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Kenshi: A Guide to Building Materials

In the unforgiving world of Kenshi, where survival is a constant struggle, building your own settlements is not just a way to establish a foothold, but a necessity for thriving. Every settlement, from the humble shack to the towering fortress, is built with care and ingenuity, using materials gathered from the diverse lands of Kenshi. But where do you even begin when you’re just starting out? This guide will take you on a journey through the diverse world of Kenshi, revealing the best places to find the materials you need to construct your dream settlement, from humble adobe bricks to gleaming metal.

The Basics: The Humble Beginning

At the heart of every settlement lies the foundation, and in Kenshi, that foundation is often made from the most basic of materials: stone and wood. These two resources are readily available in most parts of the world, making them ideal for new players who are just starting to build their first settlements. While they may not be the most glamorous materials, they offer a solid foundation for your creations.

Where to Find Stone

Stone, the unyielding backbone of many settlements, can be found in abundance throughout Kenshi. You’ll find it in the form of rocks scattered across the landscape, some larger than others. Here are some of the best places to find these vital building blocks:

The Outskirts of Settlements: Smaller settlements like Stobe’s Hope and the Holy Nation outposts often have plenty of loose stones lying around. These locations offer a convenient starting point for new players.
Mountains: The towering peaks of the world are a treasure trove of raw stone. Head to the mountains near the Holy Nation, the Bandit Kingdom, or even the Shek Kingdom, and you’ll find enough stone to build a small city.
Riverbeds: Rivers carve through the landscape, leaving behind a trail of stone. Explore the riverbanks, and you’ll find plenty of rocks to gather, especially near the Shek Kingdom and the Swamp.
Desolate Wastes: Even the barren, desolate wastelands of the northern regions hold a surprising amount of stone. While you’ll encounter plenty of hostile creatures, the rewards in the form of raw stone can be worth the risk.

Once you’ve gathered your stones, you’ll need to turn them into usable building blocks. You can achieve this by using the “Craft” option on your character’s inventory, choosing the “Stone” tab. You’ll be able to craft a variety of stone blocks, from simple walls to intricately carved statues, depending on your skill level.

Where to Find Wood

Wood, the versatile companion to stone, is found in various forms across the Kenshi world. From towering trees to fallen logs, this resource provides a range of uses in building. Here are some key locations to find wood:

Forests: The sprawling forests of the Green King’s territory are bursting with lumber, offering a perfect spot to gather wood. Be careful, though, as the Green King’s forces guard their forests fiercely.
Riverbanks: The banks of rivers often hold logs that have been washed downstream, providing a convenient source of wood. Look near the Shek Kingdom and the Swamp, where rivers flow freely.
Abandoned Settlements: The remnants of past civilizations often leave behind discarded wood. You’ll find wood in abandoned buildings, camps, and structures across the world.

Once you’ve gathered your wood, you can process it into planks using the “Craft” option on your character’s inventory. Choose the “Wood” tab to access the crafting menu for wood and begin building your dream settlement.

The Next Level: Building with Metal

As your settlement grows, you’ll want to build structures that offer greater protection and durability. Here’s where metal comes into play. Kenshi features a variety of metal resources, each offering unique properties and uses. Let’s dive into the world of metal and where to find these valuable resources:

Iron: The Backbone of Steel

Iron, the most common metal in Kenshi, is a basic material for crafting weapons, armor, and buildings. Here are some key locations where you can find iron ore:

The Bandit Kingdom: The Bandit Kingdom, known for its war-torn landscape and abundance of iron, is an ideal place to find iron ore. Keep an eye out for abandoned mines and settlements.
The Shek Kingdom: The Shek, skilled in metalworking, often leave behind remnants of their craft. Explore their territory and you’ll find iron ore scattered throughout.
The Swamp: While the Swamp is a treacherous place, it also harbors pockets of iron ore. Be prepared to face ferocious creatures, but the rewards can be worth the risk.

Once you’ve gathered iron ore, you need to smelt it into iron bars. You can do this in a “Smelter” building, a basic structure you can craft from wood and stone. The Smelter requires fuel to operate, so be sure to stock up on wood or coal before you begin smelting. You can find coal in the Bandit Kingdom, near the Holy Nation, and in abandoned mines.

Steel: Forging the Ultimate Strength

Steel, the pinnacle of metal strength in Kenshi, is crafted from iron and coal. It offers exceptional durability, making it ideal for building fortifications, making weapons, and crafting armor. You’ll need a “Forge” building to craft steel, which requires a higher level of construction skill. You can find Forges in larger settlements, or you can craft them yourself once you have the necessary skills.

Other Metals: Expanding Your Arsenal

Kenshi offers a variety of other metals, each with its own unique properties and uses. These metals can be found in various locations, often in abandoned settlements, mines, and hidden caches:

Copper: A versatile metal used in crafting weapons, armor, and decorative items. You can find copper deposits in the Holy Nation territory, the Bandit Kingdom, and the Shek Kingdom.
Silver: A valuable metal used for crafting high-quality weapons, armor, and jewelry. Silver deposits are rarer than iron and copper, but they can be found in abandoned mines and hidden caches, particularly near the Holy Nation and the Shek Kingdom.
Gold: A precious metal used primarily for crafting jewelry and decorative items. Gold deposits are exceptionally rare, found in isolated locations, often in abandoned mines or hidden caches, particularly near the Holy Nation and the Shek Kingdom.

Building Your Dream Settlement: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you know where to find the materials, let’s dive into the actual process of constructing your settlement. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build your dream abode:

1. Choosing Your Location

The first step is choosing the right location for your settlement. Consider factors like:

Access to Resources: Ensure your location is within a reasonable distance from sources of stone, wood, and other essential resources.
Proximity to Settlements: Settlements offer trade opportunities, but they also attract bandits and raiders. Choose a location that offers a balance between accessibility and security.
Climate: Kenshi’s world features diverse climates, from scorching deserts to freezing wastelands. Choose a location that suits your needs and provides a comfortable living environment for your colonists.
Terrain: The terrain can impact the layout of your settlement. Choose a location with natural defenses, such as hills or cliffs, to protect your settlement from invaders.

2. Laying the Foundation: Building Walls and Roofs

Once you’ve selected your location, you need to start laying the foundation by building walls and roofs. Here’s a breakdown of the building process:

Walls: Start by building stone walls to create the perimeter of your settlement. You can use either simple stone walls or more elaborate wall designs with different materials like metal.
Roofs: Once the walls are in place, you can move on to building roofs. Roofs provide protection from the elements and can be built with different materials like wood, stone, or metal.
Doors and Gates: Don’t forget to create entrances and exits using doors and gates. Choose sturdy materials like metal for extra protection and security.

3. Interior Design: Making Your Settlement Comfortable

Now that you have the basic structure in place, it’s time