostile encounter or Strong Unknown Signal? Now you can.Improvements and Quality of Life ChangesAdded Additional Set Value ActionsWe’ve added several new toolbar actions allowing for be

Apr 28, 2025 - 19:42

SUMMARY:

Cargo Ships & Unknown Signals Overhaul
New Prototech: Fusion Reactor
Tons of Quality of Life Improvements
Fieldwork Pack
The Great Skin Hunt
...and much more!

Hello, Engineers!

The Fieldwork update is here! We’ve improved PvE Encounters, including a full rework of Cargo Ship and Unknown Signal encounters. This update also adds the new Prototech Fusion Reactor, a Small Oxygen Tank, and a Large Grid Small Connector - along with a wide range of quality of life fixes and improvements.

The Fieldwork Pack includes new decorative blocks with visuals ideal for building secret bunkers, mad scientist labs, mobile research outposts, and more. Perfect for engineers working off the grid.

Free Content

We’re bringing you all the important gameplay changes for free in our Fieldwork Update.

PvE Encounters

All the Cargo Ship encounters and all Unknown Signals have been overhauled. You do not need to start a new world to experience them.

Cargo Ships Overhaul

NPC Cargo Ships have been completely revamped and updated for a fresh new experience. These grids now make use of modern weapon systems, AI blocks, and communicate using Broadcast Controllers. They’re designed to sit between the simpler Unknown Signal encounters and the more dangerous Factorum threats - offering a mid-tier challenge and rewards.

The factions are randomly generated when you create a world. These include traders, builders, miners, military groups, pirate factions, and two special global factions: The Factorum and Unknown. This system hasn’t changed in this update - but the ships they use have. Cargo ships now use the same faction-based system and colors. This means ships will inherit the colors of the faction they belong to, adding more visual variety. Pirate factions are an exception - instead of their usual black color, they now use random paint schemes to reflect their scavenger nature, suggesting they steal parts and ships from other factions rather than build their own.

Cargo ships can now call for reinforcements via their antennas if your reputation with that faction is negative. Some ships may appear lightly defended at first, but once you go hostile, they’ll dispatch additional drones to respond. Each faction type has individual behaviors and 2 to 4 unique drone variants, adding more tactical depth and variety to these encounters.

Trade Factions: Least hostile. Tend to flee on sight. Lightly armed.
Mining Factions: Tolerate nearby players but may become hostile if approached. Often flee rather than fight.
Builder Factions: Behave similarly to mining factions.
Military Factions: Do not like being approached. Will pursue players who get too close.
Pirate Factions: Hostile on sight. Will engage whenever possible. Some larger ships can launch salvage-seeking drones.
Unknown Faction: Rare and unique spawns.

Unknown Signals Overhaul

New grids for all Unknown Signals. Like Cargo Ships, these grids now take advantage of modern blocks and we also made adjustments to their loot.

Strong Unknown Signals Overhaul

Strong Unknown Signals are now composed entirely of Large Grid blocks. Their location is visible to all players on the server, and they have a chance to contain high-end loot and salvage - making them valuable targets worth cooperating to take down... or competing over.

Improvements to Planetary Encounter Spawning

We’ve made improvements to the spawn system for Planetary Encounters which should make these encounters spawn more reliably and frequently, ensuring players regularly have content to explore on the surface of planets.

The Great Skin Hunt

Starting today and running through May 30, we’ve substantially increased the drop rates for all skins on Steam from Unknown Signals. Strong Unknown Signals, which have a chance to drop the rarest skins, are especially rewarding during this period. We’ve also reduced the cooldown between possible skin drops, so you’ll have more chances to earn cosmetic rewards as you play.

Happy hunting, Engineers!

New Free Blocks

Prototech Fusion Reactor

(1 block, L grid)

A highly efficient power generator which utilizes hydrogen as a fuel source. It can provide large amounts of power to grids. Challenge the Factorum to obtain one for yourself!

Small Oxygen Tank

(1 block, S grid)

A compact oxygen tank perfect for exploring low oxygen environments.

Large Grid Small Connector

(1 block, L grid)

This block serves as an adapter which allows Small Grids utilizing the Small Connector to dock directly to Large Grids.

Refill Station

(2 blocks, L grid + 1 block, S grid)

This block allows engineers to quickly refill their suit’s oxygen, hydrogen, and energy. Any player can refill from these stations, regardless of faction standing or ownership - making them great for cooperative play and the PvPvE on the servers.

Want to call a temporary truce and team up with a rival faction to take down a hostile encounter or Strong Unknown Signal? Now you can.

Improvements and Quality of Life Changes

Added Additional Set Value Actions

We’ve added several new toolbar actions allowing for better manipulation and automation of the following settings:

Thrusters: Set Thrust Override
Wheels: Set propulsion Override, Set Steering Override
Lights: Set Light Color, Set Radius, Set Blink Interval
AI Flight Block: Set Speed

Added Support for Keyboard Binding Modifiers

Keybinding options have been expanded, with more support for multiple key combinations. The default keyboard layout for block rotations now mirrors the scheme used in Space Engineers 2, allowing for easier transitions between sessions in both games.

Action Slot UI Improvements

Action Slots in automation blocks have been completely reworked for better clarity and ease of use. It’s now much easier to tell what each slot does, making automation easier than ever.

Projector Model & Functionality Improvements

Building from a Projector Block just got easier! The block’s model has been reworked with directional indicators, making initial placement and blueprint control easier. Additionally, we’ve added options to pinpoint unfinished or missing blocks on the projected grid.

Experimental Mode Changes

We’ve made some changes to Experimental Mode.

Experimental Mode is now turned on/off automatically when joining sessions that have Experimental Mode enabled or disabled.
Mods are no longer considered Experimental, allowing players to engage in modded content without the need to turn on experimental mode and all of its associated features.
There are three new Experimental mode World settings: Enable Share Inertia Tensor, Enable Unsafe Piston Impulses, Enable Unsafe Rotor Impulses. These were previously available when Experimental Mode was enabled, but can now be individually toggled if needed.
Adjustments have been made to total PCU values on Xbox, which should result in a more stable experience.

More QoL Changes:

Added Support for Multiple GPS Selection
Added Terrain Clearing Mode Option to the Drills
Added Search Options in Admin/Block Menus
Added Carousel Scrolling in Radial Menus
Admin Menu Improvements & Added Admin PCU Tools
Added New Loading Screen Images, Background Videos
…and more! For full Changelog continue HERE

Free DLC Content Additions

We are always looking for ways to improve, and that includes adding value to prior releases. During this update, we are adding new content to existing DLCs, those who already own these DLCs will get this content for free, as part of the update.

Additional Bridge Blocks (Added to the Contact Pack)

(7 blocks, L grid)

Additional blocks featuring reinforced windows, designed to be combined into the ideal bridge for a large grid ship.

Fieldwork Pack

Similar to our previous major releases, we hope you will take this opportunity to support the continued development of Space Engineers. This DLC pack consists of cosmetic items that enrich your game visually. None of the features in this package provide any advantage to players who purchase this DLC.

The price of the Fieldwork Pack is $4.99 USD or your regional equivalent. Show your continued support for Space Engineers and check out the Fieldwork Pack.

This package includes:

Lab Desks

(6 blocks, L grid)

A collection of modular workstations perfect for laboratories and research outposts.

Lab Experiments

(3 blocks, L grid)

Essential for any scientific facility, these decorative blocks show signs of active experimentation and ongoing research efforts.

Lab Vat

(1 block, L grid)

A unique variant of the Cryo Chamber block, this sealed containment unit preserves offline players.

Lab Freezer

(1 block, L grid)

A storage unit perfect for preserving samples and medical supplies.

Lab Door

(2 blocks, L grid)

A slim glass door which provides secure access to various areas of your laboratory.

Lab O2/H2 Generator

(1 block, L grid + 1 block, S grid)

This block generates oxygen and hydrogen with visible electrolysis equipment showcasing the process at work.

Lab Small Hydrogen Tank

(1 block, L grid)

Portable hydrogen storage for small-scale systems.

Lab Small Oxygen Tank

(1 block, L grid)

Oxygen tanks suited for laboratories and support modules.

Lab Hydrogen Tank

(1 block, S grid)

A high capacity hydrogen storage unit for Small Grids.

Round Passages

(7 blocks, L grid)

Segments of tunnels. Ideal for bunker interiors and modular labs.

Pipes

(7 blocks, L grid)

A set of decorative pipe blocks useful for adding detail to utility spaces.

Decorative Floors

(5 blocks, L grid + 2 blocks, S grid)

A set of floor blocks which add panelling and texture to walkways, maintenance areas, and rooms.

Cargo Access Terminal

(2 blocks, L grid)

Secure access points for cargo management.

Exhaust Cap

(1 block, L grid + 1 block, S grid)

A low-profile exhaust vent with a variety of visual effects options.

What’s Next

Survival Mode. We’re expanding the survival experience with new gameplay systems in our next update. Environmental hazards will affect how you explore and build, while managing food supplies and maintaining farm plots will become key to staying alive in the frontier of space.

All of these features will be optional and configurable when creating your world, so you can tailor survival to fit your playstyle - whether you're looking for a hardcore challenge or a more relaxed experience. We’re looking forward to sharing more soon!

Community Hub & Spotlights

Check out our Community Hub!

Official Keen Workshop
Monthly Spotlights
Creator Spotlights
Official Guides
and much more!

Hiring

If you’re interested in working on awesome games like Space Engineers or our in-house engine VRAGE3, we’d love to hear from you!

We are currently in the Research and development phase, exploring new features of the VRAGE3 engine. Our goal is to support extremely large and fully dynamic and destructible environments, including planets, large spaceships, and any other creations built by the players.

If you’re interested in working on awesome games like Space Engineers or our in-house game engine, and love solving unique challenges, we’d love to hear from you! Check out the open positions at Keen Software House and don’t forget to send us your English CV/resume and cover letter.

Remote collaboration is possible!

Our team is global.

Finding the best candidates to join Keen Software House means exploring every possible solution, including remote work. While we strive to provide team members with the best possible work-life balance here in Prague at our incredible Oranzerie offices, we understand that it is not always possible to transition, therefore we are very remote-friendly. Here’s a map of where our teammates live.

If you want to let me know your feedback, please get in touch via my personal email address marek.rosa@keenswh.com, or use our Keen Software House support site. I welcome all of the feedback we receive and we will use it to learn and provide better services to our players.

Follow our social media to get the latest news!

Space Engineers & Keen Software House Connect Page

Thank you for reading this blog!

Best,
Marek Rosa
CEO, Creative Director, Founder at Keen Software House
CEO, CTO, Founder at GoodAI

Personal bio:

Marek Rosa is the founder and CEO of Keen Software House, an independent game development studio, and GoodAI, a research company focused on general artificial intelligence development.

Keen Software House, established in 2010, developed Space Engineers, which has sold over 5 million copies and maintains the 4th largest Workshop community on Steam with over 500K user creations. The studio is now developing Space Engineers 2, built on their new generation in-house VRAGE3 engine.

Following the success of Keen Software House, Marek founded GoodAI in 2014 with a $10 million personal investment. The company develops autonomous agents and AI technologies, including the AI People game featuring LLM-driven NPCs with long-term memory and evolving personalities. Current projects include Groundstation, a multi-drone system.

Both companies, employing over 100 professionals, work toward advancing technology through gaming and artificial intelligence, with GoodAI's specific focus on developing AGI to help humanity understand and explore the universe.