“Find any lump in the void and lift it” is one of the first requests that can stall a run. The game never really spells out what a “lump” is, how it differs from the usual floating scraps, or which station handles it. Here’s the short version: lumps are large, heavy versions of common resources that float in the void with visible firefly-like glows. They occupy a heavy item slot, don’t stack, and can be processed into usable materials at your stations.
What a “lump” is (and isn’t)
- Lumps are heavy objects that spawn in the void. They’re larger than normal loot, appear as dark blobs, and are surrounded by a distinctive swirl of tiny lights. They can sometimes be partially hidden behind scenery, so scan edges and occluded areas as you pass.
- They use a heavy item slot (stack size: 1) and need to be physically picked up and carried; they do not behave like the small chunks you vacuum up as you move.
- Lumps are not the same as chunks. If a station or blueprint calls for a “lump,” it won’t accept regular chunks of the same resource. Likewise, generic ice or coal pieces won’t satisfy tasks that explicitly require a “lump.”
Expect to see lumps for core materials such as coal, silicon, zinc, and gasoline floating in the void. All of them are processed on your train, but not always at the same station.
How to complete “Find any lump in the void and lift it”
- Keep the train moving through the path and look for the telltale fireflies orbiting a dark, slightly larger object. That’s your lump.
- Brake nearby, jump off, and pick it up. Because lumps count as heavy, having the small backpack equipped (adds one heavy item slot and three inventory cells) makes this trivial.
- If you’ve just unlocked the Crusher or Recycler questlines, keep going a bit further down the path. Early progression tends to time lump spawns around these steps, so they may appear shortly after the game introduces those stations.
- Use your grappling hook to reposition quickly and close distance, then manually lift the lump. The hook is most useful for mobility; the lump itself still needs to be carried.
Where lumps go: Recycler vs. Crusher
There are two processing paths in the early game. The Recycler converts lumps directly into their base resource (e.g., silicon or zinc). The Crusher offers dedicated blueprints to break certain lumps into chunks you can burn or craft with (for example, Coal Crushing). Use whichever output you need at the moment.
| Lump | Where it’s found | How to identify it | Processes into | Station(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lump of Coal | The Void | Deep black, noticeably larger; tiny “fireflies” orbiting | Coal Chunks | Crusher (Coal Crushing); also accepted by Recycler |
| Lump of Silicon | The Void | Dark, heavy object; firefly-like glow; can be partially hidden | Silicon | Recycler |
| Lump of Zinc | The Void | Dark, heavy object; firefly-like glow; can be partially hidden | Zinc | Recycler |
| Lump of Gasoline | The Void | Dark, heavy object; firefly-like glow; can be partially hidden | Gasoline Chunk | Recycler |
Practical retrieval tips
- Scan wide. Lumps can spawn just off the obvious line of travel and are sometimes tucked behind debris. A slow pan as you advance helps reveal the orbiting lights.
- Brake with intent. It’s easier to line up your approach, grab the lump, and get back aboard if you stop next to it instead of drifting past and backtracking.
- Use the grappling hook for movement, not the pickup. The hook is great for closing distance and returning to the train quickly after you lift a lump.
- Stage your floor. You can place heavy objects on the train floor like buildings. If you’re juggling multiple lumps before processing, clear a spot to drop them safely.
Common sticking points (and what to do)
- “I can’t crush ice.” The Crusher’s ice recipe expects a lump-sized block. Ordinary ice pieces won’t trigger the blueprint.
- “The Recycler won’t accept my coal.” The Recycler takes the lump, not small chunks. Feed it the heavy object you lifted from the void.
- “I’m not seeing any lumps.” Continue along the path after you’ve built the Crusher/Recycler. Early routes often surface lumps shortly after those goals appear. Keep an eye out for fireflies; if you don’t see the glow, you haven’t found a lump yet.
- “Inventory keeps blocking me.” Craft the small backpack to gain one heavy item slot, then pick up the lump and process it immediately to free that slot again.
Once you know the visual cue and which station wants what, the loop is straightforward: spot the fireflies, lift the lump, and choose Recycler or Crusher based on the resource you need. Coal Chunks keep your smelter running longer than raw wood; silicon and zinc unlock crafting steps down the line; gasoline chunks become valuable later. The only real challenge is the first sighting—after that, you’ll start clocking lumps from a distance and routing your train to scoop them up on schedule.
