Revision 1

The airship is the player's personal flying vessel in Solarpunk, serving as the sole means of traveling between floating islands. Each player in a multiplayer session has their own airship. The vehicle runs on solar power and battery reserves, and its flight range is limited by available energy.

Flight mechanics

Airship controls lean toward arcade-style handling rather than realistic flight simulation. The developers have described the flight as intentionally approachable, fitting the game's cozy tone. Players take off from and land at Airship Docks, which are powered structures connected to the island's energy system. Landing near a dock is automatic, reducing the difficulty of precision maneuvering.

Airship Dock

The Airship Dock is a buildable structure that serves as the launch and landing pad. It requires energy to activate, meaning a new island needs at least a basic power setup before the dock can function. Players must plan their energy infrastructure on each island with the dock's power draw in mind.

Range and power

The airship has a limited travel range determined by its solar panels and onboard battery capacity. Long-distance flights between distant islands may require upgrading the airship's power systems. If the battery runs out mid-flight, players will need to manage their energy reserves carefully before setting off.

Upgrades

Airship upgrades are handled at the Fabricator, a special crafting station located on the merchant platform (a derelict hub floating in the sky). The Fabricator is distinct from the standard Crafting Table; it specifically handles airship modifications. Players can also customize the airship's color scheme through the Fabricator.

Multiplayer considerations

In co-op sessions, every player owns and operates their own airship independently. Players are free to fly to different islands simultaneously, build separately, or converge on the same island to collaborate. This avoids the bottleneck of sharing a single vehicle among a group.

Planned features

The developers have mentioned that autopilot is being considered as a future feature. This would allow the airship to fly predetermined routes between islands without manual control, which could tie into the game's overall automation systems.