To fill the water tank in Slime Rancher, you first need the Water Tank upgrade for your VacPack, then simply locate any source of water in the game world, point your VacPack at it, and hold down the assigned 'Vac' key or button until the tank is full.
Prerequisites: The Water Tank Upgrade
Before you can collect water, you must first purchase the Water Tank upgrade for your VacPack. This essential upgrade allows your VacPack to store water, which is vital for several ranching activities.
- Acquisition: The Water Tank upgrade can be bought from the Fabricator on your ranch, usually found next to your house.
- Cost: It requires a certain amount of Newbucks and specific plorts, similar to other upgrades.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Your Water Tank
Once you have the Water Tank upgrade, the process is straightforward:
- Locate a Water Source: Head to any area with visible water. This includes the ocean surrounding the ranch, ponds, lakes, or even the small puddles found throughout the Far, Far Range.
- Aim Your VacPack: Point the reticle of your VacPack directly at the surface of the water.
- Activate Vac Mode: Hold the assigned 'Vac' key or button (default is typically the left mouse button on PC).
- Watch It Fill: Assuming you have the Water Tank upgrade, the dedicated Water Tank slot in your VacPack inventory should begin filling up with water. You'll see a visual indicator of the tank's progress.
- Release When Full: Once the tank is completely full or you have collected enough water for your needs, release the 'Vac' key/button.
Where to Find Water
Water is abundant across the Far, Far Range. Excellent places to gather it include:
- The Ocean: The vast sea surrounding your ranch provides an endless supply.
- Ponds and Lakes: Found in various zones like the Dry Reef, Moss Blanket, and Indigo Quarry.
- Waterfalls: Many areas feature waterfalls that feed into ponds.
Primary Uses for Collected Water
Water isn't just for show; it serves several practical purposes on your ranch:
| Use Case | Description |
|---|---|
| Gardening | Sprinkling water on your planted crops in a Garden plot makes them grow much faster, increasing your yield of fruits and veggies. This is crucial for maintaining a steady food supply for your slimes. |
| Puddle Slime Care | Puddle Slimes require clean water to live and produce plorts. You can fill up their ponds in your corrals, or find them naturally in large bodies of water. Keeping their water fresh and clean helps them thrive. |
| Cooling Largos | In environments with extreme heat, like certain sections of the Glass Desert, larger slimes (Largos) can become agitated. A splash of water can help cool them down, preventing them from becoming feral and aggressive. |
| Fire Slimes (SR2) | While the question refers to the original Slime Rancher, it's worth noting that in Slime Rancher 2, water is essential for dealing with Fire Slimes and putting out their fiery puddles. |
By following these steps, you'll ensure your slimes are happy, your crops are bountiful, and your ranch operations run smoothly.
