Autobuild Guide — Instant Zonai Constructs

Autobuild is TotK's build automation ability — it reconstructs previously built Zonai devices from memory, saving the time of manual assembly. This guide covers how Autobuild works, its hidden schematic library, and which builds to save as favorites.

---

What Autobuild Does

Autobuild lets you recreate a previously built structure or vehicle in seconds:

1. You build something manually (hoverbike, cart, launcher, etc.)
2. Autobuild remembers recent builds automatically
3. Later: open Autobuild menu → select the build → it assembles instantly at your current location
4. If you have the required Zonai devices in your inventory: free construction
5. If you're missing devices: Crystallized Charges substitute for missing parts (each charge = 1 Zonai device)

---

Unlocking Autobuild

Autobuild is found in the Depths — it's not a starter ability.

Location: The Great Abandoned Central Mine in the Depths (directly beneath Hyrule Castle):

1. Descend to the Depths via a chasm near Hyrule Castle
2. Navigate through the central Depths area toward the abandoned mine structure
3. A large ancient construct terminal is inside — interact with it
4. Autobuild is unlocked as an ability

Why go here early: Autobuild dramatically speeds up Zonai construction. Unlocking it before major temple exploration is worthwhile.

---

How Schematics Are Saved

Autobuild saves builds in two ways:

Automatic history:

• Every Zonai build you manually assemble is automatically saved to your recent history
• The history holds approximately 30 recent builds
• Older builds drop off as you make new ones

Favorites (manual):

• Open the Autobuild menu → select any build from history → "Mark as Favorite"
• Favorites are permanently saved — they never drop off
• You have limited favorite slots (approximately 10)

Schematic discovery:

• Scattered throughout the game world (especially in the Depths and sky islands) are Ancient Schematic Tablets
• These unlock pre-built schematics for specific vehicles/devices
• Schematics appear in your Autobuild library immediately upon collection

---

Crystallized Charges — The Build Currency

When Autobuild reconstructs a build but you're missing Zonai devices:

• Crystallized Charges substitute for missing devices (1 charge = 1 device)
• Charges are consumed per missing piece, not per build
• A hoverbike missing 2 fans = 2 charges consumed

Farming Crystallized Charges:

• Construct Forge in the Depths (large factory structures) — exchange Zonaite for charges
• Zonaite is mined from ore deposits in the Depths
• Exchange rate: ~3 Zonaite = 1 Crystallized Charge (varies by forge)

Charge efficiency: Save charges for rapid builds in combat or time-pressure situations. For calm exploration, manually assemble to conserve charges.

---

Best Builds to Save as Favorites

1. Hoverbike (2 Fan + 1 Steering Stick)

The single most important Autobuild schematic.

Components: 2 Zonai Fans + 1 Steering Stick Use: Fastest traversal in the game — faster than paragliding, requires stamina to stay on but covers enormous distances Why favorite it: You'll build this hundreds of times. Autobuild makes it 2-second construction instead of manual assembly.

Assembly reminder:

• 1 fan angled down-forward on the left
• 1 fan angled down-forward on the right
• Steering stick in the center-top
• Stand on the steering stick

2. Vertical Launcher (Fan + Platform)

Components: 1-2 Zonai Fans + flat surface Use: Rapid vertical ascent — fan blows downward, platform rides the upward air column Why favorite it: Quick way to gain altitude when near Zonai devices

3. Tank (4 Wheels + Steering + Battery)

Components: 4 Wheels + Steering Stick + optional battery Use: Ground travel in rough terrain where horses can't go Why favorite it: Useful for Depths traversal where flying is limited

4. Boat (Hull + Fan)

Components: Flat surface + 1 Fan (horizontal) Use: Water crossing Why favorite it: Lake and river crossings without waiting or swimming

5. Combat Sled (Platform + Spring + Weapon)

Components: Flat platform + Spring mechanism + affixed weapon Use: Rapid weapon launcher for camp clearing Why favorite it: Opens a camp fight before enemies can react

---

Schematic Locations in the Depths

Ancient Schematic Tablets are hidden throughout the Depths. Key locations:

• Great Abandoned Central Mine — 2-3 schematics in the mine complex
• Construct Forges — each forge often has a schematic tablet nearby
• Lightroot clusters — large Lightroot groupings sometimes have schematic tablets at their base
• Abandoned structures — ruined Zonai buildings in the Depths often hold tablets

Total available schematics: Approximately 15-20 across the full Depths exploration.

---

Autobuild in Combat

Autobuild is a combat ability, not just a traversal tool:

Rapid flail build:

1. Autobuild a stick-with-Zonai-ball construct near an enemy group
2. The spinning ball deals AoE damage on construction (the build physics hits enemies)
3. Fast enough to use mid-combat

Enemy interception:

• Autobuild a wall or barrier between you and charging enemies
• Instant wall from a saved schematic = emergency cover

Cannon emplacement:

• Save a schematic for a Zonai Cannon on a flat platform
• Autobuild it during a camp approach → cannon fires while you draw swords

---

Quick Tips

• Unlock Autobuild before temples — the Great Abandoned Central Mine is reachable early. Autobuild makes the rest of the game dramatically more efficient. Go get it.
• Hoverbike as first favorite — as soon as you build your first successful hoverbike, mark it as a favorite immediately. It's your best traversal tool for the rest of the game.
• Crystallized Charges from Zonaite forges — don't hoard Zonaite. Convert it to charges at forges regularly. You'll have more Zonaite than you need through normal Depths exploration.
• History expires — favorite fast — if you build something great and don't favorite it, it'll eventually drop out of history. Mark it immediately before you forget.
• Schematics are permanent — collected schematics never expire and don't require charges if you have the devices. Prioritize collecting schematics before worrying about charges.

---

See also: Zonai Devices Guide | Zonai Builds Advanced | Zonai Charges Guide