---

name: decay-upkeep description: Building decay and upkeep systems for survival games. Use when implementing timer-based decay, Tool Cupboard patterns (Rust-style protection radius), resource upkeep costs, or server performance management through automatic cleanup. Balances gameplay and server health.

Decay & Upkeep

Timer-based building decay and resource-based upkeep for survival games.

Quick Start

Copyimport { DecayManager } from './scripts/decay-manager.js';
import { UpkeepSystem } from './scripts/upkeep-system.js';
import { ToolCupboard } from './scripts/tool-cupboard.js';

// Decay without protection
const decay = new DecayManager({ 
  mode: 'rust',
  decayMultiplier: 1.0 
});
decay.addPiece(piece);
decay.tick(deltaTime); // Called every frame/tick

// Tool Cupboard protection
const tc = new ToolCupboard({
  radius: 30,
  upkeepCost: { wood: 100, stone: 50 }
});
tc.setPosition(position);
tc.depositResources({ wood: 500, stone: 250 });
// Protected pieces won't decay while upkeep is paid

Reference

See references/decay-upkeep-advanced.md for:

• Decay rate formulas by material
• Tool Cupboard mechanics (Rust pattern)
• Upkeep scaling with base size
• Server performance benefits
• Anti-raid delay mechanics

Scripts

• scripts/decay-manager.js - Tick-based decay, material rates, damage states
• scripts/upkeep-system.js - Resource drain, calculation, UI data
• scripts/tool-cupboard.js - Protection radius, authorization, resource storage
• scripts/cleanup-scheduler.js - Server-side cleanup of abandoned structures

Decay Modes

• Rust: Linear decay over 8-24 hours (material dependent), prevented by Tool Cupboard
• ARK: Slower decay (days to weeks), tribe-based protection
• Minecraft: No decay (creative/survival), optional via mods

Design Philosophy

Decay serves dual purposes in survival games: gameplay balance (prevents infinite hoarding) and server performance (removes abandoned bases). The Tool Cupboard pattern elegantly ties both together—players must actively maintain bases, and inactive players' structures automatically clean up.