Difference between revisions of "Mortar"

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{{Image wanted|reason=Clean images of all the command gizmos (Hold fire, forced target etc.)}}{{infobox main|security|
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{{Infobox main|security
 
| name = Mortar
 
| name = Mortar
 
| image = Turret_mortar.png
 
| image = Turret_mortar.png
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| warmup = 240
 
| warmup = 240
 
| velocity = 41
 
| velocity = 41
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| mode = Single-shot
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| mode = Single-Shot
 
| burst = 1
 
| burst = 1
 
| missRadius = 9
 
| missRadius = 9
 
}}
 
}}
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{{For|additional guidance|Defense structures#Mortars{{!}}Defense structures|Weapon Guide#Mortars{{!}}Weapon Guide}}
 
 
The '''Mortar''' is a ''manned'' [[Security]] building similar to a [[turret]]. It can launch [[mortar shell]]s at any target on the same map so long as it is outside of its minimum range of 30 tiles, either automatically targeted by the manning colonist, or manually targeted by the player. The effects of the mortar depend on the shell loaded.  
 
The '''Mortar''' is a ''manned'' [[Security]] building similar to a [[turret]]. It can launch [[mortar shell]]s at any target on the same map so long as it is outside of its minimum range of 30 tiles, either automatically targeted by the manning colonist, or manually targeted by the player. The effects of the mortar depend on the shell loaded.  
  
 
== Acquisition ==
 
== Acquisition ==
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Mortars can only be constructed once the [[Research#{{P|Required Research}}|{{P|Required Research}}]] research project has been completed. Each mortar requires {{Required Resources}}, {{P|Work To Make}} of work, and a [[{{P|Skill 1}}]] skill of {{P|Skill 1 Level}}. If the [[AI_Storytellers#Classic mortars|Classic mortars]] storyteller option is enabled, the removal of [[reinforced barrel]]s changes this recipe instead to: {{icon Small|Stuff||75}} [[stuff]] ([[Metals]]), {{icon Small|steel||150}} [[steel]], and {{icon Small|component||6}} [[component]]s.  
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{{Acquisition}} If the [[AI_Storytellers#Classic mortars|Classic mortars]] storyteller option is enabled, the removal of [[reinforced barrel]]s changes this recipe instead to: {{Icon Small|Stuff||75}} [[stuff]] ([[Metals]]), {{Icon Small|steel||150}} [[steel]], and {{Icon Small|component||6}} [[component]]s.  
  
 
Alternatively, they can be [[claim]]ed and taken from [[Raids#Siege|Sieges]] once all the [[raiders]] have been killed.
 
Alternatively, they can be [[claim]]ed and taken from [[Raids#Siege|Sieges]] once all the [[raiders]] have been killed.
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The mortar shells required to use the mortar must also be acquired separately. See their respective pages for details.
 
The mortar shells required to use the mortar must also be acquired separately. See their respective pages for details.
  
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==Summary==
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== Summary ==
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Mortars, when manned by a pawn, launch [[mortar shell]]s one at a time at any enemy that enters its {{P|Range}}-tile firing radius, or at a target set by the player inside this radius. The player can target a location or a specific pawn. Regardless of the type of targeting, the mortar cannot fire at targets within its {{P|Minimum Range}} tile minimum range. The displayed range indicator of mortars is not its range, but instead the size of this minimum range. Mortars cannot fire if covered by a [[roof]]. Firing can be toggled with the "'''Hold Fire'''" gizmo.
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Mortars launch [[mortar shell]]s. The manning pawn will load and fire shells at targets within a {{P|Range}}-tile firing radius, but outside of the {{P|Minimum Range}}-tile blind zone. Mortars can't fire if under any [[roof]], but the mortar shells themselves are only stopped by [[overhead mountain]]. Mortar shells can be fired over [[wall]]s. Mortars can fire 20 shots before needing to be re-armed by a {{Icon Small|reinforced barrel}} [[reinforced barrel]].
  
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Mortars require a pawn to load and fire shells. Pawns incapable of violence will refuse to man them. Unlike drafted colonists, mortar personnel do not return to their normal schedule when undrafted and must be manually relieved from the mortar job.  
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Pawns can be selected to man the mortar. They will automatically aim at enemies in range, but the player can force-target a location or pawn. Firing can be toggled with the "'''Hold Fire'''" gizmo. Note that pawns will continuously fire the mortar until ordered to leave or otherwise stop.  A mortar has a {{Ticks|{{P|Aiming Time Base #}}}} warmup time and a {{Ticks|{{P|Ranged Cooldown Base #}}}} cooldown. The cooldown does not tick down until a pawn actually mans the turret, not counting the time to grab the shell.
  
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Mortars have a forced miss radius of 9 tiles, i.e., the shell will land somewhere within 9 tiles of the designated tile. This radius is then multiplied the pawn's [[Mortar Miss Radius Multiplier]], which in turn depends on the [[Shooting]] skill, and the [[Manipulation]] and [[Sight]] capacities. For more detail, see the [[Mortar Miss Radius Multiplier]] page. This base miss radius is increased to 13 if the [[AI_Storytellers#Classic mortars|Classic Mortars]] storyteller option is enabled. It is currently unclear if the pawn's radius multiplier applies when Classic Mortars is enabled.{{Check Tag|Fact Check}}
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Mortars have a natural Forced Miss Radius of 9 tiles, i.e., the shell will land somewhere within 9 tiles of the designated tile. This is multiplied by the shooter's [[Mortar Miss Radius Multiplier]], which can be lowered by increasing [[Shooting]] skill, [[Manipulation]], and having 100% [[Sight]].
  
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It has a {{ticks|{{P|Aiming Time Base #}}}} warmup time and a {{ticks|{{P|Ranged Cooldown Base #}}}} cooldown. Note that the cooldown does not tick down while no pawn is manning the turret, even if they are in the process of retrieving another shell.  
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The effect on target depends on the type of [[mortar shell]] loaded into it. These shells can be manually extracted from the mortar. Mortars can be set to only accept specific types of shells at will. A summary of available shells is provided in the table below, but see the relevant shell pages for full details.
  
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Every 20 shots, a new [[reinforced barrel]] is required to rearm the mortar and allow continued firing. This requirement does not exist, and reinforced barrels are removed from the game entirely, if the [[AI_Storytellers#Classic mortars|Classic mortars]] storyteller option is enabled.
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=== Classic Mortars ===
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The [[AI_Storytellers#Classic mortars|Classic Mortars]] storyteller option removes the need for [[reinforced barrel]]s entirely. However, the base Miss Radius is increased to 13 tiles, and the cost of both mortars and their shells are increased. A pawn's Mortar Miss Radius Multiplier still applies when Classic Mortars is enabled.
  
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The effect on target depends on the type of [[mortar shell]] loaded into it. These shells can be manually extracted from the mortar. Mortars can be set to only accept specific types of shells at will. A summary of available shells is provided in the table bellow, but see the relevant shell pages for full details.
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Note that the miss radius of a pawn with 20 Shooting with classic mortars enabled is almost the same as the miss radius of a pawn with 0 Shooting with classic mortars disabled.
  
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=== Shells ===
 
{{#ask: [[Category: Mortar shells]]
 
{{#ask: [[Category: Mortar shells]]
 
| mainlabel= [[Mortar shell]]
 
| mainlabel= [[Mortar shell]]
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}}
 
}}
  
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If it is damaged below one third of its hitpoints, or {{#expr: {{P|Max Hit Points Base #}}/3}} HP, it has a chance{{Check Tag|What chance?}} to explode. The mortar will spark and emit a hissing sound shortly before exploding {{ticks|240}} later. The explosion deals 50 [[Damage Type#Bomb|Bomb]] damage in a 4.9 tile radius centered around the tile covered by the mortar closest to the interaction spot - that is, the explosion is not centered on the true center of the 2x2 mortar.
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=== Mortar building ===
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When hit by an [[EMP]] from any source, mortars are prevented from firing and the reload countdown is paused for the duration of the stun. Mortars do not 'adapt' to EMP. If an EMP attack does more EMP damage to a mortar than its remaining HP, the mortar will explode. For most sources of EMP damage, this is below 50 HP.
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If it is damaged below one third of its hitpoints, or {{#expr: {{P|Max Hit Points Base #}}/3}} HP, it has a chance{{Check Tag|What chance?}} to explode. The mortar will spark and emit a hissing sound shortly before exploding {{Ticks|240}} later. The explosion deals 50 [[Damage Type#Bomb|Bomb]] damage in a 4.9 tile radius centered around the tile covered by the mortar closest to the interaction spot - that is, the explosion is not centered on the true center of the 2x2 mortar.
  
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When hit by an [[EMP]] from any source, mortars are prevented from firing and the reload countdown is paused for the duration of the stun. Mortars do not 'adapt' to EMP. If an EMP attack does more EMP damage to a mortar than its remaining HP, the mortar will explode. For most sources of EMP damage, this is below 50 HP.
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Mortars are ''not'' affected by [[solar flare]]s or [[EMI dynamo]]s{{RoyaltyIcon}}.
  
 
== Analysis ==
 
== Analysis ==
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{{Stub|section=1|reason=Needs actual tactics and strategy, comparison of material types, etc.}}
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{{Stub|section=1|reason=Needs actual tactics (ex. how far do you need to lead a shot to hit a moving enemy)}}
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{{Rewrite|section=1|reason=Not yet updated to reflect the increased accuracy now that [[Mortar Miss Radius Multiplier|MMRM]] stat exists}}  
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{{For|additional guidance|Defense structures#Mortars{{!}}Defense structures|Weapon Guide#Mortars{{!}}Weapon Guide}}
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Mortars are too inaccurate to target moving enemies, except when targeting large, dense groups or when using antigrain shells. Instead, they're better suited against sieging enemies, preparing raiders, and [[Mechanoid_cluster|mech clusters]] {{RoyaltyIcon}}. Note that [[Mech high-shield]]s {{RoyaltyIcon}} will block mortar shots and, if present, can render mortars ineffective against clusters, however the use of [[EMP shell]]s will temporarily disable the shield. The shield will not be down long enough for a the EMP-firing mortar to load a shell and fire again, but a single EMP-firing mortar and several HE-firing mortars can work in tandem to attack the shielded clusters during the vulnerability by firing the EMP slightly in advance of the HE rounds.
 
  
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Enemy [[Events#Sieges|sieges]] typically spawn with 2 mortars, that will be constructed by the enemy, and then fired at your base. Shells fired from mortars will break through constructed roofing but not through mountains (or any tile underneath one). Following a siege, it is possible to loot mortars from siege attacks, so long as the enemy builders complete construction, by reinstalling them in your base. Pawns assigned to construction will haul them to their new location.
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Mortars are one of the best counters against [[siege]]s, who will shell you with mortars themselves. Siegers will start assaulting the colony (abandoning their mortars) once they've taken enough casualties; a few mortar shots are enough to start the assault. If you're lucky, the mortar will hit their mortar shells, creating a chain reaction. Since an uninterrupted siege is devastating to a colony outside of [[overhead mountain]], mortars are usually worthwhile to build. [[Sniper rifle]]s are an alternative, though picking off the enemy becomes dangerous if they also have snipers. Conversely, sieges are also one of the best ways to get reinforced barrels, and, if allowed to build them, mortars themselves.
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They are also useful against other stationary targets, such as [[crashed ship parts]] or [[mech cluster]]s{{RoyaltyIcon}}. For the former, mechs will start assaulting the colony if you destroy the ship part. For mech clusters, note that a [[mech high-shield]]{{RoyaltyIcon}} will block mortar shots; [[EMP shell]]s can disable the shield, but not long enough to fire with the same mortar again. Using 1 EMP-firing mortar, then firing other mortars after a short delay, can allow you to bypass a high shield.
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 +
Due to their long delay and overall inaccuracy, mortars aren't recommended against mobile targets, except perhaps if you're using an [[antigrain warhead]].
 +
 
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Generally, you'll want pawns with the best Shooting to operate a mortar, as they are the most accurate. [[Manipulation]] and [[Sight]] are also factors. See [[Mortar Miss Radius Multiplier]] for more details.
  
 
=== Mortar pits ===
 
=== Mortar pits ===
 
[[File:Mortar Pit.png|thumb|A full featured, if not necessarily optimal, mortar pit]]
 
[[File:Mortar Pit.png|thumb|A full featured, if not necessarily optimal, mortar pit]]
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Mortar pits are constructions used to facilitate rapid loading and firing of mortarts, store ammunition protect them and their ammunition from counter-battery fire and raiders, and/or protect the surroundings from any detonations of the same. At its simplest, a mortar pit might simply be mortar and a [[shelf]] for the shells to keep them close at hand and prevent deterioration. Additional features can be added as wanted or needed.  
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Mortar pits are constructions used to facilitate rapid loading and firing of mortars, store ammunition protect them and their ammunition from counter-battery fire and raiders, and/or protect the surroundings from any detonations of the same. At its simplest, a mortar pit might simply be mortar and a [[shelf]] for the shells to keep them close at hand and prevent deterioration. Additional features can be added as wanted or needed.  
  
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As mortars must be constructed outside, they are inherently at risk from counter-battery fire from enemy [[siege]] mortars and mechanoid [[automortar]]s{{RoyaltyIcon}}. Additionally, being explosive themselves, the shells and the mortars being attacked or damaged means they pose a risk to nearby structures. If mortars are placed together, one detonating can cause a devastating chain reaction and destroy the entire battery. However, due to explosion mechanics, any one explosion can be outright stopped by a single-tile-thick [[wall]], even if the wall is destroyed in the process. Thus, seperating explosive items from each other by a single thick wall is sufficient to prevent most chain reactions. However, if two or more explosions occur non-simultaneously, the first explosion may destroy the wall and while the latter explosions damage items beyond it. This can occur if items are stored together, if whatever causes the detonation damages the wall itself, or if the cause of the detonation is able to damage two or more secondary explosives at the same time.
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As mortars cannot be constructed under a mountain, they are inherently at risk from counter-battery fire from enemy [[siege]] mortars and mechanoid [[automortar]]s{{RoyaltyIcon}}. Mortars and their shells are prone to exploding themselves. Any one explosion can be stopped by a single layer of [[wall]], meaning that separating explosive items with walls is usually sufficient. But if two or more explosions occur non-simultaneously, the first explosion may destroy the wall and while the latter explosions damage items beyond it.
  
 
Unlike every other known instance, pawns that are loading mortars will '''not''' draw shells on a [[shelf]] from an adjacent tile, instead they will walk on top of the shelf to retrieve one. It is unknown if this is a bug or intended behaviour. Thus, the [[Shelf#Analysis|shelf trick]] does not cut down on walking times for mortar crew and in fact increases it, as the shelf has a path cost of {{Q|Shelf|Path Cost}}. Shelves retain their utility in keeping items stored outdoors from deteriorating.
 
Unlike every other known instance, pawns that are loading mortars will '''not''' draw shells on a [[shelf]] from an adjacent tile, instead they will walk on top of the shelf to retrieve one. It is unknown if this is a bug or intended behaviour. Thus, the [[Shelf#Analysis|shelf trick]] does not cut down on walking times for mortar crew and in fact increases it, as the shelf has a path cost of {{Q|Shelf|Path Cost}}. Shelves retain their utility in keeping items stored outdoors from deteriorating.
  
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{{Building Material Table}}
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=== Materials ===
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Material choice impacts a mortar's work time, health, and beauty. Of these, beauty is increased more by a [[sculpture]] of even awful quality. Health rarely matters if a mortar is placed inside a colony; the chance of an opposing mortar shell hitting is quite low. Work time isn't an issue for colonies that are stable enough to build mortars, as the building is reusable.
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As [[steel]] is the cheapest available material, it is usually the best choice to use. Steel mortars can survive 1 high-explosive impact, and the mortar can be repaired if it is actually hit. Plasteel is technically the best material, but typically isn't necessary. If you have a steady supply of [[bioferrite]],{{AnomalyIcon}} it may make a better choice as it has double the HP of steel at the cost of higher flammability (steel is also flammable, though).
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{{Building Stats Table}}
  
 
== Image gallery ==
 
== Image gallery ==
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<gallery widths="300px" heights="300px" class="center" mode="nolines">
 
<gallery widths="300px" heights="300px" class="center" mode="nolines">
 
File:Mortar placement.png|'''Plan grid: Mortar sits between 4 tiles'''
 
File:Mortar placement.png|'''Plan grid: Mortar sits between 4 tiles'''
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* [[Version/1.3.3066|1.3.3066]] - Mortars now require uncraftable [[reinforced barrel]]s to build and rearm after every 20 shots. Forced miss radius lowered from 13 to 10. All craftable [[mortar shell]]s have had their crafting recipes lowered by 10 [[steel]]. Recipe changed from 75 stuff, 150 steel and 6 components to 50 stuff, 1 reinforced barrel, and 6 components. All changes are reversible in the "Classic Mortars" storyteller option.  
 
* [[Version/1.3.3066|1.3.3066]] - Mortars now require uncraftable [[reinforced barrel]]s to build and rearm after every 20 shots. Forced miss radius lowered from 13 to 10. All craftable [[mortar shell]]s have had their crafting recipes lowered by 10 [[steel]]. Recipe changed from 75 stuff, 150 steel and 6 components to 50 stuff, 1 reinforced barrel, and 6 components. All changes are reversible in the "Classic Mortars" storyteller option.  
 
* [[Version/1.3.3067|1.3.3067]] - Mortars don't drop their barrels when deconstructed if under 50% "fuel" i.e. after 10 shots have been fired with that barrel.
 
* [[Version/1.3.3067|1.3.3067]] - Mortars don't drop their barrels when deconstructed if under 50% "fuel" i.e. after 10 shots have been fired with that barrel.
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* [[Version/1.3.3200|1.3.3200]] - Forced miss radius reduced from 10 to 9. Mortar accuracy now varies by its crewman's [[Mortar Miss Radius Multiplier]]. Previously nothing but the Classic Mortars option affected mortar accuracy. Uninstalling and reinstalling a mortar no longer resets its cooldown.
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* [[Version/1.3.3200|1.3.3200]] - Forced miss radius reduced from 10 to 9. Mortar accuracy now varies by its crewman's [[Mortar Miss Radius Multiplier]]. Previously nothing but the Classic Mortars option affected mortar accuracy. Uninstalling and reinstalling a mortar no longer resets its cooldown. Fix: Mortar draws interaction spot when selected.
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* [[Version/1.4.3534|1.4.3534]] - Fix: Yttakin settlements can have mortars manned by animals.
  
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
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</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
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{{nav|security|wide}}
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{{Nav|security|wide}}
 
[[Category:Security]] [[Category:Turret]]
 
[[Category:Security]] [[Category:Turret]]

Latest revision as of 19:23, 19 August 2024

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This page could use some more or updated images. You can help RimWorld Wiki by uploading images to make this page better. Note: Clean images of all the command gizmos (Hold fire, forced target etc.). Image of building explosion (not shell explosion) AOE in the style of File:Friendly Fire Radii.png.

Mortar

Mortar

A manned mortar that launches all kinds of shells. While it can inflict devastating damage, the mortar's inherent inaccuracy makes it more useful for attacking large fortifications than groups of enemies in the field.

Base Stats

Type
Building – Security
Mass
30 kg
Beauty
-20
HP
180
Flammability
70%
Path Cost
50 (21%)

Building

Size
2 × 2
Minifiable
True
Placeable
True
Passability
pass through only
Cover Effectiveness
40%
Terrain Affordance
Heavy

Ranged Combat

Mode
Single-Shot
Warm-Up
240 ticks (4 secs)
Cooldown
1,680 ticks (28 secs)
Range
500 tile(s)
Minimum Range
29.9 tiles
Velocity
41 (m/s)
Burst Count
1 (per burst)
Miss Radius
9 tile(s)

Creation

Required Research
Mortars
Skill Required
Construction 5
Work To Make
2,000 ticks (33.33 secs)
Stuff Tags
Metallic
Resources to make
Stuff 50 + Reinforced barrel 1 + Component 6
Deconstruct yield
Stuff 25 + Reinforced barrel 0 - 1 + Component 3
Destroy yield
Stuff 12 - 13 + Reinforced barrel 0 - 1 + Component 1 - 2
Technical
thingCategories
BuildingsSecurity


The Mortar is a manned Security building similar to a turret. It can launch mortar shells at any target on the same map so long as it is outside of its minimum range of 30 tiles, either automatically targeted by the manning colonist, or manually targeted by the player. The effects of the mortar depend on the shell loaded.

Acquisition[edit]

Mortars can be constructed once the mortars research project has been completed. Each requires Stuff 50 Stuff (Metallic, 500 for SMVs), Reinforced barrel 1 Reinforced barrel, Component 6 Components, 2,000 ticks (33.33 secs) of work modified by the construction speed of the builder and the work to build factor and offset of the material, and a construction skill of 5. If the Classic mortars storyteller option is enabled, the removal of reinforced barrels changes this recipe instead to: Stuff 75 stuff (Metals), Steel 150 steel, and Component 6 components.

Alternatively, they can be claimed and taken from Sieges once all the raiders have been killed.

The mortar shells required to use the mortar must also be acquired separately. See their respective pages for details.

Summary[edit]

Mortars launch mortar shells. The manning pawn will load and fire shells at targets within a 500-tile firing radius, but outside of the 29.9-tile blind zone. Mortars can't fire if under any roof, but the mortar shells themselves are only stopped by overhead mountain. Mortar shells can be fired over walls. Mortars can fire 20 shots before needing to be re-armed by a Reinforced barrel reinforced barrel.

Pawns can be selected to man the mortar. They will automatically aim at enemies in range, but the player can force-target a location or pawn. Firing can be toggled with the "Hold Fire" gizmo. Note that pawns will continuously fire the mortar until ordered to leave or otherwise stop. A mortar has a 240 ticks (4 secs) warmup time and a 1,680 ticks (28 secs) cooldown. The cooldown does not tick down until a pawn actually mans the turret, not counting the time to grab the shell.

Mortars have a natural Forced Miss Radius of 9 tiles, i.e., the shell will land somewhere within 9 tiles of the designated tile. This is multiplied by the shooter's Mortar Miss Radius Multiplier, which can be lowered by increasing Shooting skill, Manipulation, and having 100% Sight.

The effect on target depends on the type of mortar shell loaded into it. These shells can be manually extracted from the mortar. Mortars can be set to only accept specific types of shells at will. A summary of available shells is provided in the table below, but see the relevant shell pages for full details.

Classic Mortars[edit]

The Classic Mortars storyteller option removes the need for reinforced barrels entirely. However, the base Miss Radius is increased to 13 tiles, and the cost of both mortars and their shells are increased. A pawn's Mortar Miss Radius Multiplier still applies when Classic Mortars is enabled.

Note that the miss radius of a pawn with 20 Shooting with classic mortars enabled is almost the same as the miss radius of a pawn with 0 Shooting with classic mortars disabled.

Shells[edit]

Mortar shellDamage BaseDamage TypeBlast RadiusMarket Value Base
Antigrain warhead550BombSuper14.91,200
Deadlife shell4.155
EMP shell50EMP8.955
Firefoam shell0Extinguish555
High-explosive shell50Bomb2.955
Incendiary shell10Flame2.955
Smoke shell0Smoke7.255
Tox shell455

Mortar building[edit]

When hit by an EMP from any source, mortars are prevented from firing and the reload countdown is paused for the duration of the stun. Mortars do not 'adapt' to EMP. If an EMP attack does more EMP damage to a mortar than its remaining HP, the mortar will explode. For most sources of EMP damage, this is below 50 HP.

If it is damaged below one third of its hitpoints, or 60 HP, it has a chance[What chance?] to explode. The mortar will spark and emit a hissing sound shortly before exploding 240 ticks (4 secs) later. The explosion deals 50 Bomb damage in a 4.9 tile radius centered around the tile covered by the mortar closest to the interaction spot - that is, the explosion is not centered on the true center of the 2x2 mortar.

Mortars are not affected by solar flares or EMI dynamosContent added by the Royalty DLC.

Analysis[edit]

StumpChoppedA (cropped).png
This section is a stub. You can help RimWorld Wiki by expanding it. Reason: Needs actual tactics (ex. how far do you need to lead a shot to hit a moving enemy).
For additional guidance, see Defense structures and Weapon Guide.

Mortars are one of the best counters against sieges, who will shell you with mortars themselves. Siegers will start assaulting the colony (abandoning their mortars) once they've taken enough casualties; a few mortar shots are enough to start the assault. If you're lucky, the mortar will hit their mortar shells, creating a chain reaction. Since an uninterrupted siege is devastating to a colony outside of overhead mountain, mortars are usually worthwhile to build. Sniper rifles are an alternative, though picking off the enemy becomes dangerous if they also have snipers. Conversely, sieges are also one of the best ways to get reinforced barrels, and, if allowed to build them, mortars themselves.

They are also useful against other stationary targets, such as crashed ship parts or mech clustersContent added by the Royalty DLC. For the former, mechs will start assaulting the colony if you destroy the ship part. For mech clusters, note that a mech high-shieldContent added by the Royalty DLC will block mortar shots; EMP shells can disable the shield, but not long enough to fire with the same mortar again. Using 1 EMP-firing mortar, then firing other mortars after a short delay, can allow you to bypass a high shield.

Due to their long delay and overall inaccuracy, mortars aren't recommended against mobile targets, except perhaps if you're using an antigrain warhead.

Generally, you'll want pawns with the best Shooting to operate a mortar, as they are the most accurate. Manipulation and Sight are also factors. See Mortar Miss Radius Multiplier for more details.

Mortar pits[edit]

A full featured, if not necessarily optimal, mortar pit

Mortar pits are constructions used to facilitate rapid loading and firing of mortars, store ammunition protect them and their ammunition from counter-battery fire and raiders, and/or protect the surroundings from any detonations of the same. At its simplest, a mortar pit might simply be mortar and a shelf for the shells to keep them close at hand and prevent deterioration. Additional features can be added as wanted or needed.

As mortars cannot be constructed under a mountain, they are inherently at risk from counter-battery fire from enemy siege mortars and mechanoid automortarsContent added by the Royalty DLC. Mortars and their shells are prone to exploding themselves. Any one explosion can be stopped by a single layer of wall, meaning that separating explosive items with walls is usually sufficient. But if two or more explosions occur non-simultaneously, the first explosion may destroy the wall and while the latter explosions damage items beyond it.

Unlike every other known instance, pawns that are loading mortars will not draw shells on a shelf from an adjacent tile, instead they will walk on top of the shelf to retrieve one. It is unknown if this is a bug or intended behaviour. Thus, the shelf trick does not cut down on walking times for mortar crew and in fact increases it, as the shelf has a path cost of 50. Shelves retain their utility in keeping items stored outdoors from deteriorating.

Materials[edit]

Material choice impacts a mortar's work time, health, and beauty. Of these, beauty is increased more by a sculpture of even awful quality. Health rarely matters if a mortar is placed inside a colony; the chance of an opposing mortar shell hitting is quite low. Work time isn't an issue for colonies that are stable enough to build mortars, as the building is reusable.

As steel is the cheapest available material, it is usually the best choice to use. Steel mortars can survive 1 high-explosive impact, and the mortar can be repaired if it is actually hit. Plasteel is technically the best material, but typically isn't necessary. If you have a steady supply of bioferrite,Content added by the Anomaly DLC it may make a better choice as it has double the HP of steel at the cost of higher flammability (steel is also flammable, though).

Stats table

  • Mortar Mortar Beauty Work to Build HP Flamma­bility Market
    Value
    Material
    Bioferrite Bioferrite Content added by the Anomaly DLC -20 005,000 ticks (1.39 mins) 360 52.5% 845 Silver
    Gold Gold 0 001,800 ticks (30 secs) 108 28% 5,800 Silver
    Plasteel Plasteel -20 004,400 ticks (1.22 mins) 504 0% 1,260 Silver
    Silver Silver -14 002,000 ticks (33.33 secs) 126 28% 1,300 Silver
    Steel Steel -20 002,000 ticks (33.33 secs) 180 28% 895 Silver
    Uranium Uranium -20 003,800 ticks (1.06 mins) 450 0% 1,105 Silver

    • Image gallery[edit]

    • Plan grid: Mortar sits between 4 tiles

    • Manning a mortar

    • Setting a forced target

    All of the mortar's gizmos, including barrel durability, building controls, and shell "stockpile" controls.

    Version history[edit]

    • 0.5.492 - Added as the Incendiary Mortar and Explosive Mortar
    • 0.6.532 - EMP mortar added.
    • 0.9.722 - Now requires shells to fire.
    • 0.17.1546 - Buffed so players use them: Cheaper/faster to build, faster shooting, greater accuracy, cheaper shells.
    • Beta 18 - the three types of mortars (Incendiary, EMP and explosive) were replaced with a single type, which fires different types of shells that achieve the same effect. In addition, two new shells are added, the firefoam shell and the antigrain warhead.
    • 1.1.2618 - the cost was increased from 100 steel, 50 materials and 4 components.
    • 1.3.3066 - Mortars now require uncraftable reinforced barrels to build and rearm after every 20 shots. Forced miss radius lowered from 13 to 10. All craftable mortar shells have had their crafting recipes lowered by 10 steel. Recipe changed from 75 stuff, 150 steel and 6 components to 50 stuff, 1 reinforced barrel, and 6 components. All changes are reversible in the "Classic Mortars" storyteller option.
    • 1.3.3067 - Mortars don't drop their barrels when deconstructed if under 50% "fuel" i.e. after 10 shots have been fired with that barrel.
    • 1.3.3200 - Forced miss radius reduced from 10 to 9. Mortar accuracy now varies by its crewman's Mortar Miss Radius Multiplier. Previously nothing but the Classic Mortars option affected mortar accuracy. Uninstalling and reinstalling a mortar no longer resets its cooldown. Fix: Mortar draws interaction spot when selected.
    • 1.4.3534 - Fix: Yttakin settlements can have mortars manned by animals.

    • Sprite of the EMP mortar before merge

    • Sprite of the Incendiary mortar before merge

    Architect
    Security
    Barricade • Sandbags • Spike trap
    (research)
    Autocannon turret • Foam turret • Mini-turret • Rocketswarm launcher • Uranium slug turret • Mortar
    IEDs
    IED trap • IED incendiary trap • IED EMP trap • IED firefoam trap • IED smoke trap • IED antigrain warhead trap • IED tox trap Content added by the Biotech DLC • IED deadlife trap Content added by the Anomaly DLC
    Related
    Antigrain warhead • EMP shell • Firefoam shell • High-explosive shell • Incendiary shell • Smoke shell • Tox shell Content added by the Biotech DLC • Deadlife shell Content added by the Anomaly DLC

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