The sprawling open world of Tower of Fantasy recently grew even larger with the addition of the hotly anticipated Artificial Island in the huge 1.5 update. Shrouded in mystery, this technological marvel floating off the coast of Aida hides fascinating secrets, powerful enemies, and wondrous vistas to explore. But most exciting of all is the Artificial Island’s deep construction system that lets you build, customize, and manage your own personal island paradise. Unlocking the ability to start construction is a major milestone, but the process can be confusing for new Wanderers. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know to gain access to the Artificial Island’s creative building tools and start shaping your ideal digital domain.
Demystifying the Artificial Island
Before we dive into the construction system itself, let’s peel back the veil on this fascinating new location. Where did the Artificial Island come from and what lore and secrets are contained within? Based on the cryptic clues scattered across the landscape, it appears a mysterious scientist known only as The Founder constructed the Artificial Island many decades ago. Its original purpose remains unknown, but something clearly went horribly wrong, leaving the island abandoned and overrun by savage otherworldly enemies known as Corrupted. As a Wanderer, you can piece together the history of this place while overcoming its many threats and challenges.
The Artificial Island is the most vertical and platforming-heavy area introduced to Tower of Fantasy so far. Massive ruined towers, exposed reactor cores, and derelict machinery create a stark technological landscape. You’ll need to utilize your full moveset to traverse collapsed bridges, winding staircases, and maze-like corridors while fighting off the Corrupted. Ancient encrypted computers offer clues about The Founder’s plans while surreal dimensional portals give glimpses into a bizarre alien realm. This dangerous yet alluring island still holds many mysteries left to uncover.
Requirements for Unlocking Construction
But you’re not here just to explore – you want to start building! Before you can let your creativity run wild, there are two requirements you must meet to gain access to the Artificial Island’s construction features:
- Reach Player Level 60
- Earn 840 Exploration Progress on the Artificial Island
Reaching Level 60 simply requires actively playing the game – completing quests, battling enemies, and generally progressing your character. I’d recommend focusing on Main and Limited Time quests first, as these reward the most EXP. Daily Bounties, Crew Missions, and repeatedly running the strongest Resource Investigation and Bounty Mission you have access to are also great sources of EXP.
Alternatively, you can unlock construction by scouring every nook and cranny of the Artificial Island to earn 840 Exploration Progress. This will naturally occur as you complete quests, open loot containers, gather collectibles, activate datacorders, and defeat enemies. Certain milestones like fully exploring a subregion will give big boosts. It took me around 16 hours of focused grinding to reach the 840 requirement, so be prepared for an adventure!
Here are the Exploration Progress milestones and rewards:
| Exploration Progress | Reward |
|---|---|
| 200 | 2,000 Cogs |
| 450 | 3,000 Cogs |
| 680 | Artificial Island Supply Pod I |
| 840 | Unlocks Construction |
Walkthrough to Unlock Construction
Okay, you’ve hit Level 60 or earned 840 Exploration Progress. Now it’s time to actually gain access to the Artificial Island’s construction system. Just follow these simple steps:
- Open your main menu by pressing ESC or clicking the Paimon icon.
- Select the Build option.
- Choose to fast travel to Base Zero. This is a story location found in the southwest of the overworld map.
- Upon arriving, locate and speak with the NPC named Kolador. He can be found on the main floor of the lobby.
- Interact with Kolador and choose the “Construct” dialogue option.
- Select the option to build and upgrade the Development Center.
After a short cutscene, Kolador will confirm construction is now unlocked! No resources are consumed when initiating the upgrade. Kolador hints you should now start gathering materials across the island.
And that’s it! You’ve officially unlocked the keys to start developing your own slice of this digital paradise. Time to let your creativity run wild!
Unleashing Your Creativity with the Construction System
So what exactly can you do now with the Artificial Island’s robust construction features? Here are some of the expansive possibilities:
- Freely build structures like dwellings, shops, and resource production facilities on your personal island plot. Everything from the layout to decorations can be customized.
- Craft decorative items like bushes, trees, rocks, and water features to liven up your island’s landscape.
- Expand and upgrade buildings to improve output and efficiency.
- Recruit AI workers who gather resources and materials so you can focus on creating.
- Create infrastructure like roads and lamps to establish your island’s style.
- Manage production chains by linking facilities that process raw materials into advanced goods.
- Unlock blueprints for unique structures by completing Artificial Island activities.
- Invite friends to visit your island, join you in building, and provide feedback.
- Participate in regularly occurring construction contests with unique rewards.
The sheer breadth of options is staggering. Do you want to create a lush natural paradise? A sprawling industrial complex? A decorative landscape akin to Japanese zen gardens? It’s all possible thanks to the powerful building tools. Creative players could spend countless hours designing, tweaking, and perfecting their ideal artificial island.
Personally, I’m leaning towards building a cozy coastal community, reminiscent of a Mediterranean island village. The sound of crashing waves and cries of gulls in the background make it feel peaceful and alive. I love the ability to incorporate both natural and architectural elements. My friend joked I should add a giant statue of my main character!
Expert Tips and Strategies
I’ve spent over 30 hours tinkering in the construction system during the closed beta test. Here are some expert tips to help you hit the ground running:
- Prioritize expanding your population limit. This allows you to recruit more worker AIs to automate gathering and building. The starting cap is painfully low at just 20.
- Build resource generators early. Raw materials like wood, stone, and ores are crucial for crafting. Facilities like lumber yards and quarries produce them over time.
- Take advantage of adjacency bonuses. Placing certain structures next to each other grants production boosts. For example, building homes beside decorations increases comfort.
- Craft the Resource Investigation gadget. This shows gathering hotspots and helps locate ideal build sites based on local resources.
- Join a Club for access to community buildings. These include crafting stations and trading posts for purchasing rare ingredients and schematics.
- Use blueprints that match your playstyle. Those focused on combat may want training facilities and weapon shops. Creative decorators prefer gardens, fountains, and greenery.
While it may seem overwhelming at first, constructing your personal island paradise becomes an addictingly fun sandbox full of possibilities. I can’t wait to see the unique islands and masterpieces this creative community of Wanderers will design!
A Bright Future of Possibility on the Horizon
The Artificial Island update completely reinvented the endgame of Tower of Fantasy. Not only does it offer exciting new challenges to test your combat abilities, but the deeply engrossing construction system provides creative Wanderers infinite opportunities to build their ideal world. While unlocking access to construction may seem daunting at first, just focus on raising your character level or exploring the island thoroughly. Once unlocked, you gain access to the tools to construct whatever your heart desires.
I hope this guide has demystified the process of unlocking construction and provided inspiration to let your creativity run wild. We’ve only scratched the surface of the secrets and possibilities hidden within the ever-expanding Artificial Island. Our journey to master this mysterious realm has just begun. I can’t wait to see you, my fellow Wanderers, continue to shape and evolve this world with your own hands. The future remains ours to design.
So get out there, meet those requirements, talk to Kolador, and start building your digital dream! This is just the beginning…