Firebomb

The Firebomb is one of three ammunition types compatible with the Catapult. This projectile was added with the Primitive Update in February of 2025 and is the primary fire-based ammunition type for the Catapult siege weapon.

They are renowned for their capacity to destroy base traps such as Auto Turrets and Shotgun Traps from safe distances. Apart from traps, their most significant raiding utility is their capacity to destroy groups of Large Solar Panels, effectively disabling electrical systems on bases that haven’t upgraded to Wind Turbines. They’re quite deadly against players, as well.

In addition to being used offensively, they could theoretically be excellent base defense weapons for temporarily stopping advances into a breach with large areas of fire. Setting this up would require a lot of prep, as Catapults require significant space to position and store.

Unlike the Incendiary Rocket, which is a more mobile raiding weapon but unfortunately disabled in Primitive Game Mode, the Firebomb only requires a Workbench Level 2 to craft but is much more challenging to maneuver and aim. If the in-use Catapult is destroyed, so too is the raider’s capacity to use this ammunition from a distance. Firebombs drop considerably over short distances, making them less ideal for destroying elevated Auto Turrets.

Both types of combustible Catapult ammunition, the Firebomb, and the Propane Explosive Bomb, are also deployable. Regardless of the building privilege situation, anyone may take either bomb type and deploy it in any area except those restricted by monument build blocks.

Once deployed, any damage will trigger a 3 – 10 second countdown window, like throwing a Satchel Charge. Unlike the Satchel Charge, these types of ordinance are definitely going to explode, and once triggered, players have the tiniest of windows of time (2 to 3 seconds) to pick them up. If this isn’t done immediately, they will detonate. 

Once impacted, players will notice small flaming fissures arising out of either bomb type. They are deadly to anyone nearby within roughly 10 meters. They will then deal slightly less damage than they’d otherwise have dealt if launched from the catapult.

It is extremely important to note that if a large stockpile of either bomb type is deployed, you needn’t damage each one individually to set them off; a chain reaction will begin once the first detonates, priming the others to blow up immediately thereafter.

These explosion types are also accompanied by a new disorienting shockwave that impacts players within a blast radius of roughly 15 meters. At this time, they may be detonated remotely with an Igniter system but will only detonate if they are deployed, not simply thrown on the ground or placed in a stash. They may be picked by those with building privileges if they are deployed and not ignited.

Both bomb types are capable of being detonated underwater, but the after-flaming effect of the Firebomb will immediately disperse.