Terrain Tool

The Deform Tool, sometimes called the "Terraformer" or "Terrain Tool", is a large, two-handed terraformation and resource-collection tool that is standard-issue among all Astroneers. Wielding the Tool will prevent an Astroneer from picking up objects directly, but it can be quickly and conveniently stowed on the backpack at any time.

The Deform Tool consumes 1.25 units of power for every second of use, making for 8 seconds of continuous topographical artistry when using the internal backpack battery.

Terraforming
Through the magic of science, the Deform Tool is able to shape the terrain. Astroneers can use its lower, raise, and smooth modes to shape the terrain on whatever celestial body they happen to find themselves, all at the pull of a trigger.

Lower Mode
The Deform Tool's "Lower" mode can be used to create holes. Create a ditch, dig a tunnel—the possibilities are as limitless as the black hole you surely won't accidentally create.

Raise Mode
By engaging "Raise" mode ("Alt" key by default), the Deform Tool can spew matter onto a solid surface to raise the terrain. Aim downward to generate a spire and reach untold heights or aim towards a wall or out-of-reach ledge to create on-demand ramps, bridges, and walkways. Hilarity ensues as you bury your space-faring friends alive! (They've got oxygen, they'll probably be fine.)

Level Mode
"Level" mode ("Ctrl" key by default) is designed for expert and novice alike, allowing for the graceful smoothing of terrain to your exact specifications*. The Deform Tool will take a sample of the target terrain's grade when activated, replicating that grade over the desired area. This method is an excellent way to generate smooth ramps for large vehicles or quickly cover dangerous holes and chasms.

* The Deform Tool's interpretation of the user's "exact specifications" may not be, in fact, exact.

Resource Collection
Any resource nodes that are broken free of the terrain using the Deform Tool's Lower and Level modes will be shattered into small pieces and sucked up by the Tool like a vacuum. These pieces will collect on the exhaust port of the Tool until there are enough to form a full resource stack, at which point said stack will be deposited to the user's backpack inventory. If there are no inventory slots available, the stack will drop to the ground behind the Tool.

If a different resource type is collected, the current half-finished stack will be preserved (but invisible); it will be restored the next time you gather the same resource type again.