This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough on how to safely and efficiently remove a Level 2 reactor from a Javelin-class ship in Hardspace: Shipbreaker. The process prioritizes both stability and maximizing salvage profits.

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Core Components of a Level 2 Reactor Setup:

• Engine: Connected to the reactor for propulsion.
• Reactor (Core): Housed centrally, powering the ship.
• ECU (Environmental Cooling Unit): Cools the reactor via coolant pipes.

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1. Strip Exterior Attachments

• Remove and sort all external panels and nearby components.
• Use your grapple tool or tethers to avoid throwing components out of bounds.

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2. Disable the Reactor Cooling System

• Open the ECU and locate the coolant canisters (usually silver canisters).
• Use your grapple to carefully extract the coolant.
• Tip: Smack the coolant gently against a wall to deactivate it.
• Deposit coolant or eject it into space to prevent accidental reactivation.

Why This Step Matters:

• Removing coolant early stabilizes the engine fuel line, giving you extra safety time before the reactor begins meltdown when extracted.

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3. Vent the Engine Fuel Line (Optional but Risky)

• Each ship has a lever to vent fuel from the engine. Activating it vents residual fuel.
• WARNING: Venting can sometimes trigger explosions. Only use if you’re confident or want to disable the engine system preemptively.

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4. Prepare for Reactor Extraction

• Ensure your exit path is clear to the barge.
• Place tethers and plan your direction of movement.

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5. Disconnect the ECU Coolant

• Extract all coolant canisters from the ECU.
• This initiates the meltdown timer. You’ll have around 15 “pips” of cooldown time (approx. 15 seconds).

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6. Extract the Reactor Core

• Pull the reactor gently and carefully.
• Use tethers to guide it into the barge.
• Avoid fast movements or impacts to prevent meltdown or detonation.

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7. Clean Up the Remaining System

• Cut any fuel/coolant pipes still connected to the reactor housing.
• Remove the reactor housing and ECU.
• To remove ECU:
  • Burn a clean opening from the rear.
  • Sever support structures.
  • Guide ECU unit into processor for max profit.

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Tips:

• Always double-check pressure and coolant status before making cuts.
• Tether large items like the reactor and ECU rather than launching them manually.
• Don’t rush reactor removal – careful planning pays off.

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Profit Note:

• Level 2 reactors and ECUs are among the most valuable components in the game. Clean salvaging yields high returns.

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Summary: By following the proper extraction sequence – coolant removal, preparation, reactor pull, and final cleanup – you can consistently retrieve the Level 2 reactor from a Javelin safely and profitably.

Happy salvaging, and stay safe out there, Cutter!