Active Matter Replicator
The Replicator is the workshop machine that replicates items — including items from other timelines.
Active Matter lets operatives find and replicate items from other timelines — that is the core idea behind the Replicator. It belongs to the workshop side of the game along with the Refiner.
What the official sources confirm
- Active matter is used to replicate items that originate from other timelines.
- Replication runs from a queue — the editions include 'replicator queue expansion' as a stash upgrade.
- Item fusion existed inside the regular replication queue and was moved to a dedicated slot in Update 0.4.0.55.
- Replicator recipes are a known item type — the store editions list recipes such as the 'Harpy' scout drone and the 'Bonecrusher' assault quad bike.
- Update 0.4.0.62 moved the Replicator into the Workshop.
- Update 0.4.0.132 made fusion requirements source across available inventories and moved the recipe filter to a permanent Workshop search field.
- Update 0.4.0.156 split fusion recipes into a dedicated Workshop tab, added a direct run-count selector and gear-button item selection, and made part of the fusion cost payable in Active Matter.
Replication vs fusion: what is confirmed
Replication is the Replicator's confirmed use of active matter to make items from other timelines. Fusion is a separate item operation that previously sat inside the regular replication queue; Update 0.4.0.55 moved it to a dedicated slot. The developer has not published a complete input, output, cost or timing table for either operation, so this guide does not present an invented efficiency comparison.
Fusion vs replication: which one should you use?
| If you want to… | Start with | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Make repeated copies through a queue | Replication | The confirmed system uses a replication queue and blueprint charges |
| Use a recipe shown in the dedicated Workshop slot | Fusion | Fusion was moved out of the normal queue and has its own interface |
| Compare the cheapest option | Check the current in-game recipe first | Official sources do not publish a stable full cost or timer table |
| Find a missing item | Check blueprint status and inventory scope | Recent updates changed how the fusion interface sources requirements |
The practical rule is simple: use replication when the queue and repeat-copy path are the goal; use fusion when the current Workshop recipe explicitly offers that operation. Do not turn a community cost comparison into a permanent rule — the interface and costs have changed across recent updates.
The Refiner is a different Workshop machine. Its detailed recipes and outputs remain unpublished, so it should not be treated as a confirmed substitute for replication or fusion.
Replicator queue & upgrades
Buyers of the Advanced, Premium and Elite Squad editions receive replicator queue expansions, which suggest the queue is a limited, expandable resource. The exact rules and timers are not published by the developer yet (HOLD).
FAQ
Common questions about this topic.
What does the Replicator do?
It replicates items, including items originating from other timelines; it also handles item fusion.
What is the difference between replication and fusion?
Replication is the confirmed use of active matter to make items from other timelines. Fusion was moved out of the regular replication queue into its own slot in Update 0.4.0.55; exact formulas, inputs and outputs are not published.
Which is better, fusion or replication?
Replication fits repeated queue production; fusion fits a recipe shown in the dedicated Workshop slot. Check the current recipe because exact costs and timings are version-sensitive.
Is there a queue?
Yes — a replication queue exists, and editions include replicator queue expansions.
Did the fusion interface change?
Yes. Update 0.4.0.156 gave fusion its own Workshop tab, added a run-count selector and changed part of the cost to Active Matter; exact recipe values remain version-sensitive.
Did the Replicator change recently?
Update 0.4.0.62 moved the Replicator and Refiner to the Workshop; 0.4.0.55 moved item fusion to a dedicated slot.