Power loss changes the shape of a run: refrigeration stops, nights become harder to manage, and fuel logistics suddenly matter. Build 42.20.4 preset data puts Apocalypse and Extinction electricity shutoff at 14–30 days, while Outbreak and Rising can stretch from 14 days to two months. That gives you a planning window—if you use it.
Quick answer
Apocalypse electricity does not shut off before day 14 in the current preset, but the outage can happen any time from day 14 to 30.
Before the outage, find a generator, secure fuel cans and solve the Connect Generator knowledge gate.
After shutoff, power only high-value loads first: refrigeration, essential lighting and core work areas.
At a glance
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| Preset | Electricity window | Practical implication |
|---|---|---|
Apocalypse | 14–30 days | Be generator-ready by the end of week two |
Extinction | 14–30 days | Same window, harsher margin |
Outbreak | 14 days–2 months | Use extra time for fuel and repairs |
Rising | 14 days–2 months | Build a resilient transition, not a last-minute one |
Six Months Later | Instant | No grid-power grace period |
What changes when the grid dies
Refrigerators and freezers stop preserving food, indoor lights go dark, and any routine built around grid electricity needs a replacement. The first loss is usually food value, not comfort: a freezer full of perishables is a timer once the power ends.
Eat or cook the most perishable food first and use the remaining grid time to organize cold storage intentionally.
The two-week preparation target
Under Apocalypse and Extinction, day 14 is the start of the shutoff window. By then you should know where your generator is, have gasoline containers, and have one generator-knowledge path solved: magazine, Electrician, or Electrical 3.
You do not need a giant stockpile. You need a working loop: generator outside, fuel route, power priorities, and a plan for maintenance.
What to power first
Refrigeration is usually the highest-value first load. Essential lighting comes next because Build 42 nights and interiors are darker. Then power the rooms or appliances you use every day; there is no reason to burn fuel lighting empty floors.
Build around the live Total load shown by the generator rather than relying on an old static appliance chart. Current Build 42 calculates load from the powered objects in your actual base.
Gas stations after the outage
A working generator can power exterior objects including fuel pumps, so a gas station can remain part of your fuel chain after grid power ends. That does not mean every station has unlimited gas: station rolls and sandbox settings still matter.
Treat fuel security as a route problem. Clear the approach, know where the generator will sit, and never arrive with an empty car and no backup can.
Common post-outage mistakes
Do not run the generator indoors. Do not power every object just because you can. Do not forget condition repairs and fuel reserve. And do not assume the generator solves water shutoff—power and water are separate systems that need separate redundancy.
Troubleshooting and common mistakes
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| Problem | Check |
|---|---|
Food spoiling immediately | Consolidate perishables and power the cold-storage footprint first. |
Generator burns too much fuel | Reduce unnecessary powered objects; use live Total load. |
Gas pump is dead | Bring a generator and confirm the station still has fuel under your settings. |
FAQ
When does power shut off in Apocalypse?
Current Build 42.20.4 preset data uses a 14–30 day window.
Can a generator power gas pumps after the outage?
Yes, generators can power exterior objects including fuel pumps when placed and connected correctly.
Should I keep every refrigerator running?
Usually no. Consolidate valuable food and power the smallest useful cold-storage footprint you can manage.