There are many hazards that you'll have to overcome during your shifts in Hardspace: Shipbreaker. One of the most dangerous hazards is the ship's reactor. This salvage object can cause massive explosions if not dealt with carefully, but will reward you with a ton of credits and progress to your next salvage goal.
Although they are the most dangerous part of salvaging a ship, they are also the most valuable single component, meaning you should always strive to safely remove the ship's reactor. Let's take a look at how to safely remove Class One and Class Two reactors, and some tips for doing so.
How To Safely Remove Class One Reactors
To start removing a Class One reactor, first check your surroundings. When you remove the reactor from its mounting plate, it will begin the meltdown sequence, resulting in an explosion if not dealt with quickly. Because of this, the best way to remove the reactor is to first secure a route between it and the barge.
This is most easily done by removing the hull plates surrounding the reactor. Using the precision Stinger mode on your cutter tool, carefully hit the cut points on the panels to remove them, ensuring the sparks don't fly into the reactor. When the panels are removed and deposited in the processor, you'll be able to remove the reactor.
To get the reactor out, simply give it a tug with your grappler. When it's removed from the reactor plate, the meltdown sequence will begin, giving you about a minute to get it safely into the barge. Because you've already secured a path to the barge, you can tether the reactor to the bottom of the barge and let it go. Just make sure there isn't anything in the path between the reactor and the barge, first. With the reactor safely salvaged, you can return to taking apart the rest of the ship.
How To Safely Remove Class Two Reactors
While similar in execution, Class Two reactors will require a bit more work to safely remove. Like with Class One reactors, your main obstacle will be to secure a safe route for the reactor to move into the barge after it's been extracted from the mounting plate.
This time, however, there are two additional mechanics you'll need to be aware of: the thruster and the Environmental Control Unit (ECU). Class Two reactors will have both of these devices attached to it, and will cause the reactor to begin melting down when they are both disconnected. However, safely disconnecting the thruster and ECU will stabilize the reactor, giving you additional time during the meltdown sequence to get the reactor safely into the barge.
To remove Class Two reactors, start by first disconnecting the fuel line from the reactor. This can be done by flushing the fuel valve, then disconnecting the thruster and putting it into the barge or moving it out of the way. Now, like with Class One reactors, carefully remove exterior panels of the ship around the reactor area to create a path for the reactor to the barge. Remember to cut carefully to avoid hitting the reactor or any nearby fuel tanks.
In some larger ships, there may be two or more fuel lines and thrusters connected to the reactor. Be sure to disconnect all of them before moving on.
After the outer panels of the ship have been removed, inspect the reactor casing and remove three of the panels on one side to reveal the reactor inside, being careful not to touch the reactor itself. Through the gap you just made, move these panels into the processor to give yourself more room.
Next, move to the ECU and remove the front panel to reveal the coolant canisters inside. There are usually three of these objects in the ECU, and removing the final one will disable the device and begin the meltdown sequence. When you're ready to remove the reactor, take out the third coolant canister. These items aren't salvaged like normal objects, instead, you pick them up manually like stray O2 canisters or repair kits.
Quickly make your way back to the reactor and remove it from the casing and mounting plate. With your route secured, move the reactor out of the ship. If you successfully and safely disconnected both the fuel line and ECU, you'll have around two minutes to get the reactor into the barge before it melts down. Use this time wisely to make sure the reactor doesn't bump into anything as you move it out of the ship.
After the reactor is safely out of the ship, tether it to the barge, making sure to remain a safe distance away from it to avoid arcing electricity. When the reactor is safely in the barge, you can get back to work on the rest of the ship.