Let me start off by saying this game is great. However, when I am trying to build things in settlements like switches etc. I have no idea of what I am doing. Is there a manual online or instructions somewhere on how to build everything?

Thanks!

Yes, in the pause menu there's a HELP section that offers tons of useful info. If that's not enough, there are decent tutorials on youtube.

The help text available in game is ok. I mean it's super basic stuff really. A switch needs power and wire running from the power to it. You can use connectors to string the wiring along if you don't want the generator near the switch. I'd say look up some youtube videos on it. Probably more helpful than some text

It seems switches are something people keep learning about. Originally, (I thought) switches were only supposed to control lights/powered items only within a 2.5x2.5 wall radius, but with further experimenting I found that if you run the main power from the generator to a switch, then run wires from the switch to power pylons, the switch controls everything the pylons have power to.


All you can really do is fidget & tinker around yourself to totally understand it all, but most is pretty basic stuff once you learn radius' & stuff.

Right. Just like you'd have in real life, that switch will control anything connected to it. I have a little castle I've build at a settlement with electric traps lining the outside perimeter. 20 traps at the bottom and 5 stories up I have the switch on a lookout perch. Flip the switch and the entire area surrounding the building gets electricuted

There are alot of nice videos on youtube regarding how to build settlements from scratch.

Cheers,

-Klevs