Rappy-World
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14 minutes
Besiege: Getting Started Guide

Welcome to your ultimate Besiege: Getting Started Guide! If you’re eager to dive into the captivating world of medieval engineering and destruction, you’ve come to the right place. This guide is meticulously crafted to provide you with a seamless introduction to Besiege, covering essential subtopics like Getting Started - The Basics, Understanding Basic Controls, Introduction to Building Blocks, Completing Your First Level, and Basic Tips for New Players. Whether you’re a newbie or just looking to sharpen your skills, our comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to conquer every challenge Besiege throws your way. Ready to unleash your inner engineer? Let’s get started!

Getting Started - The Basics#

Welcome to Besiege! Ready to build some crazy machines and conquer the sandbox world with creativity and destruction? We’ve got your back. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.

Step 1: Understanding the Interface#

When you first load up Besiege, you’re dropped into a bright and open landscape. There’s a lot on the screen, but don’t worry—it’s pretty straightforward.

  • Toolbar at the Top: This is your main toolset where you’ll find all the building blocks, from simple wooden beams to complex pistons and wheels.
  • Left Sidebar: Your building materials are grouped into categories like Blocks, Weapons, Flight, and Accessories.
  • Bottom Bar: Here you can find your simulation controls—Play, Stop, and Stepping. You’ll also find buttons to rotate your creation, toggle symmetry mode, and clear your build.

Step 2: Basic Controls#

To bring your wild contraptions to life, you’ll need to master some essential controls:

  • Left Click: Select and place blocks.
  • Right Click: Rotate the camera to see your build from different angles.
  • Mouse Wheel: Zoom in and out to get a closer (or wider) look.
  • Arrow Keys/WASD: Move your camera around the building area.

These are your bread and butter for constructing your machines. Make sure you practice these movements to flow seamlessly from block to block.

Step 3: Building Your First Machine#

Start simple. Let’s make a basic car to understand the mechanics.

  1. Base Structure:

    • Choose “Wooden Block” from the top toolbar.
    • Click to place a few blocks side by side, forming a foundation.
  2. Adding Wheels:

    • Select a wheel from the toolbar (usually found in the “Mechanical” tab).
    • Attach the wheels to the sides of your wooden base.
  3. Add Steering:

    • For turning, add a “Steering Hinge” between the base and the front wheels. This allows you to steer your creation!
  4. Connect to the Ground:

    • Make sure your machine is close to the ground by adjusting the height or adding small blocks beneath if needed for stability.
  5. Power Up:

    • Attach some “Small Wheels” to the back of your vehicle for propulsion. These need to be powered, which we’ll get into next.

Step 4: Controls and Movement#

Alright, let’s make this baby move.

  • Select the wheel you want to control.
  • In the settings, you can assign a key for forward/backward motion. For simplicity, use the default (usually the arrow keys).
  • Repeat for all powered wheels.

Step 5: Testing Your Machine#

Now that you’ve got a basic setup, it’s time to test it.

  • Hit the Play button on the bottom bar.
  • Use your arrow keys to drive forward, backward, and steer.

Expect some wobbles or flips—it’s all part of the learning curve. Tweak and adjust your design as needed.

Step 6: Learning Through Experimentation#

Besiege is all about trial and error. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Start Simple: Basic designs help you understand the mechanics before moving on to complex machines.
  • Iterate Hypotheses: If something doesn’t work, tweak a component, and try again.
  • Balance and Weight: Your machine’s stability depends on a balanced structure. Spread out the weight evenly to prevent tipping.

Step 7: Embracing Creativity#

Once you’ve got a handle on the basics, let your imagination run wild. Create anything from catapults to flying machines, and see what you can destroy (or save) in the sandbox.

Remember, Besiege is a playground for your most far-fetched ideas. Don’t be afraid to build something wacky. If it fails, laugh it off, learn from it, and try again.

Enjoy your adventure through the world of Besiege! 🛠️

Understanding Basic Controls#

Alright, so you’ve launched Besiege and you’re ready to turn your wildest machine creations into reality. Before diving into the more complex stuff, let’s take a look at the basics—the controls! Mastering these will make your building experience smoother and way more fun.

Moving the Camera#

First things first, you need to know how to move the camera around the battlefield. Here’s how to get a good view of your contraptions:

  • W, A, S, D: Move the camera up, left, down, and right.
  • Right Mouse Button: Hold and drag to rotate the camera. This helps you view your machine from different angles.
  • Mouse Scroll Wheel: Zoom in and out. Getting close lets you tweak fine details, while zooming out gives a broad view of the battlefield.
  • Middle Mouse Button: Click and drag to pan your view—super handy for moving around the map quickly.

Building Your Machine#

Now that you can see everything, let’s get to building your dream (or nightmare) machine.

  • Left Mouse Button: Select blocks from the menu and place them on your machine.
  • Right Mouse Button (on a part): Delete a part—perfect for fixing those inevitable mistakes.
  • Mouse Wheel (while hovering over a block): Rotate parts before placing them. This is crucial for making sure your machine parts face the right direction.
  • R Key: Rotate parts in 90-degree increments. Sometimes you need a bit more precision which the mouse wheel can’t provide.

Controlling Your Machine#

You’ve built a machine that looks ready for battle. Now what? Time to control it!

  • Arrow Keys (Up, Down, Left, Right): Control the basic movement of your machine.
  • H Key: Get your machine back on its wheels if it flips over. Trust me, it’ll happen.
  • V Key: Sets the camera view to follow your machine. It helps keep track of all the chaos.
  • Tab Key: Open up the key mapper to reassign controls to different parts. Customizing controls lets you streamline operations, especially for complex machines.

Starting and Stopping#

Before unleashing your beast on the battlefield, you need to know how to start and stop the action.

  • Spacebar: Start and pause the simulation. Press this when you’re ready to test your machine.
  • T Key: Reset the simulation. If your machine gets utterly destroyed or stuck, this puts everything back in place.

Extra Tips#

Just a few more things to keep in mind:

  • Undo (Ctrl + Z): Undoes your last action. Man, this is a lifesaver.
  • Redo (Ctrl + Y): Redoes the last action you undid if you made a mistake undoing something.
  • Save Machines: Click the save icon to save your machine. You’ll want to do this often, especially before testing major changes.
  • Load Machines: Click the load icon to bring back a machine you previously saved. Super useful for tweaking earlier designs.

Now that you’re down with the basic controls, you’re ready to start experimenting. Enjoy watching your creations come to life or fall apart in ways you didn’t expect! Happy building!

Introduction to Building Blocks#

Besiege is a game where creativity meets demolition. Before crafting elaborate siege engines, you need to master the basics: building blocks. These are the bread and butter of your contraptions. Let’s dive into the essentials!

The Basics#

When you start Besiege, the building interface can feel like a Lego dream. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Wooden Blocks: These are your primary material. They’re light, sturdy, and versatile. Use them as the frame of your machines.
  • Metal Blocks: Stronger but heavier. Use them when you need extra durability, like in the core of a catapult or the base of a battering ram.
  • Cannon: It’s destructive and cool. Attach them to a sturdy frame and watch them blast obstacles to bits.

Placing Blocks#

Click and drag, that’s it. Hover the block over where you want to place it, and release. Here’s a tip: Aligning your blocks perfectly can make a big difference. Misaligned pieces can throw off your machine’s balance and stability.

Connecting Joints#

Joints are the connectors! Think of them like hinges or pivots:

  • Ball Joints: They’re flexible, allowing parts to move in all directions. Perfect for complex mechanisms.
  • Hinges: These rotate in a fixed direction. Essential for creating moving parts like flapping wings or rotating arms.
  • Swivels: Swivels rotate freely, ideal for wheels and axles.

Using the right joint can make or break your machine. Imagine making a trebuchet arm that won’t swing – you’d need a hinge, not a solid connection!

The Building Grid#

Besiege gives you a building grid to make things easier. It’s like graph paper for your imagination. Use it to measure and align your blocks precisely. You can:

  • Zoom in/out: Get up close for delicate builds or zoom out for a big picture view.
  • Rotate the Camera: Look at your creation from different angles by holding the right mouse button. Planning ahead avoids painful rebuilds later!

Symmetry Tool#

Here’s a game-changer: the symmetry tool. It mirrors your work on the other side, making balanced designs a breeze. Activate symmetry, and everything you do on one side reflects on the other. Great for wings, wheels, or anything that needs balance.

Undo and Redo#

Messed up? No worries. Use the undo (Ctrl+Z) and redo (Ctrl+Y) buttons to quickly fix mistakes. Perfect for testing ideas without the fear of permanent errors.

First Project: The Simple Car#

Let’s put this knowledge to the test with a basic car:

  1. Base Frame: Start with a 3x3 wooden block square.
  2. Add Wheels: Attach wheels to each corner using swivel joints.
  3. Power it Up: Place small wooden blocks on top, and add a few cannons for fun.

Press “Play” and watch it move! Need more speed? Adjust the size of your wheels. Not stable? Add some braces for extra support.

Testing & Tinkering#

Building is half the fun. Testing and tweaking are the other half. Play around with different configurations. Add some braces if things fall apart. Experiment with weight distribution. In Besiege, failures are just stepping stones to brilliant machines.


That’s it for the basic blocks. Master these, and you’re on your way to creating incredible siege engines. Next up, we’ll explore advanced components and more complex mechanisms.

Happy building!

Completing Your First Level in Besiege#

So you’ve just fired up Besiege, and you’re staring at a blank slate. Welcome to the wonderful world of destructo-machines! Your first task is to accomplish a simple goal, but how you get there is where the fun begins. Let’s walk through getting you across that finish line.

Step 1: Understand Your Objective#

The initial levels in Besiege tend to have straightforward goals like destroying a small structure or moving something from point A to point B. For instance, the first level’s objective might be something like “Destroy the Standing Hut.” Take a moment to look at what you’re up against.

Step 2: Start with the Basics#

Building Your Core#

Start by building a simple base. Click on the wooden block in your inventory and place them on the grid to form a square or rectangular frame. This will be the chassis of your siege engine. Ensure it’s sturdy—this framework will hold all your other components.

- **Tip:** Use the mouse wheel to zoom in and out. The closer you are, the easier it is to place blocks precisely.

Adding Wheels#

No machine can move without wheels—unless you’re building a catapult or something crazy (we’ll get to those later!). Attach four wheels to the corners of your base frame. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with the large and small wheels to see the differences.

- **Shortcut:** Press the '3' key to quickly access the wheel component.

Step 3: Power It Up#

Adding a Source of Power#

Now, your machine needs some oomph to get moving. Attach a motor wheel to each of the four corners. These motor wheels come with built-in power, so there’s no need to add any extra engine or source of propulsion just yet.

Steering Mechanisms#

For maneuverability, attach steering hinges to the front two wheels. This will allow your machine to turn left and right. Place the wheels back onto the steering hinges.

Step 4: Arm Your Machine#

Basic Weaponry#

To complete your objective, especially if it’s destroying something, you’ll need weapons. For the first level, simple weapons like a metal spike or flamethrower should suffice. Attach a couple of metal spikes to the front of your chassis, and you’re good to go.

- **Warning:** Be cautious when using flamethrowers as your machine can catch fire too!

Step 5: Testing and Tweaking#

Take It for a Spin#

Hit the play button and test your machine. Use the arrow keys to drive around. Did it wobble? Did it fall apart? Don’t worry—tweaking and rebuilding are part of the fun. Adjust your design accordingly. Maybe you need stronger braces or better wheel placement.

Fine-Tuning the Controls#

Sometimes your machine might not respond well to controls. Go into the control mapping section and reassign keys if necessary. For basic builds, the default controls usually work fine, but as your designs get more complex, custom key mapping can be a lifesaver.

- **Experiment:** Try different weapon placements until you find what works best.

Step 6: Mission Accomplished#

Once you’re satisfied with your creation, guide it toward the objective and let the destruction begin! Smash into that hut or burn it down with your flamethrower. When the objective is complete, you’ll move on to the next level.

- **Hooray:** Celebrate your success but remember that tougher challenges await. Keep experimenting and improving!

Conclusion#

And there you have it! You’ve completed your first level in Besiege. Keep experimenting with different designs and components to make increasingly complex and efficient machines. The fun of Besiege lies in the sandbox – feeling free to destroy, rebuild, and perfect your siege engines. Happy besieging!

Basic Tips for New Players#

Welcome to Besiege! If you’re just jumping into this world of crazy contraptions and medieval engineering, we’ve got some tips to help you start building with ease. These basic tips will give you the know-how to get your creations off the ground (sometimes literally).


Understand the Basics of Building Blocks#

  • Blocks Are Your Foundation: Before diving into the complex mechanics, take some time to familiarize yourself with the basic building blocks. These include wooden blocks, wheels, steering hinges, and braces. Experiment with how they connect and move.
  • Structural Integrity: Always keep an eye on the strength of your structure. Braces are your best friends for reinforcing weak points and preventing your machine from collapsing under its own weight.

Start Simple#

  • Less Is More: When starting out, simple designs often work better. Try building a basic wheeled vehicle or a simple trebuchet before attempting more complex machines.
  • Focus on Objectives: Each level usually has a specific goal, like destroying an object or reaching a location. Designing a machine tailored to the task can make achieving objectives easier.

Use The Camera Wisely#

  • Flexible Camera Angles: The game allows you to adjust your view with the camera. Use it to get a better look at both your machine and the environment. This can help you spot potential issues and plan your approach.
  • Zoom In/Out: Use zoom to make precise adjustments or to get the big picture of the battlefield.

Learning Through Failure#

  • Iterate and Improve: Don’t get discouraged if your first machine doesn’t perform perfectly. Often, the best learning comes from seeing what doesn’t work and tweaking your design accordingly.
  • Test Frequently: Build a little, then test a little. This iterative process will help you spot problems early and learn the mechanics faster.

Utilize Symmetry and Balance#

  • Balanced Designs: Symmetry can play a big role in ensuring your machine stays stable and moves predictably. If one side is heavier, it might tip over.
  • Center of Mass: Pay attention to where the center of mass is. A lower center of mass generally means a more stable machine, especially for land vehicles.

Master the Basics of Control#

  • Keybindings Matter: Customize your keybindings for movement and actions. It’s essential to have intuitive controls, especially once you start adding more moving parts.
  • Smooth Controls: Start with simpler control schemes before advancing to complex multi-key configurations. This helps you understand how different parts of your machine interact.

Watch and Learn#

  • Tutorials and Community Builds: There’s an extensive library of tutorials and community creations available. Watch how others solve problems and get inspiration for your own builds.
  • Learning From Each Other: Engage with the Besiege community. Forums, YouTube videos, and in-game sharing features can provide tips and tricks you might not have considered.

Experiment with Mechanisms#

  • Drive and Steering Mechanisms: Spend time understanding how different driving mechanisms work. Basic vehicles usually start with simple wheel placements, but experimenting with tank tracks, propellers, or even flying mechanisms can open up new ways to complete objectives.
  • Weaponry and Tools: Attach cannons, spikes, and flamethrowers to see what kinds of destruction you can wreak. Sometimes a clever tool can achieve a goal faster and more efficiently than brute force.

Build Around the Environment#

  • Use The Terrain: Look at the landscape of each level. Sometimes, high ground or a narrow passage can be the perfect place to deploy your machine.
  • Environmental Hazards: Be aware of things like explosive barrels and windmills. You can use these hazards to your advantage or avoid them to prevent unexpected destruction.

Jumping into Besiege with these tips should make your early experiences a lot smoother. Remember, the key to mastering Besiege is creativity, experimentation, and a lot of trial and error. Happy building, and may your contraptions conquer all!

Besiege: Getting Started Guide
https://www.rappy-world.com/posts/besiege_getting_started_guide/
Author
Rappy-World
Published at
2023-12-17