Once Human

Thermal Tower Guide: Best Upgrades to Get First

Once Human - Thermal Tower Guide Way of Winter.png
The Thermal Tower in Once Human's Way of Winter scenario brings significant buffs to your territory. See how to unlock Thermal Tower, what the Thermal Tower is, how to use it, which upgrades to unlock first, and all its technologies and upgrades in this comprehensive guide.

How to Unlock Thermal Tower

Unlock Memetic in Phase 2

Once Human - Thermal Tower How to Unlock Way of Winter.png

Thermal Tower Materials Required
・35x Aluminum Ingot
・35x Steel Ingot
・30x Metal Scraps
・30x Electronic Part
・10x High Voltage

As the season progresses to Phase II - Scattered Ash, players can unlock the Thermal Tower Memetic in the Building category.

The Thermal Tower is a unique Wonder building that cannot be constructed within a territory. Each player is limited to building just one Thermal Tower, which occupies the same space as a territory.

Additionally, a Thermal Tower cannot be placed in a location where its maximum range would overlap with that of another Thermal Tower.

Way of Winter Scenario Phases

What is the Thermal Tower?

Structure that Provides Buffs to Territories

Once Human - Way of Winter Thermal Tower.png
The Thermal Tower is a new Wonder designed as a community project. This massive facility, powered by Chaosium, regulates the temperature of the surrounding area and enhances the living conditions of survivors. It provides powerful buffs across a wide range, benefiting all territories within its reach. Unlocking Technologies requires a significant amount of materials, which in turn delivers these impactful buffs.

Chaosium Farming Guide

How to Use the Thermal Tower

How to Use the Thermal Tower


Research Upgrades in the Technology Tab

Once Human - Thermal Tower Technology Way of Winter
You can unlock technologies and manage upgrades in the Technology tab. There are four tiers of Technology: Reactor, Thermostatic Cover, Outer Defense, and Radiator. Each technology offers unique perks for the surrounding territories. The Thermal Tower's level matches the number of unlocked technologies. The Chaosium needed for researching technologies gradually increases with the Thermal Tower's level.

Control Tower Access and Temperature in the Manage Tab

Once Human - Thermal Tower Manage Way of Winter
In the Manage tab, you can change the tier of the Thermal Tower to adjust the environmental temperature. Increasing the tier allows for a greater temperature change but comes at the cost of Chaosium.

While operational, the Thermal Tower will consume Chaosium in your Depot. When you don't have enough Chaosium in the Depot to sustain the Thermal Tower, it will stop operating.

You can also control the effective range of the Thermal Tower. The temperature within this range will be regulated, granting bonus effects to the territories covered. However, a larger range comes with a higher Chaosium cost.

Thermal Tower Permissions

Once Human - Thermal Tower Permissions
You can also manage permissions for other players to use the Thermal Tower. Additionally, you can review Permission Requests in this section.

Thermal Towers feature two types of permissions: Administrative Permissions and Storage Permissions. Players with Administrative Permissions can upgrade the Thermal Tower's technology, adjust its temperature level, modify its range, and initiate the Purification game mode. Those with Storage Permissions can deposit or withdraw items from the Thermal Tower's Depot. Permissions for a single Thermal Tower can be shared with up to 48 players. It's important to note that you don't need to be in a Hive to accept permissions from other players or vice versa.

All players and territories within a Thermal Tower's radiation range will receive its effects. You do not need administrative permissions for a Thermal Tower to receive its effects.

Chaosium Waste and Purification

Once Human - Thermal Tower Purification Chaosium Waste Way of Winter
As you use Chaosium as fuel for your Thermal Tower, it will produce Chaosium Waste. Once this waste reaches 100%, your Thermal Tower will cease operation, requiring you to initiate a Purification process. Be cautious, as enemies will begin attacking your tower during this time. It’s best to communicate with your Hive or request backup, as you’ll face multiple threats while trying to complete the Purification!

Store Resources in the Depot Tab

Once Human - Thermal Tower Depot Way of Winter
Thermal Towers require materials for tech upgrades, temperature control, repairs, and other functions. The materials needed for these operations are drawn from the Thermal Tower's Depot. Players with the appropriate permissions can deposit or withdraw items from this Depot as needed.

Best Upgrades to Get First

Best Upgrades to Get First
Tier 1 - Reactor Tier 2 - Thermostatic Cover
Tier 3 - Outer Defense Tier 4 - Radiator

It’s always a good idea to coordinate with your Hive or neighbors around your Thermal Tower to discuss upgrades and meet their needs. But if you’re looking for a general guide on what to prioritize, here’s where to start!

1. Temperature Resistant Treatment

Technology Description Tier Research Materials
Temperature-Resistant Treatment Weapons and armor crafted at Gear Workbenches within the Thermal Tower's range gain +30% Durability. Tier 1 - Reactor ・30 Leftover
・30 Engineering Plastic
・30 Metallic Fibert
・10 Metal Scraps
・15 Rubber

The Temperature-Resistant Treatment upgrade is a smart first choice since it gives a +30% Durability boost to weapons and armor made at Gear Workbenches within the Thermal Tower’s range. This means your gear lasts longer, saving you the hassle of constant repairs and replacements.

2. Habitable Temperature

Technology Description Tier Research Materials
Habitable Temperature The temperature around the Thermal Tower is optimal. All players' Movement Speed +15% and Jump Height +50% within its radiation range. Tier 1 - Reactor ・30 Electronic Part
・4 Storage Battery
・15 Acid
・200 Stardust Source

The Habitable Temperature upgrade gives all players a +15% boost to Movement Speed and a +50% increase in Jump Height within its range. These buffs make it easier to move quickly, especially helpful when you need to Purify the Thermal Tower and defend it against enemies.

3. Heat Spread

Technology Description Tier Research Materials
Heat Spread The Thermal Tower significantly increases thermal radiation intensity in the area, boosting fuel generator output by 10 watts. Tier 1 - Reactor ・120 Hot Rock Ore
・50 Steel
・35 Metal Scraps
・40 Engineering Plastic
・60 Special Part

The Heat Spread upgrade is a great pick because it boosts fuel generator output by 10 watts, meaning you get more energy from your generators. This upgrade is especially helpful for powering additional facilities.

4. Ignium Chemistry

Technology Description Tier Research Materials
Ignium Chemistry The Thermal Tower fully recycles the waste liquid from Chaosium combustion, producing 50 Acid in the Depot every hour. Tier 2 - Thermostatic Cover ・45 Bulletproof Fiber Fabric
・12 Metal Scraps
・18 Rubber
・12 Adhesive
・100 Acid

The Ignium Chemistry upgrade is super useful because it recycles waste liquid from Chaosium combustion, generating 50 Acid in the Depot every hour. Acid is a crucial resource for many aspects of the game, including upgrades for the Thermal Tower itself.

5. Artificial Sun

Technology Description Tier Research Materials
Artificial Sun The Thermal Tower significantly increases light intensity in the area, boosting solar generator output by 10 watts. Tier 2 - Thermostatic Cover ・30 Special part
・30 Automatic Part
・30 Metal Scraps
・12 Storage Battery
・40 Glass
・40 Tungsten Ingot

The Artificial Sun boosts solar generator output by 10 watts, which means more power for your solar panels to run additional facilities, similar to the Heat Spread upgrade.

6. Tungsten Deposit

Technology Description Tier Research Materials
Tungsten Deposit A large tungsten deposit was found beneath the Thermal Tower. The tungsten resources within its radiation range will be Lv.l or higher. Tier 2 - Thermostatic Cover ・60 Salt
・35 Rubber
・12 Electronic Part
・15 Sintered Brick
・50 Steel

All tungsten resources within its range will be Level 1 or higher, making it easier to craft powerful Tier 5 weapons and armor. More tungsten means better gear!

7. Full Combustion

Technology Description Tier Research Materials
Full Combustion The Thermal Tower's Chaosium conversion process has been optimized, reducing Chaosium consumption by 30%. Tier 3 - Outer Defense ・1200 Chaosium
・120 Sintered Brick
・60 Tungsten Ingot
・60 Gold Ore

This technology is incredibly useful for the Thermal Tower as reduces Chaosium consumption by 30%. This means you can operate the tower more efficiently, saving resources while keeping everything running smoothly for longer.

8. Cluster Effect

Technology Description Tier Research Materials
Cluster Effect Manufacturing facilities within the Thermal Tower's range have -15% production time. Tier 3 - Outer Defense ・60 Electronic Part
・20 Storage Battery
・40 Aluminium Ingot
・40 Tungsten Ingot
・30 Platinum Crystal

This upgrade is beneficial because it reduces production time by 15% for manufacturing facilities within the Thermal Tower's range. This means you can get items crafted faster.

9. Oil Exploration

Technology Description Tier Research Materials
Oil Exploration A large oil deposit was found beneath the Thermal Tower. The area within its radiation range is now considered an oil field. Tier 3 - Outer Defense ・240 Portable Mixed Fuel
・20 Electronic Part
・240 Stardust Source
・35 Steel
・35 Aluminium Ingot
・36 Platinum Crystal

This technology reveals a large oil deposit beneath the Thermal Tower, turning the area within its radiation range into an oil field. This makes it easier to gather resources for creating Portable Mixed Fuel.

10. Wide-Area Radiation

Technology Description Tier Research Materials
Wide-Area Radiation The Thermal Tower has unlocked an additional coverage range. Tier 4 - Radiator ・60 Special Plastic
・85 Bulletproof Fiber Fabric
・45 Electronic Part
・30 Storage Battery
・40 Platinum Crystal

Wide-Area Radiation is beneficial because it expands the Thermal Tower's coverage range, meaning more territories are affected. This allows you to provide buffs and enhancements to a larger area, maximizing the benefits for your community.

11. Tower Reinforcement

Technology Description Tier Research Materials
Tower Reinforcement The Thermal Tower has been reinforced, increasing its Durability by 100%. Tier 4 - Radiator ・60 Metal Scraps
・60 Rubber
・80 Adhesive
・300 Sintered Brick
・300 Tungsten Ingot

This technology makes the Thermal Tower significantly more durable, boosting its Durability by 100%. This added toughness is crucial during Purification events or when facing attacks from Colossal Chaosweavers

12. Colossal Hunt

Technology Description Tier Research Materials
Colossal Hunt When facing the threat of a colossal, all player weapons within the Thermal Tower's radiation range gain a 500% increase in range, along with a 30% boost in Weapon DMG and Psi. Tier 4 - Radiator ・400 Stardust Source
・240 Gold Ore
・70 Platinum Crystal
・120 Electronic Part

This upgrade is incredibly useful during a Colossal Chaosweaver attack, as it grants all player weapons within the Thermal Tower's radiation range a 500% increase in range, plus a 30% boost in Weapon Damage and Psi.

All Thermal Tower Technologies and Upgrades

Once Human - Thermal Tower Technology

Thermal Tower Technologies and Upgrades
Reactor Thermostatic Cover Outer Defense Radiator

Reactor

Unlock Temperature changing function. This is the first tier of Technology and requires no prerequisites.

Technology Description Time to Unlock Research Materials
Reactor Unlock temperature-changing function. 1 Minute ・60 Cold Crystal Ore
・60 Hot Rock Ore
Heat Spread The Thermal Tower significantly increases thermal radiation intensity in the area, boosting fuel generator output by 10 watts. 5 minutes ・120 Hot Rock Ore
・50 Steel
・35 Metal Scraps
・40 Engineering Plastic
・60 Special Part
Sulfur Landscape A large sulfur deposit was found beneath the Thermal Tower. The sulfur resources within its radiation range will be Lv.l or higher. 5 minutes ・60 Salt
・35 Rubber
・12 Electronic Part
・15 Sintered Brick
・50 Steel
Natural Salt Well A large underground salt lake was discovered beneath the Thermal Tower. You can now mine salt within the Thermal Tower's range. 5 minutes ・60 Salt
・35 Rubber
・12 Electronic Part
・15 Sintered Brick
・50 Steel
Snowy Realm Eden The temperature around the Thermal Tower is optimal, and random crops will grow within its radiation range at intervals. 5 minutes ・6 Fertilizer - Yield Boost
・6 Fertilizer - Breeding Boost
・6 Fertilizer - Growth Boost
・35 Engineering Plastic​
・20 Sintered Brick
Snowy Realm Elysium The temperature around the Thermal Tower is optimal, and a batch of random animals will gather within its radiation range at intervals. 5 minutes ・8 Meat Pellet Feed
・8 Herbal Green Feed
・8 Grain Concentrate Feed
・60 Metallic Fiber
・10 Metal Scraps
・20 Adhesive
・50 Adhesive
Temperature-resistant Treatment Weapons and armor crafted at Gear Workbenches within the Thermal Tower's range gain +30% Durability. 5 minutes ・30 Leftover
・30 Engineering Plastic
・30 Metallic Fibert
・10 Metal Scraps
・15 Rubber
Habitable Temperature The temperature around the Thermal Tower is optimal. All players' Movement Speed +15% and Jump Height +50% within its radiation range. 5 minutes ・30 Electronic Part
・4 Storage Battery
・15 Acid
・200 Stardust Source
Community Medical Care The Thermal Tower maintains a comfortable temperature, granting all nearby players 3% Disease recovery per second. 5 minutes ・6 Fertilizer - Yield Boost
・6 Fertilizer - Breeding Boost
・6 Fertilizer - Growth Boost
・35 Engineering Plastic​
・20 Sintered Brick

Thermostatic Cover

This is the second tier of Technology and requires 3 researched technologies to unlock.

Technology Description Time to Unlock Research Materials
Thermostatic Cover Unlock adjustable temperature levels. 1 Minute ・400 Chaosium
・30 Glass
・60 Tungsten Ingot
・45 Automatic Part
Artificial Sun The Thermal Tower significantly increases light intensity in the area, boosting solar generator output by 10 watts. 30 minutes ・30 Special part
・30 Automatic Part
・30 Metal Scraps
・12 Storage Battery
・40 Glass
・40 Tungsten Ingot
Efficient Refinement Furnaces within the Thermal Tower's range have -30% extraction time and +15% yield when extracting Chaosium from hot or cold ores. 30 minutes ・240 Cold Crystal Ore
・240 Hot Rock Ore
・60 Automatic Part
・40 Sulfur
・50 Tungsten Ingot
Tungsten Deposit A large tungsten deposit was found beneath the Thermal Tower. The tungsten resources within its radiation range will be Lv.l or higher. 30 minutes ・60 Salt
・35 Rubber
・12 Electronic Part
・15 Sintered Brick
・50 Steel
Ignium Chemistry The Thermal Tower fully recycles the waste liquid from Chaosium combustion, producing 50 Acid in the Depot every hour. 30 minutes ・45 Bulletproof Fiber Fabric
・12 Metal Scraps
・18 Rubber
・12 Adhesive
・100 Acid
Greenhouse Agriculture The temperature around the Thermal Tower is optimal, increasing crop yield by +1 within its radiation range. 30 minutes ・10 Fertilizer - Yield Boost
・10 Fertilizer - Breeding Boost
・10 Fertilizer - Growth Boost
・80 Purified Water
・60 Aluminium Ingot
Silent Land Attracted by the radiation from the Thermal Tower, some Deviants appear nearby to fight alongside you. 30 minutes ・30 Portable Mixed Fuel
・30 Sintered Brick
・30 Acid
・10 Sulfur
Cozy Harbor After sleeping in bed within the radiation range of the Thermal Tower for more than IOS, you gain 10 Cold Resist and 10 Heat Resist for 10 minutes. 30 minutes ・10 Deer Hide
・10 Bear Skin
・10 Wolf Skin
・200 Stardust Source
・80 Silver Ore
Anima Within the radiation range of the Thermal Tower, all turrets and traps gain a 50% boost in Durability and a 30% increase in DMG. 30 minutes ・6 Fertilizer - Yield Boost
・6 Fertilizer - Breeding Boost
・6 Fertilizer - Growth Boost
・35 Engineering Plastic​
・20 Sintered Brick

Outer Defense

This is the third tier of Technology and requires 6 researched technologies to unlock.

Technology Description Time to Unlock Research Materials
Outer Defense The Thermal Tower's defenses have been upgraded, greatly increasing its Durability. 1 Minute ・60 Tungsten Ingot
・45 Sintered Brick
・30 Electronic Part
・600 Chaosium
Full Combustion The Thermal Tower's Chaosium conversion process has been optimized, reducing Chaosium consumption by 30%. 4 Hours ・1200 Chaosium
・120 Sintered Brick
・60 Tungsten Ingot
・60 Gold Ore
Oil Exploration A large oil deposit was found beneath the Thermal Tower. The area within its radiation range is now considered an oil field. 4 Hours ・240 Portable Mixed Fuel
・20 Electronic Part
・240 Stardust Source
・35 Steel
・35 Aluminium Ingot
・36 Platinum Crystal
Lush Foliage The temperature around the Thermal Tower is optimal, giving all planted crops a 50% chance of producing an extra seed within its radiation range. 4 Hours ・20 Acid
・20 Fertilizer - Yield Boost
・20 Fertilizer - Breeding Boost
・20 Fertilizer - Growth Boost
Genetic Selection Young animals born near the Thermal Tower are particularly robust, gaining the Strong and Sturdy trait. 4 Hours ・12 Storage Battery
・140 Stardust Source
・24 Meat Pellet Feed
・24 Herbal Green Feed
・24 Grain Concentrate Feed
Animal Production Boost The environment around the Thermal Tower is comfortable, increasing byproduct yield by +1. 4 Hours ・12 Meat Pellet Feed
・12 Herbal Green Feed
・12 Grain Concentrate Feed
・40 Glass
・140 Sintered Brick
・80 Acid
・60 Tungsten Ingot
Cluster Effect Manufacturing facilities within the Thermal Tower's range have -15% production time. 4 Hours ・60 Electronic Part
・20 Storage Battery
・40 Aluminium Ingot
・40 Tungsten Ingot
・30 Platinum Crystal
Interlaced Frost The Thermal Tower releases cold air, granting all nearby players' weapons DMG +30% and Frost DMG +10% when the temperature is below 10°C. 4 Hours ・600 Cold Crystal Ore
・120 Silver Ore
・120 Gold Ore
Interlaced Fire The Thermal Tower releases cold air, granting all nearby players' weapons DMG +30% and Frost DMG +10% when the temperature is below 10°C. 4 Hours ・120 Silver Ore
・120 Gold Ore
・600 Hot Rock Ore

Radiator

This is the fourth tier of Technology and requires 9 researched technologies to unlock.

Technology Description Time to Unlock Research Materials
Radiator Unlocks adjustable coverage range for the Thermal Tower. 1 Minute ・30 Electronic Part
・15 Storage Battery
・12 Platinum Crystal
Peril Spark The Thermal Tower has unlocked an additional temperature level. 12 Hours ・75 Automatic Part
・40 Special Plastic
・35 Bulletproof Fiber Fabric
・45 Electronic Part
・30 Storage Battery
・120 Tungsten Ingot
Wide-Area Radiation The Thermal Tower has unlocked an additional coverage range. 12 Hours ・60 Special Plastic
・85 Bulletproof Fiber Fabric
・45 Electronic Part
・30 Storage Battery
・40 Platinum Crystal
Stardust Control The Thermal Tower consumes Chaosium while emitting a small amount of Stardust, turning the area in its range into a Pollution Zone. 12 Hours ・600 Startrace Ore
・60 Sintered Brick
・100 Acid
・60 Tungsten Ingot
・20 Platinum Crystal
Geological Survey The underground veins beneath the Thermal Tower have been activated, upgrading the existing vein resource level by 1. 12 Hours ・25 Electronic Part
・280 Stardust Source
・240 Silver Ore
・300 Gold Ore
Ignium Deviation The temperature around the Thermal Tower is optimal, increasing the deviation probability of all planted crops by 30% within its radiation range. 12 Hours ・35 Fertilizer - Yield Boost
・35 Fertilizer - Breeding Boost
・35 Fertilizer - Growth Boost
・240 Stardust Source
Tower Reinforcement The Thermal Tower has been reinforced, increasing its Durability by 100%. 12 Hours ・60 Metal Scraps
・60 Rubber
・80 Adhesive
・300 Sintered Brick
・300 Tungsten Ingot
Gulped Killer When facing the threat of a colossal, Gatling Cannons within the Thermal Tower's radiation range gain a 100% increase in DMG and a 30% increase in Durability. 12 Hours ・40 Barreled Premium Fuel
・45 Automatic Part
・50 Bulletproof Fiber Fabric
・300 Stardust Source
Colossal Hunt When facing the threat of a colossal, all player weapons within the Thermal Tower's radiation range gain a 500% increase in range, along with a 30% boost in Weapon DMG and Psi. 12 Hours ・400 Stardust Source
・240 Gold Ore
・70 Platinum Crystal
・120 Electronic Part

Once Human: Way of Winter Related Guides

The Way of Winter related guides

Way of Winter Release Date and Full Details

Way of Winter Best Builds

All Way of Winter Best Builds
Silent Anabasis Frost Vortex Build Conflicting Memories Shrapnel Build
Pyroclasm Starter Burn Build -

Way of Winter Best Builds

Way of Winter Guides

General Tips and Tricks
Vena Fjord or Onyx Tundra? Way of Winter Tips and Tricks to Do First
Where to Find Roller Coasters Best New Weapons
How to Get Leftovers How to Get Corn
How to Get Rawhide Cradle Override Guide for Way of Winter
All Scenic Viewpoint Locations All Puzzle Crate Locations
Shadow Chest Puzzle How to Defeat Shadow Enemies
How to Get Hide in Way of Winter Thermal Tower Guide
Heat Resistance Guide How to Fish in Lava
All New Armor in Way of Winter -
Location Guides
All Scenic Viewpoint Locations All Puzzle Mystical Crate Locations
Farming Guides
Fireproof Plastic Location Refined Part Location
Iron Ore Location Vanadium Crystals
Chaosium Farming Guide Cold Crystal Ore Location
How to Get Different Kinds of Hides in Way of Winter Apple Locations in Way of Winter
Scarlet Calamus Location in Way of Winter Hot Rock Ore Location
Mushroom Location in Way of Winter Ice Melon Location (Way of Winter)
Temperature Guides
Temperature Guide Cold Resistance Guide
Best Bear Farming Spots Best Feather and Flamingo Farming Location
Best Seal Farming Location -

Way of Winter Region Guides

Onyx Tundra
Moose City Moose City Food Factory
Obsidian Camp Wish Land - East
Great River Shelter Zone Tundra Monolith Danger Zone
Vena Fjord
Fiskur Harbor Wish Land - West
Hiverail Restricted Area Avalanche Danger Zone
Frost Forge -
Ember Strand

Way of Winter Interactive Map

Way of Winter Deviants

Combat Deviants
Snowsprite Invincible Sun Snapshot
Territory Deviants
Tar Pudding Hydronaut Fish Gazocchio
Crafting Deviants
Ice Pot

All Way of Winter Deviant Locations

Way of Winter Securement Silo Guides

All Securement Silo Guides in Way of Winter
Securement Silo Delta Securement Silo EX1
Securement Silo PSI

All Way of Winter Securement Silos

Way of Winter Side Quests

Side Quests in Way of Winter
Deviation Expert in the North Deviation: Snowsprite
Deviation: Mr. Wish Deviation: Hydronaut Fish

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