Conservation Coil: How to Get Infinite Diesel in The Last Caretaker
Data Status
- Baseline: Early Access v0.5.0 (build 0.5.0.581999)
- Official sources: Steam store description and Update 01 patch notes (Dec 16, 2025)
- Verify Conservation Coil effects in your in-game build menu
TL;DR - The Quick Answer
Level 12 → Unlock Conservation Coil → Attach 2 coils to Fabricator → Use 32L diesel to make 200L canister → Infinite diesel!
Keep reading for the detailed step-by-step guide and early game diesel tips.
If you've ever been stranded in the middle of the ocean with an empty fuel tank, you know the pain. Diesel management is probably the most common complaint in community forums — players saying things like "I almost quit because of fuel problems." The good news? There's a solution that completely removes diesel anxiety: the Conservation Coil. Here's how it works.
Quick Navigation
What is Conservation Coil?
Conservation Coil is a Fabricator upgrade module — basically a little attachment that makes your Fabricator more fuel-efficient. Community reports suggest each coil reduces fuel consumption by about 60%. You unlock it at Level 12 and it costs 1 skill point.
Conservation Coil Stats
Unlock Level: 12
Skill Points: 1
Effect: -60% Fabricator fuel cost
Durability: ~25 uses
Stackable: Yes (2 slots on Fabricator)
Craft Materials: Plastic, Copper, Electronics
The trick is using two coils at once. Community reports suggest that with two coils attached, the fuel cost drops so low that you can actually produce more diesel than you spend. That's where the "infinite diesel" loop comes from.
Note: The exact numbers may vary depending on game updates. These values are based on player reports. If something seems off, verify in the in-game UI and check official patch notes.
What You Need
1. Player Level 12+
Conservation Coil is locked until Level 12. Focus on exploration, dismantling, and crafting to level up fast. Check our Skill Planner for the fastest route.
2. Fabricator (Built on Ship)
The Fabricator is your crafting station. It should already be on your ship. If not, build one first.
3. Materials for 2 Conservation Coils
You'll need: Plastic (x20), Copper (x15), Electronics (x4). See our Resource Farming Guide for locations.
4. Starting Diesel (~50 liters)
You need some diesel to start the loop. 32 liters minimum, but 50+ is safer.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Infinite Diesel
Reach Level 12
Conservation Coil unlocks at Level 12. Fastest ways to level up:
- • Dismantle everything (furniture, debris, electronics)
- • Craft items (even simple ones give XP)
- • Explore new locations
- • Complete objectives
Unlock Conservation Coil in Skill Tree
Open your skill tree and find Conservation Coil in the Fabrication category. Spend 1 skill point to unlock it.
Remember: There's no respec in this game. But Conservation Coil is absolutely worth the point!
Craft TWO Conservation Coils
Go to your Fabricator and craft 2 Conservation Coils. You need both for the infinite loop to work.
Materials per Coil:
Plastic x10, Copper x8, Electronics x2
Total for 2 Coils:
Plastic x20, Copper x16, Electronics x4
Attach Both Coils to Fabricator
Your Fabricator has 2 upgrade slots (front ports). Place one Conservation Coil on each slot.
Look for the small attachment points on the front of the Fabricator. Drop the coils in front of them.
Connect Diesel Tank to Fabricator
Use a fuel cable to connect your ship's diesel tank to the Fabricator input.
Start the Infinite Loop!
Select "Diesel Canister" recipe in your Fabricator and start crafting.
Input: ~32 liters diesel (with 2 coils)
Output: 200 liter canister
Net Gain: +168 liters per craft!
Repeat as many times as you want. You now have infinite diesel!
The Math: Why This Works
(Numbers below are approximate and should be verified in-game)
Without Conservation Coil:
Crafting a 200L diesel canister costs roughly 150-180L of diesel. Net loss.
With 1 Conservation Coil (~60% reduction):
Cost drops to around 60-70L for 200L canister. Profit, but slow.
With 2 Conservation Coils:
Cost drops to around 32L for 200L canister. That's roughly +168L profit per craft!
Bottom Line
With 2 Conservation Coils, every diesel canister you craft gives you 5x more fuel than you spend. You can never run out of diesel again.
Early Game Diesel Tips (Before Level 12)
Can't use Conservation Coil yet? Here's how to survive the diesel crisis in early game:
1. Turn Off Diesel Engine When Stationary
Your boat burns diesel even when parked. Turn off the engine whenever you're exploring on foot.
2. Use the Trawler Net
Deploy the trawler net at the back of your boat while sailing. It automatically collects biomass (sea creatures, plants) that you can convert to fuel.
3. Biomass → Biofuel Conversion
Collect all yellow trash bins (biological waste). Process biomass in your Fabricator to create biofuel.
4. Visit Fuel Stations
Look for fuel stations on the map. They have diesel reserves you can pump into your tanks.
5. Repair the Oil Rig (Late Game)
The oil rig at the top of the map can produce unlimited diesel once repaired. This is another endgame diesel solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level do you unlock Conservation Coil?
Level 12. It costs 1 skill point to unlock.
Do Conservation Coils break/wear out?
Yes, each coil has about 25 uses. But they're cheap to craft, and you'll gain hundreds of liters of diesel before they break. Always worth it.
Can I use Conservation Coil for other resources?
Yes! Conservation Coil reduces fuel cost for ALL Fabricator recipes. You can create infinite loops for other resources too, though diesel is the most valuable.
Is this an exploit/cheat?
This seems to be an intended mechanic — the developers included Conservation Coil specifically for resource efficiency. Many players see it as the intended late-game solution to fuel problems, not a bug or exploit.
I'm still running out of diesel at level 12+. What's wrong?
Make sure you have TWO Conservation Coils attached. One coil alone isn't enough for infinite profit. Also check that your Fabricator is connected to your diesel tank.
Related Resources
Skill Planner
Plan your skill points to reach Conservation Coil efficiently. No respec means every point matters!
Resource Optimizer
Calculate material needs and recycling efficiency for crafting Conservation Coils.
Resource Farming Guide
Find the best locations for Plastic, Copper, and Electronics to craft your coils.
Power Grid Calculator
Now that you have infinite diesel, plan your power grid expansion!
Ready to Never Run Out of Diesel?
Reach Level 12, unlock Conservation Coil, and say goodbye to diesel anxiety forever. The ocean awaits!
Plan Your Skill Path →