Ladder

Enables vertical mobility for Duplicants.

Dimensions

1×1 tiles

Usage

Duplicants can move both horizontally and vertically along Ladders, as well as walk on top of Ladders as if they were tiles. In both directions, Duplicants can jump one-tile gaps to another Ladder or other valid walking surface. This allows Ladders to be used for vertical movement and gas/liquid-permeable scaffolding. However, Ladders take much longer to construct than Tile, making them a poor option for urgent situations.

Ladders slightly decrease Decor, disincentivizing overuse of them in environments where Decor matters.

From any given Ladder, Duplicants can dig two tiles to either side, four tiles above, and three tiles below. This means it is possible to efficiently dig out large areas by placing Ladders in rows (skipping one tile between each) that are 7 tiles apart.

Duplicants cannot climb onto a ladder right under the ceiling, the ladder must be 1 tile away from the ceiling in order to allow passage.

Mechanics

Ladders do not count as solid ground - structures cannot be built on them and ground-based Critters such as Hatches will not walk on them.
Ladders do not block liquid or gas flow, or solid objects.
Ladders do not block Light or Decor.
Meteors will break ladders, but broken ladders still functions.

Tips

While ladders cannot be built over rocket modules or engines, they can certainly be built after a rocket is launched, it's recommended to build a long line of ladders one tile apart from the end of your gantry platforms after a rocket launches in order to give duplicants full access to any rocket module. However, since your colony's need for rockets may change over time, it's best to use a widely available and heat resistant material like Igneous Rock which can survive up until Hydrogen Rocket's exhausts.