What this is about
Containers do not move by themselves. That is what the tractor beam is for – as an attachment on the multi-tool, as a device on vehicles and ships. This guide collects what the controls and the Chronist provide.q1q2
Operating it
Two pairs of functions are bound in the controls:q1
tractor_beam/tractor_beam_increase_distanceand…_decrease_distance– tractor beam – increase / decrease distance (handheld).spaceship_salvage/tractor_beam_vehicle_increase_distanceand…_decrease_distance– the same function on the vehicle.
More functions sit in the data internally – rotate around X, Y and Z, detach, throw, reset rotation – but they are not in the game’s key bindings and therefore cannot be bound freely.q1
What breaks the tether
The game text is unusually clear about this:q4
- Weight and distance belong together: the heavier the object, the shorter the tether has to be.
- Line of sight: if the beam is interrupted or the target blocked, the tether breaks.
- Angle and speed: moving too fast or at too sharp an angle severs the beam.
- Some objects are simply too large or too heavy; the multi-tool’s HUD shows what is a valid target.
The in-game preview works with colours: valid, warning, invalid – plus its own colour for the cargo preview.q1
Devices
Vehicle and ship devices. The Chronist does not state range or lifting force.
| Name | Type | Size | Manufacturer | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SureGrip HV-S1 Tractor Beam | Traktorstrahl | 1 | Greycat Industrial | 1 |
| SureGrip HV-S2 Tractor Beam | Traktorstrahl | 2 | Greycat Industrial | 2 |
| SureGrip HV-S3 Tractor Beam | Bergungskopf | 3 | Greycat Industrial | 3 |
| SureGrip S2 Tractor Beam | Traktorstrahl | 2 | Greycat Industrial | 2 |
| SureGrip S1 Tractor Beam | Traktorstrahl | 1 | Greycat Industrial | 1 |
| SafeTow S3 Towing Beam | Schleppstrahl | 3 | Greycat Industrial | 3 |
Numbers are game values; where the data names no unit, neither do we.
| Name | Slots: Traktorstrahl |
|---|---|
| Drake Cutlass Black | 1 × size 1 · stock: SureGrip S1 Tractor Beam |
| Crusader Spirit C1 | 1 × size 2 · stock: SureGrip S2 Tractor Beam |
| Drake Caterpillar | 1 × size 2 · stock: SureGrip S2 Tractor Beam |
| Argo RAFT | 1 × size 2 · stock: SureGrip S2 Tractor Beam |
| Drake Ironclad | 3 × size 2 · stock: SureGrip S2 Tractor Beam |
The “slots” column shows which size the ship carries as standard.q3
Moving containers
BALDUURSGATE RECOMMENDATION. What has proven itself:
- Stand first, then grab: a firm position saves corrections.
- Set a short distance before you start walking.
- When in doubt put it down rather than carry it – a broken tether in the hangar costs more than two extra steps.
- Goal
- Operate the tractor beam.
- Preparation
- An open space, a 1 SCU container, multi-tool with tractor attachment.
- Task
- Pick up the container, change the distance in both directions and set it down again. Note when the tether breaks.
- Success criterion
- The container lies in a controlled position at the new spot.
- Partner
- not required
- Functions needed
- Tractor Beam - Increase Distance
- Tractor Beam - Decrease Distance
- Goal
- Move a container over a distance.
- Preparation
- Two drop points a few metres apart, one container.
- Task
- Bring the container from A to B without losing the tether. Time it and repeat once faster.
- Success criterion
- Still open – will be set after our own in-game test.
- Partner
- not required
- Functions needed
- Tractor Beam - Increase Distance
- Tractor Beam - Decrease Distance
Next: cargo grid & stowage