Enshrouded: Increase Building Range & Area
This guide explains how to expand the area where you can build and place items in Enshrouded, allowing you to construct larger bases and place objects further from your Flame Altar. You’ll learn the core mechanics, the exact steps to increase your build radius, and how to troubleshoot common issues.
What You’ll Need
- An active Flame Altar placed in the world.
- Upgrade materials: Stone, Wood, Metal Scraps, and other resources depending on the altar level.
- Access to your Build Menu (default key:
Bon PC). - A workbench (for crafting some upgrade items, if needed).
Step-by-Step
- Open your Build Menu – Press the build key (default
B) to bring up the construction interface. - Locate the Flame Altar tab – In the Build Menu, look for the tab or section that shows your current Flame Altar and its level. This is usually at the top or in a dedicated “Altar” category.
- Check your current altar level – The altar’s level determines your base build range and area. Level 1 gives a small radius, while higher levels expand it significantly.
- Select the “Upgrade” option – Click on the Flame Altar icon and choose the upgrade option. This will show the required materials and the new stats (build range, area, etc.).
- Gather the required materials – The upgrade cost increases with each level. Common materials include:
– Level 2: 20 Stone, 10 Wood, 5 Metal Scraps
– Level 3: 40 Stone, 20 Wood, 10 Metal Scraps, 5 String
– Higher levels require rarer resources like Resin, Shroud Wood, and even Shroud Cores. - Upgrade the altar – Once you have the materials, interact with your Flame Altar (or use the upgrade button in the Build Menu) to confirm the upgrade. The altar will consume the materials and increase its level.
- Verify the new range – After upgrading, the buildable area (shown as a translucent circle on the ground) will expand. You can now place structures and items further away from the altar.
- Repeat for higher levels – Continue upgrading your Flame Altar to level 4, 5, and beyond to further increase the build range and area. Each level adds more radius and often unlocks new building pieces.
Common Mistakes
- Not upgrading the altar itself – Some players try to build beyond the initial radius without realizing they need to upgrade the Flame Altar, not just add more altars.
- Placing multiple altars too close – If you place a second Flame Altar within the build range of the first, it may not work as intended. Keep altars at least a few meters apart to avoid conflicts.
- Ignoring the upgrade costs – Higher levels require significant resources. Plan ahead and gather materials in bulk before attempting an upgrade.
- Forgetting to repair the altar – If your altar is damaged (e.g., from enemy attacks), it may not function at full capacity. Repair it using the hammer or build menu before upgrading.
- Assuming the range is a perfect square – The build area is a circle, not a square. Make sure you measure from the center of the altar.
Tips
- Use the Build Menu’s range indicator – When you open the Build Menu, the ground shows a white/blue circle indicating your current buildable area. Use this to visualize your range before placing structures.
- Plan your base layout – Since the range expands from the altar, place your altar in a central location to maximize the usable area.
- Combine with fast travel – Upgraded altars also serve as fast travel points. A higher-level altar can be a strategic hub for exploration.
- Prioritize upgrades early – The first few upgrades are cheap and give a big boost to range. Do them early to make building easier.
- Check for new building pieces – Each altar level unlocks new structural parts (e.g., larger walls, roofs, decorations). Review the Build Menu after each upgrade.
Troubleshooting
Issue: The upgrade button is greyed out.
This usually means you lack the required materials or the altar is not at full health. Check your inventory and repair the altar if needed.
Issue: The build range didn’t increase after upgrading.
Make sure you actually completed the upgrade (materials were consumed). Also, try relogging or restarting the game if the change doesn’t appear immediately.
Issue: Can’t place structures even inside the circle.
Some structures require a flat surface or specific terrain. Try using a foundation or adjusting the placement angle. Also, ensure you’re not too close to an existing structure that blocks the placement.
Issue: The altar won’t upgrade because it’s “blocked”.
Clear any objects (trees, rocks, buildings) that are too close to the altar. The game requires a clear space around the altar for upgrades.
Issue: Multiple altars not working together.
If you have multiple altars, each has its own range. They do not stack. To cover a larger area, upgrade one altar rather than placing many small ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum build range in Enshrouded?
The maximum build range depends on the highest Flame Altar level available. As of the current early access, level 4 altars give a radius of about 50 meters, but future updates may increase this.
Can I move my Flame Altar after placing it?
No, once placed, a Flame Altar cannot be moved. You can only destroy it (losing the altar and its upgrades) and build a new one elsewhere.
Does the build range affect farming or crafting stations?
Yes, any object you place must be within the build range. This includes farms, workbenches, and decorations. Upgrading your altar allows you to place these further away.
Do I need to upgrade every altar to get the same range?
Yes, each Flame Altar has its own level and range. If you want a large base area, focus on upgrading a single altar rather than spreading upgrades across multiple.
Can I build outside the range if I use a foundation?
No, foundations and all other structures must be placed within the buildable radius. There is no way to extend the range except by upgrading the altar.
Does the build range affect the Shroud?
No, the build range only affects where you can place blocks and items. The Shroud (the dangerous fog) is a separate mechanic and cannot be pushed back by building.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.