- Add new zone functionality controls AI pathing, trading, and item storage in Ostranauts
- Pencil icon toggles the editing mode to paint or subtract tiles from your active areas
- Hold the "C" key while clicking an active tile to quickly delete it from an existing zone
- Zone types include Haul, Barter, and Forbidden, each serving distinct automation purposes
- No overlapping is allowed, so plan your ship layout carefully before committing tiles
Understanding the Zone System in Ostranauts
The ability to add new zone designations to your ship is a foundational mechanic for successful automation and crew management. Zones are invisible overlays applied to your ship's floor tiles that dictate specific behaviors for both human crew members and the AI. When you create a new zone, you are essentially programming the environment to handle logistics, commerce, and security without requiring manual intervention for every single item.
The AI in Ostranauts relies heavily on these designations to make real-time decisions. Whether you are running a massive cargo hauling operation or trying to keep unauthorized personnel out of your armory, understanding how to properly configure these spaces is critical.
Zones cannot overlap. Before you finalize a new area, sketch out a mental or physical map of your ship's layout to ensure your Haul, Barter, and Forbidden regions do not conflict.
Core Purposes of Ship Zones
The system utilizes designated areas for three primary functions. Mastering these functions is the key to running an efficient vessel.
| Zone Category | Primary Function | AI Behavior Trigger | Ideal Ship Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haul | Item storage and sorting | Transports marked items to this specific area | Cargo hold, engineering storage |
| Barter | Trade and commerce | Displays items for sale to docked traders | Airlock proximity, trade depot |
| Forbidden | Access control and security | Blocks entry to specific crew or all personnel | Captain's quarters, armory, reactor |
Zone Types: Haul, Barter, and Forbidden
When you decide to add new zone boundaries, you must select the appropriate type for your current needs. Each category interacts with the game's AI and trading systems differently, and understanding these nuances will prevent logistical bottlenecks.
Haul Zone
- Directs AI logistics
- Filters specific item categories
- Essential for clean ship organization
- Receives items from active haul orders
Barter Zone
- Enables trader transactions
- Displays wares on the sell screen
- Receives purchased goods directly
- Must be docked at a station to function
Forbidden Zone
- Restricts crew movement
- Secures sensitive inventories
- Group-selective (Crew, Captain, Both)
- Prevents unauthorized item access
If your Barter zone is located on your character's ship, the vessel must be docked at the exact same station where you are attempting to sell the goods. Remote trading through these areas is not supported.
Detailed Zone Mechanics
Let's break down exactly how each zone type interacts with your daily operations:
- Hauling Logistics: When you mark an item for hauling via a haul order, the AI will look for an active Haul zone. The categories drop-down menu allows you to filter exactly what can be placed there, ensuring your food supplies do not end up in the weapons locker.
- Barter and Commerce: Items placed in a Barter zone automatically populate the sell screen when interacting with traders. Purchased wares can be routed directly back to this zone, or alternatively placed directly into the inventory of the character conducting the trade.
- Security and Access: Forbidden zones completely block character movement through their designated squares. They also prevent personnel from accessing any inventories or loose items within the restricted area.
How to Add New Zone Tiles
Adding tiles to an existing or newly created zone requires entering the game's editing mode. The interface is straightforward once you understand the specific hotkeys and visual cues.
Access the Zone Manager
Open your ship management overlay where current zones are displayed. Select the specific zone you wish to modify or choose to create a completely new designation from the available types.
Activate Editing Mode
Locate the pencil icon in the zone management interface. Click the pencil icon to enter editing mode. You will know it is successfully activated when the pencil icon turns green.
Paint New Tiles
With the green pencil icon active, simply click on the floor tiles of your ship where you want the zone to be applied. The designated area will immediately update to reflect the new boundaries.
Finalize and Color Code
Once you have added all the necessary tiles, click the pencil icon again to deactivate editing mode. Name your zone and assign a specific color code to easily identify it on your overlay in the future.
Assign distinct colors to different zone types (e.g., yellow for Haul, blue for Barter, red for Forbidden). This visual hierarchy makes it significantly easier to manage complex ship layouts when zoomed out.
Deleting and Subtracting Zone Tiles
Mistakes happen during ship construction, and layouts often need to be adjusted as your operational needs evolve. Knowing how to quickly subtract tiles from a zone is just as important as knowing how to add them.
The subtraction mechanic relies on a specific keyboard combination combined with the standard editing mode.
Be careful when subtracting tiles near vital machinery. Accidentally removing a Forbidden zone tile from your reactor room can allow unauthorized crew members to wander in and cause critical damage.
Zone Subtraction Workflow
| Step | Action | Interface Feedback | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Click the pencil icon | Icon turns green | Editing mode activated |
| 2 | Hold down the "C" key | Keyboard input registered | Subtraction mode ready |
| 3 | Click target tile | Tile overlay disappears | Tile successfully removed |
| 4 | Release "C" key | Standard mode resumed | Can now paint new tiles |
Advanced Zone Management Tips
Once you master the basic creation and subtraction of zones, you can begin to implement advanced strategies to maximize your ship's efficiency. Proper zone management is what separates a novice captain from a seasoned fleet commander.
One of the most powerful features of the Forbidden zone is its group selection capability. Instead of applying a blanket restriction to everyone on board, you can fine-tune the access permissions.
Using the Group selection tool within the Forbidden zone settings allows you to limit the movement restriction to specific roles. You can choose to block only standard crew members, only the captain, or apply the restriction to both simultaneously.
Optimizing AI Automation
The AI (which includes both NPCs and the player character when the Autotask system is enabled) depends entirely on your zone layout to function properly. If your AI is failing to complete tasks, the issue is almost always related to an improperly configured zone.
| Problem | Likely Cause | Recommended Solution |
|---|---|---|
| AI ignores haul orders | No Haul zone designated | Create a Haul zone in the cargo bay |
| Items not appearing in trade menu | Barter zone is missing or ship not docked | Verify Barter zone placement and docking status |
| Crew loitering in restricted areas | Forbidden zone group settings misconfigured | Check if the crew group is actively restricted |
| Purchased goods scattered randomly | No receiving Barter zone for deliveries | Assign a specific tile for incoming trade goods |
Ship Organization Checklist
Before launching your newly organized vessel, run through this essential checklist to ensure your zones are properly configured and your AI will operate without hitches.
Zone Configuration Verification:
- Verify Haul zones match designated item category filters
- Confirm Barter zones are accessible from the airlock area
- Check Forbidden zones for accurate group selection settings
- Ensure no critical pathways are blocked by Forbidden zones
- Color code all zones for easy visual identification
- Test AI Autotask to confirm items route to the correct Haul zone
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I overlap different zone types on the same tile?
No, overlapping zones is not supported in Ostranauts. A single tile can only belong to one zone at a time. You must carefully plan your layout to ensure your Haul, Barter, and Forbidden areas do not conflict with one another.
Q: What happens to items in a Barter zone when I undock?
The items remain safely stored in the Barter zone on your ship. However, they will no longer appear on the trader's sell screen. You must be docked at a station for the Barter zone to actively display its contents for trading.
Q: Does the Autotask system respect my Forbidden zones?
Yes. When Autotask is enabled for the player character, the AI will obey all Forbidden zone restrictions just like an NPC crew member. Ensure your group selection settings are configured correctly so you do not accidentally lock yourself out of your own rooms.
Q: How do I quickly fix a mistake when I add new zone tiles?
Keep the pencil icon toggled green (editing mode), then hold down the 'C' key on your keyboard. While holding 'C', click the tile you want to subtract. This will immediately delete the tile from the active zone without affecting surrounding areas.