Terrain Tool

The Deform Tool is a large, two-handed terraformation and resource-collection tool that is standard-issue among all Astroneers. Wielding the Tool will cause an Astroneer's movement speed to decrease, but it can be quickly and conveniently packed away into the backpack at any time.

The Deform Tool consumes 1 unit of power for every 2 seconds of use, making for 20 seconds of continuous topographical artistry when using a standard-issue backpack battery.

Terraforming
Through the magic of science, the Deform Tool is able to create and destroy matter without (known) consequences! Astroneers can cycle through 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, the Deform Tool can spew matter onto a solid surface to create... more surface! Aim downward to generate a spire and reach untold heights—collecting Research has never been so easy!—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 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 instead drop to the ground behind the Tool.