Space Engineers 2 - Stone Usage + Centrifuge - Possibilities, Expansions, Etc

SummaryI’d love to see Stone return as a meaningful resource in Space Engineers 2, especially for crafting cement / concrete construction blocks and feeding a new industrial processing chain. In SE1, mods like the Gravel Sifter unlocked useful secondary resources from Stone, improving early-game survival and minimizing waste. Bringing a native version of that concept into SE2—supported by a new Centrifuge block—would enrich progression, deepen engineering gameplay, and expand SE2’s evolving production system.

1. Stone as a Useful Building Material

• SE2’s cleaner mining is great, but Stone feels too abundant to ignore.
• Cement/concrete-style blocks would give players inexpensive building materials early on.
• Helps bases feel grounded and reduces dependency on metal-heavy structures at the start.

2. Cement / Concrete Construction Blocks/Stone-derived byproducts (dust, filler, powders) processed through the Centrifuge could be used to create Concrete Blocks.

Concrete Block Recipe Example

• 75% Concrete mix (dust + filler + water/chemical binder if added later)
• 25% Iron (rebar equivalent / minimal structural reinforcement)

Benefits:

• Extremely affordable early-game building option
• Stone becomes valuable instead of discarded
• Works thematically with planetary construction, mining bases, and survival starts
• Helps new players establish infrastructure without exhausting metal reserves

3. Inspiration From SE1’s Gravel Sifter

• The SE1 Gravel Sifter crushed Stone → gravel → sifted trace ores.
• Created a safety net during resource-scarce survival starts.
• Reduced waste and supported early-game progression.
• A native SE2 system could refine this while keeping the spirit intact.

4. Better Early-Game Progression

• Gives players dependable materials even on barren worlds.
• Smooths survival pacing—no getting stuck due to bad ore generation.
• Encourages exploration and expanding production rather than grinding.

5. Enhancing Resource Efficiency

• Every scoop of mined material gains value.
• Supports inventory management, industry planning, and long-term growth.
• Reinforces SE2’s “use what the world gives you” engineering fantasy.

6. Proposed New Block: Centrifuge (Separation + Combination System)A mid-tier industrial block handling bulk materials, trace extraction, and advanced synthesis.

A. Core Function – Separation From Gravel/Pebbles Workflow:

Stone → Crushed → Gravel/Pebbles → Centrifuge

The Centrifuge separates gravel into:

• Trace metal ores
• Ultra-fine dust / powder
• Low-grade industrial filler

Keeps Stone relevant while staying balanced.

B. Separation / Combination Dual-Mode System1. Separation Mode (Early/Mid Game)Breaks materials into simpler forms:

• Gravel → trace ores + powders + filler
• Mixed scraps → base elements
• Future liquid/plant matter → filtered components

Matches the traditional: Ore → Ingot → Component progression.

2. Combination Mode (Mid/Late Game)For advanced synthesis and min-maxers.

Combines refined materials into:

• Composite ingots
• Specialized chemical dust mixes
• Enriched ore variants
• Experimental alloys

Supports advanced crafting like: Ore → Compounds → Ingots → Components

C. Centrifuge Upgrade Modules (2–4 Slots)Since SE2 already supports modular upgrades, the Centrifuge would naturally feature 2 or 4 upgrade slots, allowing players to tune performance.

Possible upgrade modules:

• Yield Module – increases trace ore extractions
• Speed Module – faster separation/combination cycles
• Efficiency Module – reduces power draw
• Purity Module (optional future) – improves quality of outputs in both modes

These upgrades help the Centrifuge scale from early utility to late-game industrial powerhouse.

D. Why This System Fits SE2’s Evolution

• Builds on SE1’s Assembler logic (construct + deconstruct).
• Matches SE2’s expanding tiered production chain.
• Introduces meaningful mid/late game engineering depth.
• Keeps early-game simple, cheap, and accessible.
• Encourages creativity in base design and resource flow.