Quick answer
Metal fragments are commonly produced by smelting metal ore and can also appear through recycling outputs. Secure fuel, ore, and a suitable furnace, then move finished resources into protected storage rather than leaving the whole progression stack exposed.
Step-by-step plan
- Collect metal ore while using a route you can return from.
- Place the appropriate furnace in a protected location.
- Add fuel and ore according to the current interface.
- Collect outputs before leaving the base unattended.
- Reserve fragments for the door, Workbench, tools, or other objective already selected.
Smelting is a base activity
Furnaces advertise that somebody is active and can concentrate valuable materials. Place and operate them with the same security thinking as storage.
Recycling can bridge a shortage
Current official item pages list recycle outputs. Use those values for a specific component rather than assuming every metal-looking item produces fragments.
Spend in defensive order
A small amount of metal often has more value in securing the entrance or enabling progression than in an optional craft.
Checklist
- Ore route
- Fuel
- Protected furnace
- Secure storage
- Spending priority
What to verify before acting
- Furnace mechanics and item outputs can change.
- Modded rates are not covered.