Challenge Mode & Master Mechanic Trials
Forty engineering puzzles that test your building skills without Survival pressure.
What Challenge Mode is
Challenge Mode is Scrap Mechanic’s puzzle layer — a separate game mode from Survival and Creative Mode. Instead of gathering resources or fighting bots, you solve Master Mechanic Trials: timed engineering puzzles that ask you to build a machine that reaches a goal, crosses an obstacle or completes a task with limited parts.
Version 1.0 ships with 40 Master Mechanic Trials. They remain available alongside the Drilling Thunder Survival overhaul and are a good way to learn vehicle physics before you commit to a full Survival run.
Post-launch fixes: Patch 1.0.2 restored missing items in trial reward chests. Patch 1.0.4 added many Survival parts to the Challenge part pool — check updates if a trial part looks locked after updating Steam.
How to access Challenge Mode
- Launch Scrap Mechanic from Steam.
- Select Challenge Mode on the main menu.
- Browse the trial list and pick any unlocked challenge.
- Read the objective card before placing your first block.
Trials unlock in sequence for the first ten, then open in groups as you complete earlier ones. You can replay any completed trial to improve your time or part count.
What trials test
| Skill area | Example trial type |
|---|---|
| Vehicle stability | Cross a gap with a minimum-part car |
| Lift and placement | Stack blocks to a height marker using only pistons |
| Logic and timing | Trigger a sequence of switches in order |
| Resource efficiency | Reach the finish line under a part budget |
| Physics tricks | Use bearings, springs and thrusters creatively |
The skills you learn in Challenge Mode transfer directly to vehicle design and automated farming in Survival.
Challenge vs Survival vs Creative
| Mode | Goal | Resources | Enemies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Challenge | Solve the puzzle | Limited parts per trial | None |
| Survival | Complete story + survive | Gathered and crafted | Full roster |
| Creative | Build freely | Unlimited | None |
Tips for clearing trials
- Read the part budget first. Many trials fail because you over-build before checking the limit.
- Use bearings for steering. A simple bearing pivot beats a complex suspension on short courses.
- Test in Creative if stuck. Prototype the mechanism in Creative Mode, then rebuild it inside the trial with fewer parts.
- Watch the timer. Some trials have soft time bonuses that unlock cosmetic rewards.
Multiplayer Challenge Mode
Challenge Mode supports co-op. Two players can split the build — one handles the chassis, the other wires logic. The host’s machine runs the physics simulation, so keep builds compact for smooth co-op.
Relation to Steam achievements
Several of the 34 Steam achievements reference Challenge Mode completions. If you are planning a 100% achievement run, clear all 40 trials before tackling the underground boss chain.
For the main game loop, start with the getting started guide. For unrestricted building practice, switch to Creative Mode.
Watch the community walkthrough for this guide:
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions.
How many Master Mechanic Trials are there?
40 trials ship with Scrap Mechanic 1.0. Axolot Games may add more in future patches.
Do Challenge Mode saves carry over to 1.0?
Yes. Challenge progress is stored separately from Survival saves and loads normally after updating to 1.0.
Can I use Creative Mode parts in trials?
No. Each trial gives you a fixed part list. You cannot import Creative blueprints into a trial.