Welcome to the chaotic, sandbox world of Teardown — a physics-based demolition game by Tuxedo Labs that hands you a sledgehammer, a blowtorch, and the freedom to wreck just about everything. But while destruction is the name of the game, your success hinges on careful planning, clever improvisation, and understanding the tools at your disposal. If you’re just stepping into the game, the early stages can feel like a slow grind. That’s why we’ve compiled 11 essential beginner tips to help you kick things off with momentum — and a bang.

1. Start with a Plan, Not a Bang

Teardown gives you an open-ended approach to completing missions. That means time isn’t against you — until it is. Before diving headfirst into an objective, take your time. Spend the first 10–15 minutes scouting. Walk around the map, examine your targets, and pay attention to the layout. Are there any power cables nearby? How long are they? Are there vehicles parked within reach? Where’s your starting point compared to your escape route? These are the foundational questions you need to answer.

It’s not just about knowing what you need to do; it’s about learning the map. Creativity thrives on familiarity — the more you understand the terrain, the better your plan will be.

2. Alter the Environment to Your Advantage

Once you’ve scoped things out, it’s time to start reshaping the level itself. Can you move the objective closer to your starting point or escape vehicle? Maybe it’s worth knocking out a wall or drilling a small hole to create a shortcut. This phase is all about manipulating the physical environment to align with your strategy.

Once your path and modifications are in place, quick save your progress. That way, if something goes wrong (and it will), you won’t have to redo everything.

3. Don’t Let Fun Ruin Function

Yes, blowing things up is fun. But too much fun can sabotage your mission. Accidentally start a fire and the fire alarm goes off — game over. Fires are a real hazard, so always keep your fire extinguisher ready. Be alert and put out any flames as soon as they appear to prevent your objectives from going up in smoke.

4. Master the Spray Can: Your Route Planning Ally

As the game ramps up in difficulty, you’ll face missions that demand split-second precision. Think: six objectives in under a minute. That’s where the spray can becomes indispensable. Use it to draw arrows on the floor, circles on targets, or route indicators along walls. Your goal is to create a visual map that guides your path once the timer starts — no second-guessing required.

5. Hunt for Valuables to Upgrade Your Arsenal

Teardown hides valuable collectibles throughout its maps. These items can be used to upgrade your tools like the shotgun and sledgehammer. Be thorough — valuables can be hidden in walls, ceilings, floorboards, attics, and other sneaky spots. And keep in mind: valuables are map-based, meaning once you’ve collected them in one version of a map, they won’t reappear in another version of the same area.

6. Planks: The Swiss Army Knife of Tools

Planks are the unsung heroes of Teardown. When you need to reach an inaccessible spot — and brute force isn’t an option — planks are your go-to. Build makeshift bridges, ramps, or even ladders by connecting planks in creative ways. You can also use planks to secure objects to vehicles, ensuring fragile cargo stays in place while driving.

Want to reach a rooftop? Create an L-shaped ladder. Need a stable incline? Lay a ramp between two platforms. The options are endless if you think outside the box.

7. Stack Smarter, Not Harder

Planks aren’t your only option. Debris created during destruction can also be used to your advantage. Stack crates, broken furniture, or chunks of walls to reach high areas. Just make sure the structure is stable — a wobbly tower of trash isn’t going to help when time is ticking.

8. Know Your Vehicles

Teardown features a variety of vehicles, from everyday cars to industrial machines and even boats. Understanding each vehicle’s strengths is key. Industrial vehicles often come with extra functionality. Take the crane, for instance: its arm can be raised and lowered, and its hook can latch onto objects to move them around.

Experiment and familiarize yourself with each vehicle — the right choice can make or break your escape plan.

9. Strategic Placement of Objects

Sometimes, moving objects is part of your plan — and where you place them matters. Consider whether an object should be moved closer to your starting point or the escape vehicle. Use planks to secure items to transporters. This prevents breakage during transit and ensures smooth execution.

Especially useful for transporting explosive canisters or mission-critical devices — you don’t want anything rolling off at the wrong moment.

10. Think Small with Your Destruction

Massive destruction might feel satisfying, but it can backfire. Blowing up an entire building scatters debris everywhere, potentially blocking your movement and starting fires. Stick to small-scale demolition: knock out a section of a wall, smash a window, or create a tight shortcut. It’s cleaner, quicker, and far less risky.

11. Clear Your Path

Whether it’s from minor blasts or major demolition, debris is inevitable. Large chunks of rubble can be a serious problem during timed runs. Deal with them beforehand — break them down using your sledgehammer or plant multiple bombsto reduce bigger pieces. The goal is to have a clear, obstacle-free route when the countdown begins.

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Ready to Tear It Down

Starting out in Teardown can feel overwhelming, but with a blend of thoughtful planning and a taste for destruction, you’ll soon be blowing through objectives with surgical precision. Got a favorite strategy or an underrated tip to share? Drop it in the comments and let the community know. And if you’re craving more tips on other games, check out our beginner guides — you might just find your next obsession.

Until next time, happy smashing.