Tips for Adding Detail in Space Engineers | Detail Reference Guide

All your creations end up as boring cubes? Grab some of these ideas and start improving!
Leave a like if this helped you!
Music:
Alone - Emmit Fenn
Distant Love - Causmic
The Beaten Path - Andrew Langdon
Smooth and Cool - Nico Staf
#spaceengineers #blackarmor #detail #howtobuild

[@memekip555]

Honestly, if this man ever makes his own space engineers faction then he better call it the Adeptus Mechanicus because he is the Omnissiah

[@edwardbryan9501]

I’m pretty sure NASA is secretly training us who play Space Engineers for cheaper labor.

[@saxonschnardthorst8927]

FACT

[@aetherial87]

Also Kerbal Space Program, lol

[@wboyz19]

Totally True

[@muharremtopcuoglu9593]

i wouldn't mind if i will be a labor if i'm going to work in space or other planets

[@kevinpittman2517]

@@muharremtopcuoglu9593 sounds nice but until they work out the gravity and radiation issues... i promise you... you do not want to live and work in space... if u want to live a long life with decent health.

[@ph11p3540]

Your options have expanded a week after you posted this video with the Heavy Industrial DLC update. The round columns and round conveyors are going to see a lot of use on my builds. Really inspirational video.

[@BlackArmor718]

This is true. I think spotlights still have a nice look to them but they won't be the primary option anymore

[@kre8or465]

Additionally, the new columns and pipes have a much lower PCU impact than spotlights.

[@LiliumCruorem]

Round conveyors changed my life.

[@vondred]

@@BlackArmor718 could you make a vanilla world with all of these and posted in the workshop?

[@ianofwater5188]

I am scared of what you will create with the new announced Blocks.

[@BlackArmor718]

Think this: en.kotobukiya.co.jp/product/product-0000004001/ or maethiuspics.homestead.com/Commissions/SH_Redler/DHI-004.html

[@lechking941]

@@BlackArmor718 what world is the second link going into as i like the looks of what i see

[@BlackArmor718]

@@lechking941 Just custom built models for zoids

[@KillCoreXD]

Yeah the Heavy Industry dlc have new blocks that looks amazing! I love this dlc! And conveyor pipes!!! Pipes!! 😍

[@littletimelord2755]

Can we acknowledge that in some instances flat looks interesting. You don’t want the whole thing to be flat, but having one semi flat piece of a relatively curved build can add some interesting geometry to it.

[@killianmiller6107]

I also like the opposing hydrogen thrusters, looks like an elliptical canister for something.

[@VoxAstra-qk4jz]

Heavy industry: I gotchu fam

[@Altrazar]

Never heard about artistic engineering before. Now I want this to be my job. Thanks for this impressive work !

[@redacted3557]

My friend just got me into this game, very happy I came across your channel. I'm still learning game mechanics and slowly making my way into building, this was a big help.

[@BlackArmor718]

Good on your friend, it's a great game. Glad to be helpful

[@Sawer]

Those ground down big wheels on the buildings look magic to me. Really love the way your channel turned out

[@marcusbornman2098]

Those archway towers at the beginning. wonderful

[@sunflowersumo5676]

The ground down wheels fit perfectly to the bottom of wind turbines

[@scruffygaming627]

I literally cannot build nice looking things to save my life. So this video is absolute GOLD! thank you. I'm gonna use all these tips and see what else i can discover along the same veins. You've explained it perfectly. I get it!

[@BlackArmor718]

This is awesome to hear, thanks Scruffy

[@Rabbiturtacorn]

I just started getting back into space engineer's again after another long hiatus and it's all because of stumbling across your build video's on youtube. Huge thanks and amazing building techniques.

[@BlackArmor718]

Awesome to hear that, I look forward to making more

[@namaikikitsune]

That Raynos build is crazy!

[@BlackArmor718]

One of my favorites!

[@CMOS4081]

This is the best tutorial for detail I've seen so far. Instantly saved!

[@allbriardup6451]

This is an exceptionally done video brother 👏 I made a 35k+ ship and over the last few days I’ve been touching up textures, sizes of rooms and blocks on the exterior and inspiration strikes which lead me to set aside and revisit a specific wall with downward protruding thruster and now after 5 recalibrations I’ve nailed it. Equal attention is very important as well so now I’m down to 5 areas to nitpick about lol. Have a great day!

[@DariusT32]

I like the ideas my stuff is very functional and lacking in form. Thanks for the ideas to make them prettier too.

[@Kontar0]

your builds are simply on another level, i learned a lot watching your latest videos, pla keep them coming! i would love to play a scenario with your builds. i was not aware one could build so beautiful in space engineers. cheers, mate!

[@BlackArmor718]

Thanks for the comment and support Zaus!

[@jhance265]

Feels like the Grian of space engineers.

[@martinsp90]

Proceeds to casually show off the most creative pieces i have seen in the game.

[@BlackArmor718]

Thanks Ifan. Everything was made before dlc blocks and textures were added to the game as well!

[@loco4halo1]

Always love to see more of your method. Your tips have definitely helped. But still no where near as good as the stuff you do. I'm exited to see what you'll do with the block paneling. Personally thinking of how much sleeker ships can look. As well as maybe making cleaner looking hatches for landing gear. As well as fins and air scoops. Exited to see what you do. Thanks for another great video

[@BlackArmor718]

Thanks garrus

[@rybuds47]

Awesome vid on an underrated subject. Thank you

[@BlackArmor718]

You're welcome

[@pascalpodszus8091]

Wow, this is such a helpfull video and horribly underrated. I started SE in january this year, and found myself building huge, boring blocks with a little bit of sloping, but i never really got to make my builds actually interesting to look at. Now, with the absolute power of the given knowledge through this video, i will slaughter those flat surfaces, thank you

[@BlackArmor718]

Slaughter them! Lol

[@8bitarmory846]

I often use catwalks as sort of a security fence/grate, especially around exposed conveyors

[@SanderHassel]

Would love to see you build a space station in SE with all of the detail skills you are blessed with! Great work, you hurt my brain with your creativity

[@BlackArmor718]

I did make the atlas station a while back, might be worth a look

[@SanderHassel]

@@BlackArmor718 Yea that one was really nice, have it subscribed, but you have become so much more detailed now, and you are so good with using hinges and rotors as well. Would be cool to see you take on a "realistic" build, like something of the look of ISS or something, with working Canada arms and a lot of beautiful detail.

[@BlackArmor718]

@@SanderHassel Gotcha, maybe sometime then

[@onex0064]

Perfect videos for rewatching

[@BlackArmor718]

That's my aim!

[@FH-cn3mg]

These builds are lit. I love this stuff. I do pretty much survival only, but I really want to use these tips in my survival bases and ships.

[@lechking941]

irons cheap shit. unless your in a hardcore really stiff @$$ world you should be fine to make it.

[@FH-cn3mg]

@@lechking941 For me its just the time expenditure to make everything look great. When you hit the moon for the first time and are trying to mine, build rovers or mobile mining ships, base defense, power, etc. making things look good is on the low priority side. However, having said that, these types of videos inspire me to go back to drab looking buildings that I made purely for functionality and redo them for aesthetics while holding onto functionality.

[@lechking941]

@@FH-cn3mg i wont lie one world i lost because my pc got shot had basically bare min for stuff it had your factory nano lath zone all under ground a hanger i carved out so i can make drones (it would probably hold maybe 2 mediums and maybe 2 small scout drones) but my only main bay was to be only for a truck/miners small ones. and somehow i squeezed a decent looking living quarters into it. WITH THE DLC like fuck how did i do that im suprised about. i just wish i never lost the world because SE has no cloud saving :( and i was attached tot he world. never left the moon for much than some light mining and i could have done so but i wanted a better base but never got time to carve it out.

[@ourcraftnws7480]

this has to be the best space engineers channel, great videos

[@BlackArmor718]

Appreciate it!

[@lucky_overdrive4426]

Subbed after 8s just for that intro

[@panzer2065]

Excellent, much needed content! Can't wait for your next video!

[@BlackArmor718]

Thanks Raeku

[@user-zc8xk6th3y]

Hey! Great vid- I would love to see you do another one of these with all the blocks that have been added in the 2 years since this video came out. Either way, you've got another sub :)

[@BlackArmor718]

Thanks for the comment and sub. I guess the nice thing about this one is that it’s almost entirely non-dlc suggestions

[@MaddestBob88]

Amazing. More people need to see these.

[@XEN-ZOMBIE]

Clever, Very useful. I always do things like this, but you definitely gave me alot of ideas.

[@TheBojaboja]

Great video, subbed! One thing I like to use are the neon tubes colored in black, they appear as exposed wires or tubing.

[@BlackArmor718]

Ah yes very good one, I covered it pretty well in another video

[@donr2258]

Great Guide! I think you missed a few opportunities with stairs in place of 2x1, and some Hand Rails and even the backside of neons but that all just comes down to personal choices. You are an amazing builder and I agree with others in being excited to see what you do with the next batch of blocks coming out.

[@BlackArmor718]

Don thanks for the comment. Are you referring to the catalogue portion or the stations for the missed opportunities?

[@donr2258]

@@BlackArmor718 Well, usually I think the stairs are used on stations more often because of the emissiveness but the hand rails can be used anywhere as decor or something to stand on when used sideways, neons used anywhere much like the pillars.

[@BlackArmor718]

@@donr2258 Alright well the stations were made before those blocks were in the game

[@sevyrsgaming1202]

This is an interesting video. I've learned quite a bit. Thanks for the effort to make this. Can't wait to get home and try a few things.

[@BlackArmor718]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sevyrsgaming1202]

@@BlackArmor718 if I'm not mistaken, I think I follow you on steam. Love the work.

[@dusty4896]

Could you do a video showing a line of your builds from old to new? It would be a great example for what your first builds looked like, and it would help people know where to start.

[@BlackArmor718]

That’s a long long line :). Good idea though

[@Sky14657]

Now I just need the imagination I don't have to make my cubes look great :D After 3000 hours of playing I never had the idea of using blocks differently. Not really sure if that will change now, but having some insights why my stuff looks ridiculous compared to the one you build is very enlightning

[@BlackArmor718]

A bunch of simple changes will add up in the end, never too late to start trying it out

[@twitchingpsycho]

Wow... Is the giant 3 way hangar available as a BP?? Looks awesome!

[@BlackArmor718]

Yeah search for Triport Spire

[@Squilo81]

Amazing as always

[@Sawer]

If you are looking for video ideas.... Perhaps interior decorations? Things like cockpit designs as you did on the Jaeger Titan. Or how to do the more complex mechanical movements, like how you attached the missiles to your Pteras Bomber. The whole arm movement seems so smooth, thats not what happends when I work with timers xD

[@BlackArmor718]

Good things to consider thanks

[@Sawer]

@@BlackArmor718 welcome!

[@elderweeb1834]

phenomenal! This helped me!

[@pedropimenta896]

New DLC is a dream come true for you, I'm guessing.

[@halipatsui9418]

Nice detailing guide :D definitely some tips to pick up

[@BlackArmor718]

Thanks Hali

[@MrEricLieber]

I love your buildings! Would like to blow them to pieces too!

[@catbehaviourchannel]

I cannot tell you just how much this has inspired me. This is pretty much an answer to my dreams. I was feeling very stale with SE, although I love the game, I felt like I'd hit a wall and couldn't think of anything new or fresh to do, and then I saw this, and I'm back to "can't wait to finish work so I can get back in and build something cool". It's improved my designing ideas and creativity no end, and I can't wait for anything new you make, especially with the new industrial design blocks etc. Here's hoping you're still playing and enjoying it, and feel the urge to make a new video!

[@BlackArmor718]

This is great to hear! I understand the feeling and It's fantastic to have something you're excited about building. I'll get back into it soon enough

[@sugarkyube9209]

Brilliant! So other than blocks, do you have any insights on color swatches and generally how to do paint jobs? Like the use of accent colors and such

[@BlackArmor718]

Generally I don't use too many different colors. Whatever the main color is you can create a few different shades of it by changing the brightness value by 10 or so, and sprinkle in the new tones around the build. This gives it depth. Keeping bright colors on top and darker underneath works well too.

[@jgphoenix4404]

The PCU cost on some of these have me worried but I'm still going to try a lot of the new ones you showcased. They're too good not to. I've been using the 2:1s for vents and some upside down catwalks for interiors ever since I saw them on some ship builds.

[@BlackArmor718]

Those 2:1s are so versatile and helpful. Good fit for any build

[@psyc1280]

Hey I love your builds, I really liked the asymmetrical ones they have a good aesthetic to them! You have a good eye with paint too. Have you considered using the DLC armour skins random decals to add texture too? The sci-fi and retrofuture skins use a vent decal for half block sides. I'm guessing your trying to keep it purely vanilla though. Keep up the good work!

[@BlackArmor718]

Hey Psyc I kinda left out all the skins as this video was mostly focused on what blocks you can use.

[@Stonecargo21]

Yeah, he used dlc blocks, like the catwalks

[@eclipse7588]

34:00 omg that kitty. :-O

[@michaeletzel4877]

*painting blocks with symmetry turned on* "You have to be random with it"

[@shouldb.studying4670]

This is next level SE

[@TarDeisa]

Just as a design nerd. The correct term for this is not Detail, but "Griebeling" Detail is when the use of an object dictates very small details, that are important for its function, while Griebeling is useless but visually pleasing small pieces. So like, a detailed representation of something has all the things that are required for it to work, in the correct shape and size, while something lacking detail is just a visual representation of it, that would not work if built irl. And something with griebeling would be stuff from for example star wars, that has a lot of tiny bits and bobs, that stick out everywhere, not for any function, but just to make it more interesting to look at.

[@JaggiJiggy]

Very useful guide!

[@OoO-rf2gt]

Thank you dude. Great scrap booking. A little aside for you. If you had gone to an art school.. The ability to demonstrate and research like this is largely what you're graded on and this would be top marks.. But I get the impression you may already know this 👊🏻

[@XEN-ZOMBIE]

Hey mate, could you do a big ass "plate" with greeble/detail examples on it as a blueprint and workshop it? Sounds kinda whatever, but what I have been doing is creating blueprints for building including; Colour pallets, Engines/Nacelles and random parts like dishes and machines whatever. I feel like it would be super useful for doing builds.

[@normaldavid]

Oh dear. If you can do this with the base game, imagine what one can do with all the dlcs up and coming.

[@BlackArmor718]

A LOT

[@normaldavid]

Not me. Even after 2 years of playing, I’m still lucky if my brick flies. I am taking an engineering design class to see if that helps though.

[@marcusbornman2098]

Ah seeing those mechs just pain me with how badly all mine fail

[@shade7367]

I'm still curious how that bridge was build on the asymmetrical tower

[@BlackArmor718]

Small grid with lots of rotors

[@shade7367]

wow! Clang must just like you or something, I'm surprised that works! Thanks for the reply, I'm gonna go make bridges now :D

[@BlackArmor718]

@@shade7367 Recommend hinges now that they are in the game ;)

[@lechking941]

tbh for a lot of building i like using a no armor edge mod so i can have clean builds.

[@mrrockychipsgaming]

nobody gonna talk about that intro tho?

[@Kain_V]

oh my gooooood, it's a cargo cult!

[@vondred]

Oof love that “Attacking the flat space”

[@slothchunk]

wtf these are in fucking sane! wow! so fucking cool

[@MarkusGehlhaar]

12:50 How do you build with 45 degree angles?

[@henrikhyrup3995]

I don't know why I watch these videos. They just make me depressed at how much I suck at building stuff.

[@karlvareze8337]

50 shades of gray engineer edition

[@virginia10thmilitia]

Not sure if you'll see this but can you do a more in depth video on that non symmetrical tower? I love designing rusty/ industrial ships and am starting on stations

[@BlackArmor718]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGTcmpqKmp2Nh8Usi=GIyiuhgx1A0Lbbiy

[@bandolin1216]

I'd really love to know how you created a hexagonal tower. I can't build on the 45 degree angled block. I can build on the two right angled sides but not the 45 degree.

[@BlackArmor718]

Use 2x1 slopes

[@bandolin1216]

@@BlackArmor718 But you can't build on the sloped part of the 2x1 which you managed to do. At least it appears you did. AFAIK blocks must be oriented on the cardinal directions: N, S, E & W.

[@BlackArmor718]

@@bandolin1216 that’s where you need to get creative with varying depth or using other blocks that are angled such as ramps for a different texture

[@bandolin1216]

@@BlackArmor718 Ah. There's my problem. I'm not creative that's why is latch myself onto creative people like you. ; ) Maybe could you do a video on how to build these odd shapes?

[@DazzlingAction]

Oddly useful to figure out more about design....

[@FateofNone]

12:50 anyone know if there is a bp of this tower, it was the main reason i clicked on the video

[@waterisaneurotoxin7788]

can you do an updated version for the new updates?

[@The_Envix]

I need to learn how to make ships large enough for interiors how to make interiors look good how to space rooms out and connect rooms properly and how to size interiors for ships

[@ZanTeth55]

at 12:46: can anyone give me a link to that one? I like the look of it, it's aweome!

[@BlackArmor718]

steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=767292676

[@btCharlie_]

Do you also incorporate skins into your builds? I kinda struggle with those.... usually just pick one skin for the whole build, most often the battered armor or digital camo, and end there 😕

[@BlackArmor718]

I mostly use clean armor with small hints of sci fi, battered, or carbon fiber. Sometime the digital camo. But think of the skins as detail and not a base layer

[@Brotbeauftragter]

How do you build a tower or station in this triangular or hexagon like form?

[@BlackArmor718]

Two of the hangars are angled with rotors

[@Brotbeauftragter]

@@BlackArmor718 thank you for that information :D. I tried long to build some triangular stuff but always failed, didn't think of that tbh. Love your videos man!

[@BlackArmor718]

@@Brotbeauftragter Thanks

[@touya35]

I really like your videos but I have a question how you build a row off blocks like you do, its a mod? If it is can you share the name please. :3

[@BlackArmor718]

Hold CTRL

[@touya35]

@@BlackArmor718 Thanks for the info :D

[@seanmcdonald5859]

Consider me inspired.

[@wustenfuchs2900]

How do i get that thin frame arround my blocks? for example in 04:10

[@beaconofwierd1883]

Great, now how do I finish my projects? x)

[@BlackArmor718]

Do 5 minutes a day, eventually you'll get through the part that you're procrastinating on

[@beaconofwierd1883]

@@BlackArmor718 5 min a day is going to take forever :( Though it’s mostly not the astethics which slows me down, it’s the logic and trying to figure out how to do what I want without running into bugs :p

[@BlackArmor718]

@@beaconofwierd1883 5 minutes is just the mindset to get you there, usually it ends up much longer

[@beaconofwierd1883]

@@BlackArmor718 True :)

[@PeterBoddy]

In that second building, the tower, how did you get the hexagonal shape?

[@BlackArmor718]

2x1 slopes make up 4/6 of the sides _______ / \ \ / -------

[@umbrellacorporation8932]

All bloks for details

[@wiktorwektor123]

It will be much easier if devs just added more normal block shapes that you can paint on any color. It's not hard to add new block shape to game.

[@Quantum-Bullet]

And more blocks to come soon, as DLC, industrial stuff!

[@GusCraft460]

I don’t like using blocks with textures that obviously repeat every block.

[@RabidHobbit]

Wish I could give you 10 likes.

[@YukuriuddoHerusaizu]

[@DoremiFasolatido1979]

Tips for adding detail in Space Engineers. In single-player...do whatever the F you want. In multiplayer...don't add a single damned block that isn't absolutely essential...and NEVER sub-grid!

[@SomeD00D01]

Please put this on Xbox (sorry if this is annoying)

[@cdwizzerd]

zoids

[@Comicsluvr]

Annnnnnnnnnnd now you need to do another one of these for the new DLC that I just bought! Seriously, I subbed to your channel because hands-down you make some of the COOLEST looking stuff in SE!

[@BlackArmor718]

Thanks for the support!

[@barrycampbell6507]

Is there any way that you will publish this world to the workshop? This is an excellent kit to have handy when designing.

[@SeanMcCullen-e1q]

My goodness man I was listening so hard, and then you pulled that "words are hard", I just died laughing. All in all bro, your videos have been both insightful and a fun watch!

[@BlackArmor718]

Thank you! That's a great thing to hear

[@anicorp4952]

Love your videos! Ive Definitely learn alot.

[@BlackArmor718]

Todd I'm glad to hear this!

[@deanlawson6880]

Super useful! I am currently building up a recreation of The Daedalus (from Stargate:SG1) and have been really struggling with getting the detail built up on the massive flat expanses on the sides of the main fuselage and then also the big massive outboard hangar bays. I'll absolutely be using a great many of these excellent ideas for adding detail to my massive ship build! Nicely done - Thanks for this!!

[@redbloodcell4047]

A time-lapse of some of these builds would be cool. A guide on lighting might be useful too!

[@mCoNNoR84]

He has done both

[@redbloodcell4047]

@@mCoNNoR84 I've seen the lighting guide now, but more time-lapse videos would be neat. I know he did one for the machine nest but that was mostly small-grid detailing. Would be nice to see a large-grid only build.

[@BlackArmor718]

Did a time-lapse on the very last walker shown, otherwise I'd have to rebuild these. I addressed lighting in the first and second videos of my creative tips series too. Hope that helps

[@mCoNNoR84]

@@BlackArmor718 pretty much everything u do helps us bro!!!

[@mCoNNoR84]

@@redbloodcell4047 I'm with ya my man! I can watch this cat build all day!!!!

[@URBOIPHONE]

Just from your intro alone I know that you know what you're talking about.

[@BlackArmor718]

I had hoped for that impression haha

[@the_effect_de]

A heat "radiator" is a pretty weird idea for a space station ^^` This video helped me so much with design and finally being able to be happy with my ships which usually had a way to clean look

[@BlackArmor718]

Well convection and conduction aren't going to work.. Glad to hear it!

[@titusgolemgeske6233]

Where are you on the earth-like planet? Can you please share the coordinates?

[@BlackArmor718]

GPS:BlackArmor #1:-9405.17:2532.16:59231.62:#FF75C9F1:

[@connorwilliams3542]

Very nicely put together. I've also used vents mixed with recessed half-blocks to give texture and some emissive lighting