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Van Building Guide
February 19, 2026 at 02:32 PM
Comprehensive van building strategy guide
The camper van is your most important asset in Outbound. A well-designed layout makes crafting faster, energy management easier, and daily life more enjoyable. Before placing modules, consider how you use the van: which workstations you access most often, how much roof space to dedicate to energy versus gardens, and whether you want a cozy interior or a maximized workshop.
Workshop Zone — Group crafting workstations together near storage containers for efficient resource access
Living Area — Stove and food storage in a separate corner keep cooking accessible without cluttering the workshop
Garden Area — If growing crops indoors, place garden beds near a window for ambiance (placement doesn't affect growth)
Walkways — Leave clear paths between zones so you can navigate the interior quickly
The roof provides prime real estate for energy modules and expanded structures. Solar panels need unobstructed sky access (no multi-level building above them). Wind turbines benefit from elevation. If you plan to build upward into a multi-level structure, designate one side of the roof for energy and the other for expansion.
Place energy-hungry automated systems near energy storage to minimize theoretical line loss
Balance solar panels with wind turbines for 24-hour coverage
Consider your current biome — if you're in a forest, prioritize biomass; in the plains, prioritize wind
Upgrade battery capacity early through the technology tree to buffer against weather changes
The best van designs evolve over time. Early game layouts focus on function — getting the basic workstations running. Mid-game brings automated production chains that may require reorganizing internal space. Late game opens up decorative options for personalizing your mobile home. Embrace the iteration: the building system's flexible placement means nothing is permanent.