Steam
This page currently uses the filled capsule icon as a temporary visual until dedicated fluid renders are available.
Steam is Ascendant Technology's current performance fluid. It is easy to understand, easy to produce, and already matters in the runtime of several superior machines.
If you want a factory boost fluid that feels industrial immediately, Steam is the one.
At a glance
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Produced in | Vaporworks Processor |
| Base conversion | 1000 mB Water → 1000 mB Steam |
| Better conversion | 1000 mB Cryofluid → 1500 mB Steam |
| Current users | Superior Pulverizer, Centrifugal Siever, Dual Siever |
| Main identity | Factory boost fluid |
How to make Steam
Steam is produced in the Vaporworks Processor.
Ascendant currently includes two native conversion routes:
- 1000 mB Water → 1000 mB Steam
- 1000 mB Cryofluid → 1500 mB Steam
That second recipe is especially important because it turns Cryofluid into a stronger performance fuel than plain Water.
What Steam is used for today
Steam already has a practical role in superior-machine gameplay.
| Machine | Steam use | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Superior Pulverizer | 250 mB per craft | 1.75× speed, 1.5× energy cost |
| Centrifugal Siever | 125 mB per input | 1.5× speed, 1.25× energy cost |
| Dual Siever | 125 mB per input lane | 1.5× speed, 1.25× energy cost |
This makes Steam a clear throughput choice: you spend extra fluid and extra energy to process faster.
Why Steam matters
Steam is one of the easiest ways to feel the difference between a normal line and an optimized late-game line.
- it is straightforward to produce
- it plugs directly into active superior-machine boosts
- it pairs naturally with Cryofluid networks through the Vaporworks conversion chain
In practice, Steam turns fluid logistics into real factory performance.
Practical notes
- If you only need a basic boost loop, Water → Steam is enough.
- If you want the stronger production route, Cryofluid → Steam is the better conversion.
- Steam is already a real gameplay resource in Ascendant, not just roadmap flavor.