I think many players who have built something in Space Engineers 2 have had that moment where you put parts together carefully, and then one piece refuses to move the way it should, or another extends far beyond where it was supposed to stop. Fortunately, Keen Software House has launched the new update, addressing many of the mechanical pain points the community has raised since the Early Access launch.

The key addition is wheels, which come in six sizes and finally let you build rovers, mobile bases, and other ground vehicles that actually handle planetary terrain. Hinges also join the mechanical lineup alongside rotors and pistons, completing what the developers describe as the core mechanical toolkit.

Automation receives the biggest system expansion in this update. The new event controller block can track dozens of grid and block parameters including speed, altitude, mass, power levels, and inventory fill, then trigger actions automatically when conditions are met. Timer and sensor blocks round out the toolkit, letting you build everything from hangar doors that warn you when they open to vehicles that react to terrain or speed changes without manual control.

Things that store power, fuel, or ammunition now demand more respect because warheads can detonate with serious force, but O2 and H2 tanks, functional reactors, and ammo in inventories can also explode now. Manual turret control and iron sights for character weapons give you more direct combat options as well.

The Almagest system becomes more dynamic with sector stages that evolve as you complete contracts, unlocking new stations, trade routes, and encounters along the way. Ore distribution has been reworked with surface and deep deposits that matter more, and volcanic areas are now important resource hotspots.

The Classic Survival mode offers a harsher experience for players who want the traditional challenge. Wind physics also add a new variable, with sandstorms pushing airborne grids and loose debris, making planetary flight require actual planning.

Keen Software House also shared an updated roadmap, which brings cooperative multiplayer for up to four players and the first NPC implementation, is now planned before the Water update, with a target of November or December 2026. Water has been pushed further down and is now expected in 2027, because the developers say it is one of the most technically demanding systems they are building.

The Drive, Automate & Detonate update for Space Engineers 2 is now available on Steam.