The Catapult is a throwing device that restocks targets automatically. In 1.0 it unlocks through research — 57.8% of players have completed a restock with one (“Automatic Restock”). In the same patch, throwing devices gained range indicators, and Catapults/Cannons no longer target things that are too high or too low.
The unlock path
- Progress the mid-game research until the throwing-device node appears.
- Complete the research to unlock Catapult construction.
- The 1.0 tree covers production devices — if the node is missing, check the Workbench (see Workbench moved).
How it works
- Place the Catapult within range of the target machine.
- Range indicators are visible while placing (added in 1.0).
- Automatic Restock — it restocks a machine by itself; the achievement requires completing one restock this way (57.8%).
- Target rule change — since 1.0, targets too high or too low can no longer be selected.
Throwing-device builds
Catapults pair with the Arcane Fountain (auto-searches targets) and Cannons for hybrid logistics. Community blueprints often combine them; verify blueprint input against 1.0 recipes before copying.
Achievement tie-ins
- “Automatic Restock” (57.8%) — complete a restock with a Catapult.
- “What are you doing?” (1.6%) — use a Catapult to throw an Automatic Cashier into a Cauldron.
Device existence, restock achievement, range indicators and targeting rule: OFFICIAL. Research node name/position in 1.0: PENDING direct observation.
Independent fan reference for Alchemy Factory. Game data refers to the current official 1.0 build (Steam, PC). Field-level evidence is flagged on each page with OFFICIAL / OBSERVED / COMMUNITY badges; amounts shown without a badge come from the official 1.0 patch notes or store descriptions.