Stormworks: Build and Rescue – How to use Gearboxes

Basic understanding of Stormworks Gearboxes

First thing first, always remember that gearboxes have a side A and side B. Either side can be the input, and either can be the output. This depends on the gearbox’s physical location in relation to the power source (engine, electric motor, etc.) The ultimate goal of the gearbox is to increase or decrease output speed or power. 
 
Take note that I will also measure speed in RPS (revolutions per second) in this guide, as that is how it is measured in-game. 
 
 
 

Knowing when to change the Ratios

Guessing how the gearbox needs to be tuned is almost always a bad idea. A slightly incorrect gear ratio can mean the difference between a good and bad workshop creation. 
 
Often times our Stormworks creations end up with a lack of power or lack of speed. These issues often can be resolved with some gearbox tuning. For example, if I created a boat and the engine stalls or can’t rev very high, the gear ratio is too high and needs to be lower. Increasing the engine’s max RPS will not fix this issue. 
 
If I created a boat and the engine revs to max RPS very quickly and the top speed is very slow, it needs a higher gear ratio. Increasing the engine’s max RPS will most likely not fix this issue, and I wouldn’t recommend having the maximum RPS above 28-30, as these issues can be solved easier with some gearbox tweaks. 
 
 
Making the gearing lower will decrease the output speed but put less load on the power source. 
 
Making the gearing higher will increase the output speed but put more load on the power source. 
 
For example, a bicycle with multiple gears. If you start from a standstill in gear 6 or 7, it will be difficult to start and gain speed but your top speed will be very fast. If you started in gear 1 or 2, it will be very easy to get going but your top speed will be very slow. 
 
 
 

Important tuning information

The Stormworks gearboxes can be tricky and often confusing. 
 
If your power input is on side A of the gearbox, and your output is on side B, the more you change the gear ratio, the slower the output will rotate, but the engine won’t have to work as hard. 
 
If the power input is on side B and the output on side A, the more the gear ratio is changed, the faster the output will rotate, however, this requires more power from the input. 
 
With the input as A and the output as B, the highest gear ratio you can get is 1:1. 
 
With the input as B and the output as A, the lowest gear ratio you can get is 1:1. 
 
 
 

Conclusion

Tuning the gearboxes is a balance between power, speed, and fuel consumption. I hope this guide was helpful, please comment and tell me if I need to improve it. Thanks! 
 

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