LuaEntity

The primary interface for interacting with entities through the Lua API. Entities are everything that exists on the map except for tiles (see LuaTile).

Most functions on LuaEntity also work when the entity is contained in a ghost.

class LuaEntity extends LuaControl - sort
get_output_inventory() → LuaInventory Gets the entities output inventory if it has one.
get_module_inventory() → LuaInventory
get_fuel_inventory() → LuaInventory The fuel inventory for this entity or nil if this entity doesn't have a fuel inventory.
get_burnt_result_inventory() → LuaInventory The burnt result inventory for this entity or nil if this entity doesn't have a burnt result inventory.
damage(damage, force, type, dealer) → float Damages the entity.
can_be_destroyed() → boolean Checks if the entity can be destroyed
destroy{do_cliff_correction = …, raise_destroy = …} → boolean Destroys the entity.
set_command(command) Give the entity a command.
set_distraction_command(command) Give the entity a distraction command.
has_command() → boolean Has this unit been assigned a command?
die(force, cause) → boolean Immediately kills the entity.
has_flag(flag) → boolean Test whether this entity's prototype has a flag set.
ghost_has_flag(flag) → boolean Same as LuaEntity::has_flag but targets the inner entity on a entity ghost.
add_market_item(offer) Offer a thing on the market.
remove_market_item(offer) → boolean Remove an offer from a market.
get_market_items() → array[Offer] Get all offers in a market as an array.
clear_market_items() Removes all offers from a market.
connect_neighbour(target) → boolean Connect two devices with a circuit wire or copper cable.
disconnect_neighbour(target) Disconnect circuit wires or copper cables between devices.
order_deconstruction(force, player) → boolean Sets the entity to be deconstructed by construction robots.
cancel_deconstruction(force, player) Cancels deconstruction if it is scheduled, does nothing otherwise.
to_be_deconstructed() → boolean Is this entity marked for deconstruction?
order_upgrade{force = …, target = …, player = …, direction = …} → boolean Sets the entity to be upgraded by construction robots.
cancel_upgrade(force, player) → boolean Cancels upgrade if it is scheduled, does nothing otherwise.
to_be_upgraded() → boolean Is this entity marked for upgrade?
get_request_slot(slot) → SimpleItemStack Get a logistic requester slot.
set_request_slot(request, slot) → boolean Set a logistic requester slot.
clear_request_slot(slot) Clear a logistic requester slot.
is_crafting() Returns whether a craft is currently in process.
is_opened() → boolean
is_opening() → boolean
is_closed() → boolean
is_closing() → boolean
request_to_open(force, extra_time)
request_to_close(force)
get_transport_line(index) → LuaTransportLine Get a transport line of a belt or belt connectable entity.
get_max_transport_line_index() → uint Get the maximum transport line index of a belt or belt connectable entity.
launch_rocket() → boolean
revive{return_item_request_proxy = …, raise_revive = …} → dictionary[stringuint] Revive a ghost.
silent_revive{return_item_request_proxy = …, raise_revive = …} → dictionary[stringuint] Revives a ghost silently.
get_connected_rail{rail_direction = …, rail_connection_direction = …} → LuaEntity
get_connected_rails() → array[LuaEntity] Get the rails that this signal is connected to.
get_rail_segment_entity(direction, in_else_out) → LuaEntity Get the rail signal or train stop at the start/end of the rail segment this rail is in, or nil if the rail segment doesn't start/end with a signal nor a train stop.
get_rail_segment_end(direction) → LuaEntity Get the rail at the end of the rail segment this rail is in.
get_rail_segment_length() → double Get the length of the rail segment this rail is in.
get_rail_segment_overlaps() → array[LuaEntity] Get a rail from each rail segment that overlaps with this rail's rail segment.
get_filter(slot_index) → string Get the filter for a slot in an inserter, loader, or logistic storage container.
set_filter(slot_index, item) Set the filter for a slot in an inserter, loader, or logistic storage container.
get_infinity_container_filter(index) → InfinityInventoryFilter Gets the filter for this infinity container at the given index or nil if the filter index doesn't exist or is empty.
set_infinity_container_filter(index, filter) Sets the filter for this infinity container at the given index.
get_infinity_pipe_filter() → InfinityPipeFilter Gets the filter for this infinity pipe or nil if the filter is empty.
set_infinity_pipe_filter(filter) Sets the filter for this infinity pipe.
get_heat_setting() → HeatSetting Gets the heat setting for this heat interface.
set_heat_setting(filter) Sets the heat setting for this heat interface.
get_control_behavior() → LuaControlBehavior Gets the control behavior of the entity (if any).
get_or_create_control_behavior() → LuaControlBehavior Gets (and or creates if needed) the control behavior of the entity.
get_circuit_network(wire, circuit_connector) → LuaCircuitNetwork
get_merged_signal(signal, circuit_connector) → int Read a single signal from the combined circuit networks.
get_merged_signals(circuit_connector) → array[Signal] The merged circuit network signals or nil if there are no signals.
supports_backer_name() → boolean Whether this entity supports a backer name.
copy_settings(entity, by_player) → dictionary[stringuint] Copies settings from the given entity onto this entity.
get_logistic_point(index) → LuaLogisticPoint or array[LuaLogisticPoint] Gets all the LuaLogisticPoints that this entity owns.
play_note(instrument, note) → boolean Plays a note with the given instrument and note.
connect_rolling_stock(direction) → boolean Connects the rolling stock in the given direction.
disconnect_rolling_stock(direction) → boolean Tries to disconnect this rolling stock in the given direction.
update_connections() Reconnect loader, beacon, cliff and mining drill connections to entities that might have been teleported out or in by the script.
get_recipe() → LuaRecipe Current recipe being assembled by this machine or nil if no recipe is set.
set_recipe(recipe) → dictionary[stringuint] Sets the current recipe in this assembly machine.
rotate{reverse = …, by_player = …, spill_items = …, enable_looted = …, force = …} → boolean Rotates this entity as if the player rotated it.
get_driver() → LuaEntity or LuaPlayer Gets the driver of this vehicle if any.
set_driver(driver) Sets the driver of this vehicle.
get_passenger() → LuaEntity or LuaPlayer Gets the passenger of this car or spidertron if any.
set_passenger(passenger) Sets the passenger of this car or spidertron.
is_connected_to_electric_network() → boolean Returns true if this entity is connected to an electric network.
get_train_stop_trains() → array[LuaTrain] The trains scheduled to stop at this train stop.
get_stopped_train() → LuaTrain The train currently stopped at this train stop or nil if none.
clone{position = …, surface = …, force = …, create_build_effect_smoke = …} → LuaEntity Clones this entity.
get_fluid_count(fluid) → double Get the amount of all or some fluid in this entity.
get_fluid_contents() → dictionary[stringdouble] Get amounts of all fluids in this entity.
remove_fluid{name = …, amount = …, minimum_temperature = …, maximum_temperature = …, temperature = …} → double Remove fluid from this entity.
insert_fluid(fluid) → double Insert fluid into this entity.
clear_fluid_inside() Remove all fluids from this entity.
get_beam_source() → BeamTarget Get the source of this beam.
set_beam_source(source) Set the source of this beam.
get_beam_target() → BeamTarget Get the target of this beam.
set_beam_target(target) Set the target of this beam.
get_radius() → double The radius of this entity.
get_health_ratio() → float The health ratio of this entity between 1 and 0 (for full health and no health respectively).
create_build_effect_smoke() Creates the same smoke that is created when you place a building by hand.
release_from_spawner() Release the unit from the spawner which spawned it.
toggle_equipment_movement_bonus() Toggle this entity's equipment movement bonus.
can_shoot(target, position) → boolean If this character can shoot the given entity or position.
start_fading_out() Only works if the entity is a speech-bubble, with an "effect" defined in its wrapper_flow_style.
get_upgrade_target() → LuaEntityPrototype Returns the new entity prototype.
get_upgrade_direction() → defines.direction Returns the new entity direction after upgrading.
get_damage_to_be_taken() → float Returns the amount of damage to be taken by this entity.
deplete() Depletes and destroys this resource entity.
mine{inventory = …, force = …, raise_destroyed = …, ignore_minable = …} → boolean Mines this entity.
spawn_decorations() Triggers spawn_decoration actions defined in the entity prototype or does nothing if entity is not "turret" or "unit-spawner".
can_wires_reach(entity) → boolean Can wires reach between these entities.
get_connected_rolling_stock(direction) → LuaEntity Gets rolling stock connected to the given end of this stock
is_registered_for_construction() → boolean Is this entity or tile ghost or item request proxy registered for construction?
is_registered_for_deconstruction(force) → boolean Is this entity registered for deconstruction with this force?
is_registered_for_upgrade() → boolean Is this entity registered for upgrade?
is_registered_for_repair() → boolean Is this entity registered for repair?
add_autopilot_destination(position) Adds the given position to this spidertron's autopilot's queue of destinations.
connect_linked_belts(neighbour) Connects current linked belt with another one.
disconnect_linked_belts() Disconnects linked belt from its neighbour.
name :: string [R] Name of the entity prototype.
ghost_name :: string [R] Name of the entity or tile contained in this ghost
localised_name :: LocalisedString [R] Localised name of the entity.
localised_description :: LocalisedString [R]
ghost_localised_name :: LocalisedString [R] Localised name of the entity or tile contained in this ghost.
ghost_localised_description :: LocalisedString [R]
type :: string [R] The entity prototype type of this entity.
ghost_type :: string [R] The prototype type of the entity or tile contained in this ghost.
active :: boolean [RW] Deactivating an entity will stop all its operations (car will stop moving, inserters will stop working, fish will stop moving etc).
destructible :: boolean [RW] When the entity is not destructible it can't be damaged.
minable :: boolean [RW]
rotatable :: boolean [RW] When entity is not to be rotatable (inserter, transport belt etc), it can't be rotated by player using the R key.
operable :: boolean [RW] Player can't open gui of this entity and he can't quick insert/input stuff in to the entity when it is not operable.
health :: float [RW] The current health of the entity, or nil if it doesn't have health.
direction :: defines.direction [RW] The current direction this entity is facing.
supports_direction :: boolean [R] Whether the entity has direction.
orientation :: RealOrientation [RW] The smooth orientation of this entity, if it supports orientation.
cliff_orientation :: CliffOrientation [R] The orientation of this cliff.
relative_turret_orientation :: RealOrientation [RW] The relative orientation of the vehicle turret, artillery turret, artillery wagon or nil if this entity isn't a vehicle with a vehicle turret or artillery turret/wagon.
torso_orientation :: RealOrientation [RW] The torso orientation of this spider vehicle.
amount :: uint [RW] Count of resource units contained.
initial_amount :: uint [RW] Count of initial resource units contained.
effectivity_modifier :: float [RW] Multiplies the acceleration the vehicle can create for one unit of energy.
consumption_modifier :: float [RW] Multiplies the energy consumption.
friction_modifier :: float [RW] Multiplies the car friction rate.
driver_is_gunner :: boolean [RW] Whether the driver of this car or spidertron is the gunner, if false, the passenger is the gunner.
vehicle_automatic_targeting_parameters :: VehicleAutomaticTargetingParameters [RW] Read when this spidertron auto-targets enemies
speed :: float [RW] The current speed of this car in tiles per tick, rolling stock, projectile or spider vehicle, or current max speed of the unit.
effective_speed :: float [R] The current speed of this unit in tiles per tick, taking into account any walking speed modifier given by the tile the unit is standing on.
stack :: LuaItemStack [R]
prototype :: LuaEntityPrototype [R] The entity prototype of this entity.
ghost_prototype :: LuaEntityPrototype or LuaTilePrototype [R] The prototype of the entity or tile contained in this ghost.
drop_position :: Position [RW] Position where the entity puts its stuff.
pickup_position :: Position [RW] Where the inserter will pick up items from.
drop_target :: LuaEntity [RW] The entity this entity is putting its stuff to or nil if there is no such entity.
pickup_target :: LuaEntity [RW] The entity the inserter will attempt to pick up from.
selected_gun_index :: uint [RW] Index of the currently selected weapon slot of this character, car, or spidertron, or nil if the car/spidertron doesn't have guns.
energy :: double [RW] Energy stored in the entity (heat in furnace, energy stored in electrical devices etc.
temperature :: double [RW] The temperature of this entities heat energy source if this entity uses a heat energy source or nil.
previous_recipe :: LuaRecipe [R] The previous recipe this furnace was using or nil if the furnace had no previous recipe.
held_stack :: LuaItemStack [R] The item stack currently held in an inserter's hand.
held_stack_position :: Position [R] Current position of the inserter's "hand".
train :: LuaTrain [R] The train this rolling stock belongs to or nil if not rolling stock.
neighbours :: dictionary[stringarray[LuaEntity]] or array[array[LuaEntity]] or LuaEntity [R]
belt_neighbours :: dictionary[stringarray[LuaEntity]] [R] The belt connectable neighbours of this belt connectable entity.
fluidbox :: LuaFluidBox [RW] Fluidboxes of this entity.
backer_name :: string [RW] The backer name assigned to this entity, or nil if this entity doesn't support backer names.
entity_label :: string [RW] The label of this entity if it has one or nil.
time_to_live :: uint [RW] The ticks left before a ghost, combat robot, highlight box or smoke with trigger is destroyed.
color :: Color [RW] The character, rolling stock, train stop, car, spider-vehicle, flying text, corpse or simple-entity-with-owner color.
text :: LocalisedString [RW] The text of this flying-text entity.
signal_state :: defines.signal_state [R] The state of this rail signal.
chain_signal_state :: defines.chain_signal_state [R] The state of this chain signal.
to_be_looted :: boolean [RW] Will this entity be picked up automatically when the player walks over it?
crafting_speed :: double [R] The current crafting speed, including speed bonuses from modules and beacons.
crafting_progress :: float [RW] The current crafting progress, as a number in range [0, 1].
bonus_progress :: double [RW] The current productivity bonus progress, as a number in range [0, 1].
productivity_bonus :: double [R] The productivity bonus of this entity.
pollution_bonus :: double [R] The pollution bonus of this entity.
speed_bonus :: double [R] The speed bonus of this entity.
consumption_bonus :: double [R] The consumption bonus of this entity.
belt_to_ground_type :: string [R] "input" or "output", depending on whether this underground belt goes down or up.
loader_type :: string [RW] "input" or "output", depending on whether this loader puts to or gets from a container.
rocket_parts :: uint [RW] Number of rocket parts in the silo.
logistic_network :: LuaLogisticNetwork [RW] The logistic network this entity is a part of.
logistic_cell :: LuaLogisticCell [R] The logistic cell this entity is a part of.
item_requests :: dictionary[stringuint] [RW] Items this ghost will request when revived or items this item request proxy is requesting.
player :: LuaPlayer [R] The player connected to this character or nil if none.
unit_group :: LuaUnitGroup [R] The unit group this unit is a member of, or nil if none.
damage_dealt :: double [RW] The damage dealt by this turret, artillery turret, or artillery wagon.
kills :: uint [RW] The number of units killed by this turret, artillery turret, or artillery wagon.
last_user :: LuaPlayer [RW] The last player that changed any setting on this entity.
electric_buffer_size :: double [RW] The buffer size for the electric energy source or nil if the entity doesn't have an electric energy source.
electric_input_flow_limit :: double [R] The input flow limit for the electric energy source or nil if the entity doesn't have an electric energy source.
electric_output_flow_limit :: double [R] The output flow limit for the electric energy source or nil if the entity doesn't have an electric energy source.
electric_drain :: double [R] The electric drain for the electric energy source or nil if the entity doesn't have an electric energy source.
electric_emissions :: double [R] The emissions for the electric energy source or nil if the entity doesn't have an electric energy source.
unit_number :: uint [R] The unit number or nil if the entity doesn't have one.
ghost_unit_number :: uint [R] The unit number of the entity contained in this ghost or nil if the entity doesn't have one.
mining_progress :: double [RW] The mining progress for this mining drill or nil if this isn't a mining drill.
bonus_mining_progress :: double [RW] The bonus mining progress for this mining drill or nil if this isn't a mining drill.
power_production :: double [RW] The power production specific to the ElectricEnergyInterface entity type.
power_usage :: double [RW] The power usage specific to the ElectricEnergyInterface entity type.
bounding_box :: BoundingBox [R] LuaEntityPrototype::collision_box around entity's given position and respecting the current entity orientation.
secondary_bounding_box :: BoundingBox [R] The secondary bounding box of this entity or nil if it doesn't have one.
selection_box :: BoundingBox [R] LuaEntityPrototype::selection_box around entity's given position and respecting the current entity orientation.
secondary_selection_box :: BoundingBox [R] The secondary selection box of this entity or nil if it doesn't have one.
mining_target :: LuaEntity [R] The mining target or nil if none
circuit_connected_entities :: table [R] Entities that are directly connected to this entity via the circuit network.
circuit_connection_definitions :: array[CircuitConnectionDefinition] [R] The connection definition for entities that are directly connected to this entity via the circuit network.
request_slot_count :: uint [R] The index of the configured request with the highest index for this entity.
filter_slot_count :: uint [R] The number of filter slots this inserter, loader, or logistic storage container has.
loader_container :: LuaEntity [R] The container entity this loader is pointing at/pulling from depending on the LuaEntity::loader_type.
grid :: LuaEquipmentGrid [R] The equipment grid or nil if this entity doesn't have an equipment grid.
graphics_variation :: uint8 [RW] The graphics variation for this entity or nil if this entity doesn't use graphics variations.
tree_color_index :: uint8 [RW] Index of the tree color.
tree_color_index_max :: uint8 [R] Maximum index of the tree colors.
tree_stage_index :: uint8 [RW] Index of the tree stage.
tree_stage_index_max :: uint8 [R] Maximum index of the tree stages.
tree_gray_stage_index :: uint8 [RW] Index of the tree gray stage
tree_gray_stage_index_max :: uint8 [R] Maximum index of the tree gray stages.
burner :: LuaBurner [R] The burner energy source for this entity or nil if there isn't one.
shooting_target :: LuaEntity [RW] The shooting target for this turret or nil.
proxy_target :: LuaEntity [R] The target entity for this item-request-proxy or nil
stickers :: array[LuaEntity] [R] The sticker entities attached to this entity or nil if none.
sticked_to :: LuaEntity [R] The entity this sticker is sticked to.
parameters :: ProgrammableSpeakerParameters [RW]
alert_parameters :: ProgrammableSpeakerAlertParameters [RW]
electric_network_statistics :: LuaFlowStatistics [R] The electric network statistics for this electric pole.
inserter_stack_size_override :: uint [RW] Sets the stack size limit on this inserter.
products_finished :: uint [RW] The number of products this machine finished crafting in its lifetime.
spawner :: LuaEntity [R] The spawner associated with this unit entity or nil if the unit has no associated spawner.
units :: array[LuaEntity] [R] The units associated with this spawner entity.
power_switch_state :: boolean [RW] The state of this power switch.
effects :: ModuleEffects [R] The effects being applied to this entity or nil.
infinity_container_filters :: array[InfinityInventoryFilter] [RW] The filters for this infinity container.
remove_unfiltered_items :: boolean [RW] If items not included in this infinity container filters should be removed from the container.
character_corpse_player_index :: uint [RW] The player index associated with this character corpse.
character_corpse_tick_of_death :: uint [RW] The tick this character corpse died at.
character_corpse_death_cause :: LocalisedString [RW] The reason this character corpse character died (if any).
associated_player :: LuaPlayer [RW] The player this character is associated with or nil if none.
tick_of_last_attack :: uint [RW] The last tick this character entity was attacked.
tick_of_last_damage :: uint [RW] The last tick this character entity was damaged.
splitter_filter :: LuaItemPrototype [RW] The filter for this splitter or nil if no filter is set.
inserter_filter_mode :: string [RW] The filter mode for this filter inserter: "whitelist", "blacklist", or nil if this inserter doesn't use filters.
splitter_input_priority :: string [RW] The input priority for this splitter : "left", "none", or "right".
splitter_output_priority :: string [RW] The output priority for this splitter : "left", "none", or "right".
armed :: boolean [R] If this land mine is armed.
recipe_locked :: boolean [RW] When locked; the recipe in this assembling machine can't be changed by the player.
connected_rail :: LuaEntity [R] The rail entity this train stop is connected to or nil if there is none.
trains_in_block :: uint [R] The number of trains in this rail block for this rail entity.
timeout :: uint [RW] The timeout that's left on this landmine in ticks.
neighbour_bonus :: double [R] The current total neighbour bonus of this reactor.
ai_settings :: LuaAISettings [R] The ai settings of this unit.
highlight_box_type :: string [RW] The hightlight box type of this highlight box entity.
highlight_box_blink_interval :: uint [RW] The blink interval of this highlight box entity.
status :: defines.entity_status [R] The status of this entity or nil if no status.
enable_logistics_while_moving :: boolean [RW] If equipment grid logistics are enabled while this vehicle is moving.
render_player :: LuaPlayer [RW] The player that this simple-entity-with-owner, simple-entity-with-force, flying-text, or highlight-box is visible to.
render_to_forces :: array[ForceIdentification] [RW] The forces that this simple-entity-with-owner, simple-entity-with-force, or flying-text is visible to.
pump_rail_target :: LuaEntity [R] The rail target of this pump or nil.
moving :: boolean [R] Returns true if this unit is moving.
electric_network_id :: uint [R] Returns the id of the electric network that this entity is connected to or nil.
allow_dispatching_robots :: boolean [RW] Whether this character's personal roboports are allowed to dispatch robots.
auto_launch :: boolean [RW] Whether this rocket silo automatically launches the rocket when cargo is inserted.
energy_generated_last_tick :: double [R] How much energy this generator generated in the last tick.
storage_filter :: LuaItemPrototype [RW] The storage filter for this logistic storage container.
request_from_buffers :: boolean [RW] Whether this requester chest is set to also request from buffer chests.
corpse_expires :: boolean [RW] Whether this corpse will ever fade away.
corpse_immune_to_entity_placement :: boolean [RW] If true, corpse won't be destroyed when entities are placed over it.
tags :: Tags [RW] The tags associated with this entity ghost or nil if not an entity ghost.
command :: Command [R] The command given to this unit or nil is the unit has no command.
distraction_command :: Command [R] The distraction command given to this unit or nil is the unit currently isn't distracted.
time_to_next_effect :: uint [RW] The ticks until the next trigger effect of this smoke-with-trigger.
autopilot_destination :: Position [RW] Destination position of spidertron's autopilot.
autopilot_destinations :: array[Position] [R] The queued destination positions of spidertron's autopilot.
trains_count :: uint [R] Amount of trains related to this particular train stop.
trains_limit :: uint [RW] Amount of trains above which no new trains will be sent to this train stop.
is_entity_with_force :: boolean [R] If this entity is EntityWithForce
is_entity_with_owner :: boolean [R] If this entity is EntityWithOwner
is_entity_with_health :: boolean [R] If this entity is EntityWithHealth
combat_robot_owner :: LuaEntity [RW] The owner of this combat robot if any.
link_id :: uint [RW] The link ID this linked container is using.
follow_target :: LuaEntity [RW] The follow target of this spidertron if any.
follow_offset :: Position [RW] The follow offset of this spidertron if any.
linked_belt_type :: string [RW] Type of linked belt: it is either "input" or "output".
linked_belt_neighbour :: LuaEntity [R] Neighbour to which this linked belt is connected to.
valid :: boolean [R] Is this object valid?
object_name :: string [R] The class name of this object.
help() → string All methods and properties that this object supports.
Inherited from LuaControl: get_inventory, get_main_inventory, can_insert, insert, set_gui_arrow, clear_gui_arrow, get_item_count, has_items_inside, can_reach_entity, clear_items_inside, remove_item, teleport, update_selected_entity, clear_selected_entity, disable_flashlight, enable_flashlight, is_flashlight_enabled, get_craftable_count, begin_crafting, cancel_crafting, mine_entity, mine_tile, is_player, open_technology_gui, set_personal_logistic_slot, set_vehicle_logistic_slot, get_personal_logistic_slot, get_vehicle_logistic_slot, clear_personal_logistic_slot, clear_vehicle_logistic_slot, is_cursor_blueprint, get_blueprint_entities, is_cursor_empty, surface, position, vehicle, force, selected, opened, crafting_queue_size, crafting_queue_progress, walking_state, riding_state, mining_state, shooting_state, picking_state, repair_state, cursor_stack, cursor_ghost, driving, crafting_queue, following_robots, cheat_mode, character_crafting_speed_modifier, character_mining_speed_modifier, character_additional_mining_categories, character_running_speed_modifier, character_build_distance_bonus, character_item_drop_distance_bonus, character_reach_distance_bonus, character_resource_reach_distance_bonus, character_item_pickup_distance_bonus, character_loot_pickup_distance_bonus, character_inventory_slots_bonus, character_trash_slot_count_bonus, character_maximum_following_robot_count_bonus, character_health_bonus, character_personal_logistic_requests_enabled, vehicle_logistic_requests_enabled, opened_gui_type, build_distance, drop_item_distance, reach_distance, item_pickup_distance, loot_pickup_distance, resource_reach_distance, in_combat, character_running_speed, character_mining_progress
get_output_inventory() → LuaInventory

Gets the entities output inventory if it has one.

Return value
a reference to the entities output inventory.
get_module_inventory() → LuaInventory

Return value
Inventory for storing modules of this entity; nil if this entity has no module inventory.
get_fuel_inventory() → LuaInventory

The fuel inventory for this entity or nil if this entity doesn't have a fuel inventory.

get_burnt_result_inventory() → LuaInventory

The burnt result inventory for this entity or nil if this entity doesn't have a burnt result inventory.

damage(damage, force, type, dealer) → float

Damages the entity.

Parameters
damage :: float: The amount of damage to be done
force :: ForceIdentification: The force that will be doing the damage.
type :: string (optional): The type of damage to be done, defaults to "impact".
dealer :: LuaEntity (optional): The entity to consider as the damage dealer.
Return value
the total damage actually applied after resistances.
Can only be used if this is EntityWithHealth
can_be_destroyed() → boolean

Checks if the entity can be destroyed

Return value
if the entity can be destroyed.
destroy{do_cliff_correction = …, raise_destroy = …} → boolean

Destroys the entity.

Parameters
Table (optional) with the following fields:
  • do_cliff_correction :: boolean (optional): Whether neighbouring cliffs should be corrected. Defaults to false.
  • raise_destroy :: boolean (optional): If true, script_raised_destroy will be called. Defaults to false.
Return value
Returns false if the entity was valid and destruction failed, true in all other cases.
Note: Not all entities can be destroyed - things such as rails under trains cannot be destroyed until the train is moved or destroyed.
set_command(command)

Give the entity a command.

Parameters
command :: Command
Can only be used if this is Unit
set_distraction_command(command)

Give the entity a distraction command.

Parameters
command :: Command
Can only be used if this is Unit
has_command() → boolean

Has this unit been assigned a command?

Can only be used if this is Unit
die(force, cause) → boolean

Immediately kills the entity. Does nothing if the entity doesn't have health.

Unlike LuaEntity::destroy, die will trigger the on_entity_died event and the entity will produce a corpse and drop loot if it has any.

Parameters
force :: ForceIdentification (optional): The force to attribute the kill to.
cause :: LuaEntity (optional): The cause to attribute the kill to.
Return value
Whether the entity was successfully killed.
Note: If force is not specified, on_entity_died will blame the "neutral" force.
Example
This function can be called with only the cause argument and no force:
entity.die(nil, killer_entity)
has_flag(flag) → boolean

Test whether this entity's prototype has a flag set.

Parameters
flag :: string: The flag to test
Return value
true if the entity has the given flag set.
Note: entity.has_flag(f) is a shortcut for entity.prototype.has_flag(f).
ghost_has_flag(flag) → boolean

Same as LuaEntity::has_flag but targets the inner entity on a entity ghost.

Parameters
flag :: string: The flag to test
Return value
true if the entity has the given flag set.
Can only be used if this is EntityGhost
add_market_item(offer)

Offer a thing on the market.

Parameters
offer :: Offer
Example
Adds market offer, 1 copper ore for 10 iron ore.
market.add_market_item{price={{"iron-ore", 10}}, offer={type="give-item", item="copper-ore"}}
Example
Adds market offer, 1 copper ore for 5 iron ore and 5 stone ore.
market.add_market_item{price={{"iron-ore", 5}, {"stone", 5}}, offer={type="give-item", item="copper-ore"}}
Can only be used if this is Market
remove_market_item(offer) → boolean

Remove an offer from a market.

Parameters
offer :: uint: Index of offer to remove.
Return value
true if the offer was successfully removed; false when the given index was not valid.
Note: The other offers are moved down to fill the gap created by removing the offer, which decrements the overall size of the offer array.
Can only be used if this is Market
get_market_items() → array[Offer]

Get all offers in a market as an array.

Can only be used if this is Market
clear_market_items()

Removes all offers from a market.

Can only be used if this is Market
connect_neighbour(target) → boolean

Connect two devices with a circuit wire or copper cable. Depending on which type of connection should be made, there are different procedures:

  • To connect two electric poles, target must be a LuaEntity that specifies another electric pole. This will connect them with copper cable.
  • To connect two devices with circuit wire, target must be a table of type WireConnectionDefinition.

Parameters
target :: LuaEntity or WireConnectionDefinition: The target with which to establish a connection.
Return value
Whether the connection was successfully formed.
disconnect_neighbour(target)

Disconnect circuit wires or copper cables between devices. Depending on which type of connection should be cut, there are different procedures:

  • To remove all copper cables, leave the target parameter blank: pole.disconnect_neighbour().
  • To remove all wires of a specific color, set target to defines.wire_type.red or defines.wire_type.green.
  • To remove a specific copper cable between two electric poles, target must be a LuaEntity that specifies the other pole: pole1.disconnect_neighbour(pole2).
  • To remove a specific circuit wire, target must be a table of type WireConnectionDefinition.

Parameters
target :: defines.wire_type or LuaEntity or WireConnectionDefinition (optional): The target with which to cut a connection.
order_deconstruction(force, player) → boolean

Sets the entity to be deconstructed by construction robots.

Parameters
force :: ForceIdentification: The force whose robots are supposed to do the deconstruction.
player :: PlayerIdentification (optional): The player to set the last_user to if any.
Return value
if the entity was marked for deconstruction.
cancel_deconstruction(force, player)

Cancels deconstruction if it is scheduled, does nothing otherwise.

Parameters
force :: ForceIdentification: The force who did the deconstruction order.
player :: PlayerIdentification (optional): The player to set the last_user to if any.
to_be_deconstructed() → boolean

Is this entity marked for deconstruction?

order_upgrade{force = …, target = …, player = …, direction = …} → boolean

Sets the entity to be upgraded by construction robots.

Parameters
Table with the following fields:
Return value
if the entity was marked for upgrade.
cancel_upgrade(force, player) → boolean

Cancels upgrade if it is scheduled, does nothing otherwise.

Parameters
force :: ForceIdentification: The force who did the upgrade order.
player :: PlayerIdentification (optional): The player to set the last_user to if any.
Return value
If the cancel was successful.
to_be_upgraded() → boolean

Is this entity marked for upgrade?

get_request_slot(slot) → SimpleItemStack

Get a logistic requester slot.

Parameters
slot :: uint: The slot index.
Return value
Contents of the specified slot; nil if the given slot contains no request.
Note: Useable only on entities that have requester slots.
set_request_slot(request, slot) → boolean

Set a logistic requester slot.

Parameters
request :: ItemStackIdentification: What to request.
slot :: uint: The slot index.
Return value
If the slot was set.
Note: Useable only on entities that have requester slots.
clear_request_slot(slot)

Clear a logistic requester slot.

Parameters
slot :: uint: The slot index.
Note: Useable only on entities that have requester slots.
is_crafting()

Returns whether a craft is currently in process. It does not indicate whether progress is currently being made, but whether any crafting action has made progress in this machine.

Can only be used if this is CraftingMachine
is_opened() → boolean

Return value
true if this gate is currently opened.
Can only be used if this is Gate
is_opening() → boolean

Return value
true if this gate is currently opening.
Can only be used if this is Gate
is_closed() → boolean

Return value
true if this gate is currently closed.
Can only be used if this is Gate
is_closing() → boolean

Return value
true if this gate is currently closing
Can only be used if this is Gate
request_to_open(force, extra_time)

Parameters
force :: ForceIdentification: The force that requests the gate to be open.
extra_time :: uint (optional): Extra ticks to stay open.
Can only be used if this is Gate
request_to_close(force)

Parameters
force :: ForceIdentification: The force that requests the gate to be closed.
Can only be used if this is Gate
get_transport_line(index) → LuaTransportLine

Get a transport line of a belt or belt connectable entity.

Parameters
index :: uint: Index of the requested transport line.
Can only be used if this is TransportBeltConnectable
get_max_transport_line_index() → uint

Get the maximum transport line index of a belt or belt connectable entity.

Can only be used if this is TransportBeltConnectable
launch_rocket() → boolean

Return value
true if the rocket was successfully launched. Return value of false means the silo is not ready for launch.
Can only be used if this is RocketSilo
revive{return_item_request_proxy = …, raise_revive = …} → dictionary[stringuint]

Revive a ghost. I.e. turn it from a ghost to a real entity or tile.

Parameters
Table (optional) with the following fields:
  • return_item_request_proxy :: boolean (optional): If true the function will return item request proxy as the third parameter.
  • raise_revive :: boolean (optional): If true, and an entity ghost; script_raised_revive will be called. Else if true, and a tile ghost; script_raised_set_tiles will be called.
Return value
Any items the new real entity collided with or nil if the ghost could not be revived.
Note: If this is an entity ghost and it is successfully revived this will also return the revived entity or nil as a second return value and possibly item request proxy as the third parameter depending on value of return_item_request_proxy.
silent_revive{return_item_request_proxy = …, raise_revive = …} → dictionary[stringuint]

Revives a ghost silently.

Parameters
Table (optional) with the following fields:
  • return_item_request_proxy :: boolean (optional): If true the function will return item request proxy as the third parameter.
  • raise_revive :: boolean (optional): If true, and an entity ghost; script_raised_revive will be called. Else if true, and a tile ghost; script_raised_set_tiles will be called.
Return value
Any items the new real entity collided with or nil if the ghost could not be revived.
Note: If this is an entity ghost and it is successfully revived this will also return the revived entity or nil as a second return value and possibly item request proxy as the third parameter depending on value of return_item_request_proxy.
get_connected_rail{rail_direction = …, rail_connection_direction = …} → LuaEntity

Parameters
Table with the following fields:
Return value
Rail connected in the specified manner to this one.
Can only be used if this is Rail
get_connected_rails() → array[LuaEntity]

Get the rails that this signal is connected to.

Can only be used if this is RailSignal
get_rail_segment_entity(direction, in_else_out) → LuaEntity

Get the rail signal or train stop at the start/end of the rail segment this rail is in, or nil if the rail segment doesn't start/end with a signal nor a train stop.

Parameters
direction :: defines.rail_direction: The direction of travel relative to this rail.
in_else_out :: boolean: If true, gets the entity at the entrance of the rail segment, otherwise gets the entity at the exit of the rail segment.
Note: A rail segment is a continuous section of rail with no branches, signals, nor train stops.
Can only be used if this is Rail
get_rail_segment_end(direction) → LuaEntity

Get the rail at the end of the rail segment this rail is in.

Parameters
Note: A rail segment is a continuous section of rail with no branches, signals, nor train stops.
Note: This function has a second return value. A defines.rail_direction that points out of the rail segment from the end rail.
Can only be used if this is Rail
get_rail_segment_length() → double

Get the length of the rail segment this rail is in.

Note: A rail segment is a continuous section of rail with no branches, signals, nor train stops.
Can only be used if this is Rail
get_rail_segment_overlaps() → array[LuaEntity]

Get a rail from each rail segment that overlaps with this rail's rail segment.

Note: A rail segment is a continuous section of rail with no branches, signals, nor train stops.
Can only be used if this is Rail
get_filter(slot_index) → string

Get the filter for a slot in an inserter, loader, or logistic storage container.

Parameters
slot_index :: uint: Index of the slot to get the filter for.
Return value
Prototype name of the item being filtered. nil if the given slot has no filter.
Note: The entity must allow filters.
set_filter(slot_index, item)

Set the filter for a slot in an inserter, loader, or logistic storage container.

Parameters
slot_index :: uint: Index of the slot to set the filter for.
item :: string: Prototype name of the item to filter.
Note: The entity must allow filters.
get_infinity_container_filter(index) → InfinityInventoryFilter

Gets the filter for this infinity container at the given index or nil if the filter index doesn't exist or is empty.

Parameters
index :: uint: The index to get.
Can only be used if this is InfinityContainer
set_infinity_container_filter(index, filter)

Sets the filter for this infinity container at the given index.

Parameters
index :: uint: The index to set.
filter :: InfinityInventoryFilter: The new filter or nil to clear the filter.
Can only be used if this is InfinityContainer
get_infinity_pipe_filter() → InfinityPipeFilter

Gets the filter for this infinity pipe or nil if the filter is empty.

Can only be used if this is InfinityPipe
set_infinity_pipe_filter(filter)

Sets the filter for this infinity pipe.

Parameters
filter :: InfinityPipeFilter: The new filter or nil to clear the filter.
Can only be used if this is InfinityPipe
get_heat_setting() → HeatSetting

Gets the heat setting for this heat interface.

Can only be used if this is HeatInterface
set_heat_setting(filter)

Sets the heat setting for this heat interface.

Parameters
filter :: HeatSetting: The new setting.
Can only be used if this is HeatInterface
get_control_behavior() → LuaControlBehavior

Gets the control behavior of the entity (if any).

Return value
The control behavior or nil.
get_or_create_control_behavior() → LuaControlBehavior

Gets (and or creates if needed) the control behavior of the entity.

Return value
The control behavior or nil.
get_circuit_network(wire, circuit_connector) → LuaCircuitNetwork

Parameters
wire :: defines.wire_type: Wire color of the network connected to this entity.
circuit_connector :: defines.circuit_connector_id (optional): The connector to get circuit network for. Must be specified for entities with more than one circuit network connector.
Return value
The circuit network or nil.
get_merged_signal(signal, circuit_connector) → int

Read a single signal from the combined circuit networks.

Parameters
signal :: SignalID: The signal to read.
circuit_connector :: defines.circuit_connector_id (optional): The connector to get signals for. Must be specified for entities with more than one circuit network connector.
Return value
The current value of the signal.
get_merged_signals(circuit_connector) → array[Signal]

The merged circuit network signals or nil if there are no signals.

Parameters
circuit_connector :: defines.circuit_connector_id (optional): The connector to get signals for. Must be specified for entities with more than one circuit network connector.
Return value
The sum of signals on both the red and green networks, or nil if it doesn't have a circuit connector.
supports_backer_name() → boolean

Whether this entity supports a backer name.

copy_settings(entity, by_player) → dictionary[stringuint]

Copies settings from the given entity onto this entity.

Parameters
entity :: LuaEntity
by_player :: PlayerIdentification (optional): If provided, the copying is done 'as' this player and on_entity_settings_pasted is triggered.
Return value
Any items removed from this entity as a result of copying the settings.
get_logistic_point(index) → LuaLogisticPoint or array[LuaLogisticPoint]

Gets all the LuaLogisticPoints that this entity owns. Optionally returns only the point specified by the index parameter.

Parameters
index :: defines.logistic_member_index (optional): If provided, only returns the LuaLogisticPoint specified by this index.
Note: When index is not given, this will be a single LuaLogisticPoint for most entities. For some (such as the player character), it can be zero or more.
play_note(instrument, note) → boolean

Plays a note with the given instrument and note.

Parameters
instrument :: uint
note :: uint
Return value
If the request is valid. The sound may or may not be played depending on polyphony settings.
Can only be used if this is ProgrammableSpeaker
connect_rolling_stock(direction) → boolean

Connects the rolling stock in the given direction.

Parameters
Return value
If any connection was made
disconnect_rolling_stock(direction) → boolean

Tries to disconnect this rolling stock in the given direction.

Parameters
Return value
If anything was disconnected
update_connections()

Reconnect loader, beacon, cliff and mining drill connections to entities that might have been teleported out or in by the script. The game doesn't do this automatically as we don't want to loose performance by checking this in normal games.

get_recipe() → LuaRecipe

Current recipe being assembled by this machine or nil if no recipe is set.

Can only be used if this is CraftingMachine
set_recipe(recipe) → dictionary[stringuint]

Sets the current recipe in this assembly machine.

Parameters
recipe :: string or LuaRecipe: The new recipe or nil to clear the recipe.
Return value
Any items removed from this entity as a result of setting the recipe.
Can only be used if this is CraftingMachine
rotate{reverse = …, by_player = …, spill_items = …, enable_looted = …, force = …} → boolean

Rotates this entity as if the player rotated it.

Parameters
Table (optional) with the following fields:
  • reverse :: boolean (optional): If true, rotate the entity in the counter-clockwise direction.
  • by_player :: PlayerIdentification (optional)
  • spill_items :: boolean (optional): If the player is not given should extra items be spilled or returned as a second return value from this.
  • enable_looted :: boolean (optional): When true, each spilled item will be flagged with the LuaEntity::to_be_looted flag.
  • force :: LuaForce or string (optional): When provided the spilled items will be marked for deconstruction by this force.
Return value
Whether the rotation was successful.
get_driver() → LuaEntity or LuaPlayer

Gets the driver of this vehicle if any.

Note: May be nil if the vehicle contains no driver. To check if there's a passenger see LuaEntity::get_passenger.
Can only be used if this is Vehicle
set_driver(driver)

Sets the driver of this vehicle.

Parameters
driver :: LuaEntity or PlayerIdentification: The new driver or nil to eject the current driver if any.
Note: This differs over LuaEntity::set_passenger in that the passenger can't drive the vehicle.
Can only be used if this is Vehicle
get_passenger() → LuaEntity or LuaPlayer

Gets the passenger of this car or spidertron if any.

Note: May be nil if the vehicle contains no passenger. To check if there's a driver see LuaEntity::get_driver.
Note: This differs over LuaEntity::get_driver in that the passenger can't drive the car.
Can only be used if this is Vehicle
set_passenger(passenger)

Sets the passenger of this car or spidertron.

Parameters
Note: This differs over LuaEntity::get_driver in that the passenger can't drive the car.
Can only be used if this is Vehicle
is_connected_to_electric_network() → boolean

Returns true if this entity is connected to an electric network.

get_train_stop_trains() → array[LuaTrain]

The trains scheduled to stop at this train stop.

Can only be used if this is TrainStop
get_stopped_train() → LuaTrain

The train currently stopped at this train stop or nil if none.

Can only be used if this is TrainStop
clone{position = …, surface = …, force = …, create_build_effect_smoke = …} → LuaEntity

Clones this entity.

Parameters
Table with the following fields:
  • position :: Position: The destination position
  • surface :: LuaSurface (optional): The destination surface
  • force :: ForceIdentification (optional)
  • create_build_effect_smoke :: boolean (optional): If false, the building effect smoke will not be shown around the new entity.
Return value
The cloned entity or nil if this entity can't be cloned/can't be cloned to the given location.
get_fluid_count(fluid) → double

Get the amount of all or some fluid in this entity.

Parameters
fluid :: string (optional): Prototype name of the fluid to count. If not specified, count all fluids.
get_fluid_contents() → dictionary[stringdouble]

Get amounts of all fluids in this entity.

Return value
The amounts, indexed by fluid names.
remove_fluid{name = …, amount = …, minimum_temperature = …, maximum_temperature = …, temperature = …} → double

Remove fluid from this entity.

Parameters
Table with the following fields:
  • name :: string: Fluid prototype name.
  • amount :: double: Amount to remove
  • minimum_temperature :: double (optional)
  • maximum_temperature :: double (optional)
  • temperature :: double (optional)
Return value
Amount of fluid actually removed.
Note: If temperature is given only fluid matching that exact temperature is removed. If minimum and maximum is given fluid within that range is removed.
insert_fluid(fluid) → double

Insert fluid into this entity. Fluidbox is chosen automatically.

Parameters
fluid :: Fluid: Fluid to insert.
Return value
Amount of fluid actually inserted.
clear_fluid_inside()

Remove all fluids from this entity.

get_beam_source() → BeamTarget

Get the source of this beam.

Can only be used if this is Beam
set_beam_source(source)

Set the source of this beam.

Parameters
source :: LuaEntity or Position
Can only be used if this is Beam
get_beam_target() → BeamTarget

Get the target of this beam.

Can only be used if this is Beam
set_beam_target(target)

Set the target of this beam.

Parameters
target :: LuaEntity or Position
Can only be used if this is Beam
get_radius() → double

The radius of this entity.

get_health_ratio() → float

The health ratio of this entity between 1 and 0 (for full health and no health respectively).

create_build_effect_smoke()

Creates the same smoke that is created when you place a building by hand. You can play the building sound to go with it by using LuaSurface::play_sound, eg: entity.surface.play_sound{path="entity-build/"..entity.prototype.name, position=entity.position}

release_from_spawner()

Release the unit from the spawner which spawned it. This allows the spawner to continue spawning additional units.

Can only be used if this is Unit
toggle_equipment_movement_bonus()

Toggle this entity's equipment movement bonus. Does nothing if the entity does not have an equipment grid.

Note: This property can also be read and written on the equipment grid of this entity.
can_shoot(target, position) → boolean

If this character can shoot the given entity or position.

Parameters
target :: LuaEntity
position :: Position
start_fading_out()

Only works if the entity is a speech-bubble, with an "effect" defined in its wrapper_flow_style. Starts animating the opacity of the speech bubble towards zero, and destroys the entity when it hits zero.

get_upgrade_target() → LuaEntityPrototype

Returns the new entity prototype.

Return value
nil if this entity is not marked for upgrade.
get_upgrade_direction() → defines.direction

Returns the new entity direction after upgrading.

Return value
nil if this entity is not marked for upgrade.
get_damage_to_be_taken() → float

Returns the amount of damage to be taken by this entity.

deplete()

Depletes and destroys this resource entity.

Can only be used if this is ResourceEntity
mine{inventory = …, force = …, raise_destroyed = …, ignore_minable = …} → boolean

Mines this entity.

Parameters
Table (optional) with the following fields:
  • inventory :: LuaInventory (optional): If provided the item(s) will be transferred into this inventory. If provided, this must be an inventory created with LuaGameScript::create_inventory or be a basic inventory owned by some entity.
  • force :: boolean (optional): If true, when the item(s) don't fit into the given inventory the entity is force mined. If false, the mining operation fails when there isn't enough room to transfer all of the items into the inventory. Defaults to false. This is ignored and acts as 'true' if no inventory is provided.
  • raise_destroyed :: boolean (optional): If true, script_raised_destroy will be raised. Defaults to true.
  • ignore_minable :: boolean (optional): If true, the minable state of the entity is ignored. Defaults to false. If false, an entity that isn't minable (set as not-minable in the prototype or isn't minable for other reasons) will fail to be mined.
Return value
Whether mining succeeded.
Note: 'standard' operation is to keep calling mine() with an inventory until all items are transferred and the items dealt with.
Note: The result of mining the entity (the item(s) it produces when mined) will be dropped on the ground if they don't fit into the provided inventory.
spawn_decorations()

Triggers spawn_decoration actions defined in the entity prototype or does nothing if entity is not "turret" or "unit-spawner".

can_wires_reach(entity) → boolean

Can wires reach between these entities.

Parameters
entity :: LuaEntity
get_connected_rolling_stock(direction) → LuaEntity

Gets rolling stock connected to the given end of this stock

Parameters
Return value
One of connected rolling stocks
Note: This will also return defines.rail_direction of other rolling stock that is connected back to this rolling stock
is_registered_for_construction() → boolean

Is this entity or tile ghost or item request proxy registered for construction? If false, it means a construction robot has been dispatched to build the entity, or it is not an entity that can be constructed.

is_registered_for_deconstruction(force) → boolean

Is this entity registered for deconstruction with this force? If false, it means a construction robot has been dispatched to deconstruct it, or it is not marked for deconstruction. This is worst-case O(N) complexity where N is the current number of things in the deconstruct queue.

Parameters
force :: ForceIdentification: The force construction manager to check.
is_registered_for_upgrade() → boolean

Is this entity registered for upgrade? If false, it means a construction robot has been dispatched to upgrade it, or it is not marked for upgrade. This is worst-case O(N) complexity where N is the current number of things in the upgrade queue.

is_registered_for_repair() → boolean

Is this entity registered for repair? If false, it means a construction robot has been dispatched to upgrade it, or it is not damaged. This is worst-case O(N) complexity where N is the current number of things in the repair queue.

add_autopilot_destination(position)

Adds the given position to this spidertron's autopilot's queue of destinations.

Parameters
position :: Position: The position the spidertron should move to.
Can only be used if this is SpiderVehicle
connect_linked_belts(neighbour)

Connects current linked belt with another one.

Neighbours have to be of different type. If given linked belt is connected to something else it will be disconnected first. If provided neighbour is connected to something else it will also be disconnected first. Automatically updates neighbour to be connected back to this one.

Parameters
neighbour :: LuaEntity: Another linked belt or entity ghost containing linked belt to connect or nil to disconnect
Note: Can also be used on entity ghost if it contains linked-belt
Can only be used if this is LinkedBelt
disconnect_linked_belts()

Disconnects linked belt from its neighbour.

Note: Can also be used on entity ghost if it contains linked-belt
Can only be used if this is LinkedBelt
name :: string [Read-only]

Name of the entity prototype. E.g. "inserter" or "filter-inserter".

ghost_name :: string [Read-only]

Name of the entity or tile contained in this ghost

Can only be used if this is Ghost
localised_name :: LocalisedString [Read-only]

Localised name of the entity.

localised_description :: LocalisedString [Read-only]

ghost_localised_name :: LocalisedString [Read-only]

Localised name of the entity or tile contained in this ghost.

Can only be used if this is Ghost
ghost_localised_description :: LocalisedString [Read-only]

Can only be used if this is Ghost
type :: string [Read-only]

The entity prototype type of this entity.

ghost_type :: string [Read-only]

The prototype type of the entity or tile contained in this ghost.

Can only be used if this is Ghost
active :: boolean [Read-Write]

Deactivating an entity will stop all its operations (car will stop moving, inserters will stop working, fish will stop moving etc).

Note: Entities that are not active naturally can't be set to be active (setting it to be active will do nothing)
Note: Ghosts, simple smoke, and corpses can't be modified at this time.
Note: It is even possible to set the character to not be active, so he can't move and perform most of the tasks.
destructible :: boolean [Read-Write]

When the entity is not destructible it can't be damaged.

Note: An indestructible entity can still be mined.
Note: Entities that are indestructible naturally (they have no health, like smoke, resource etc) can't be set to be destructible.
minable :: boolean [Read-Write]

Note: Not minable entities can still be destroyed.
Note: Entities that are not minable naturally (like smoke, character, enemy units etc) can't be set to minable.
rotatable :: boolean [Read-Write]

When entity is not to be rotatable (inserter, transport belt etc), it can't be rotated by player using the R key.

Note: Entities that are not rotatable naturally (like chest or furnace) can't be set to be rotatable.
operable :: boolean [Read-Write]

Player can't open gui of this entity and he can't quick insert/input stuff in to the entity when it is not operable.

health :: float [Read-Write]

The current health of the entity, or nil if it doesn't have health. Health is automatically clamped to be between 0 and max health (inclusive). Entities with a health of 0 can not be attacked.

Note: To get the maximum possible health of this entity, see LuaEntityPrototype::max_health on its prototype.
direction :: defines.direction [Read-Write]

The current direction this entity is facing.

supports_direction :: boolean [Read-only]

Whether the entity has direction. When it is false for this entity, it will always return north direction when asked for.

orientation :: RealOrientation [Read-Write]

The smooth orientation of this entity, if it supports orientation.

cliff_orientation :: CliffOrientation [Read-only]

The orientation of this cliff.

relative_turret_orientation :: RealOrientation [Read-Write]

The relative orientation of the vehicle turret, artillery turret, artillery wagon or nil if this entity isn't a vehicle with a vehicle turret or artillery turret/wagon.

Note: Writing does nothing if the vehicle doesn't have a turret.
torso_orientation :: RealOrientation [Read-Write]

The torso orientation of this spider vehicle.

Can only be used if this is SpiderVehicle
amount :: uint [Read-Write]

Count of resource units contained.

Can only be used if this is ResourceEntity
initial_amount :: uint [Read-Write]

Count of initial resource units contained.

Note: If this is not an infinite resource reading will give nil and writing will give an error.
Can only be used if this is ResourceEntity
effectivity_modifier :: float [Read-Write]

Multiplies the acceleration the vehicle can create for one unit of energy. By default is 1.

Can only be used if this is Car
consumption_modifier :: float [Read-Write]

Multiplies the energy consumption.

Can only be used if this is Car
friction_modifier :: float [Read-Write]

Multiplies the car friction rate.

Example
This will allow the car to go much faster
game.player.vehicle.friction_modifier = 0.5
Can only be used if this is Car
driver_is_gunner :: boolean [Read-Write]

Whether the driver of this car or spidertron is the gunner, if false, the passenger is the gunner.

vehicle_automatic_targeting_parameters :: VehicleAutomaticTargetingParameters [Read-Write]

Read when this spidertron auto-targets enemies

Can only be used if this is SpiderVehicle
speed :: float [Read-Write]

The current speed of this car in tiles per tick, rolling stock, projectile or spider vehicle, or current max speed of the unit. Only the speed of units, cars, and projectiles are writable.

effective_speed :: float [Read-only]

The current speed of this unit in tiles per tick, taking into account any walking speed modifier given by the tile the unit is standing on.

Can only be used if this is Unit
stack :: LuaItemStack [Read-only]

Can only be used if this is ItemEntity
prototype :: LuaEntityPrototype [Read-only]

The entity prototype of this entity.

ghost_prototype :: LuaEntityPrototype or LuaTilePrototype [Read-only]

The prototype of the entity or tile contained in this ghost.

Can only be used if this is Ghost
drop_position :: Position [Read-Write]

Position where the entity puts its stuff.

Note: Meaningful only for entities that put stuff somewhere, such as mining drills or inserters. Mining drills can't have their drop position changed; inserters must have allow_custom_vectors set to true on their prototype to allow changing the drop position.
pickup_position :: Position [Read-Write]

Where the inserter will pick up items from.

Note: Inserters must have allow_custom_vectors set to true on their prototype to allow changing the pickup position.
Can only be used if this is Inserter
drop_target :: LuaEntity [Read-Write]

The entity this entity is putting its stuff to or nil if there is no such entity.

Note: Meaningful only for entities that put stuff somewhere, such as mining drills or inserters.
pickup_target :: LuaEntity [Read-Write]

The entity the inserter will attempt to pick up from. For example, this can be a transport belt or a storage chest.

Can only be used if this is Inserter
selected_gun_index :: uint [Read-Write]

Index of the currently selected weapon slot of this character, car, or spidertron, or nil if the car/spidertron doesn't have guns.

Can only be used if this is Character or Car
energy :: double [Read-Write]

Energy stored in the entity (heat in furnace, energy stored in electrical devices etc.). always 0 for entities that don't have the concept of energy stored inside.

Example
game.player.print("Machine energy: " .. game.player.selected.energy .. "J")
game.player.selected.energy = 3000
temperature :: double [Read-Write]

The temperature of this entities heat energy source if this entity uses a heat energy source or nil.

previous_recipe :: LuaRecipe [Read-only]

The previous recipe this furnace was using or nil if the furnace had no previous recipe.

Can only be used if this is Furnace
held_stack :: LuaItemStack [Read-only]

The item stack currently held in an inserter's hand.

Can only be used if this is Inserter
held_stack_position :: Position [Read-only]

Current position of the inserter's "hand".

Can only be used if this is Inserter
train :: LuaTrain [Read-only]

The train this rolling stock belongs to or nil if not rolling stock.

neighbours :: dictionary[stringarray[LuaEntity]] or array[array[LuaEntity]] or LuaEntity [Read-only]

  • When called on an electric pole, this is a dictionary of all connections, indexed by the strings "copper", "red", and "green".
  • When called on a pipe-connectable entity, this is an array of entity arrays of all entities a given fluidbox is connected to.
  • When called on an underground transport belt, this is the other end of the underground belt connection, or nil if none.
  • When called on a wall-connectable entity or reactor, this is a dictionary of all connections indexed by the connection direction "north", "south", "east", and "west".

belt_neighbours :: dictionary[stringarray[LuaEntity]] [Read-only]

The belt connectable neighbours of this belt connectable entity. Only entities that input to or are outputs of this entity. Does not contain the other end of an underground belt, see LuaEntity::neighbours for that. This is a dictionary with "inputs", "outputs" entries that are arrays of transport belt connectable entities, or empty tables if no entities.

Can only be used if this is TransportBeltConnectable
fluidbox :: LuaFluidBox [Read-Write]

Fluidboxes of this entity.

backer_name :: string [Read-Write]

The backer name assigned to this entity, or nil if this entity doesn't support backer names. Entities that support backer names are labs, locomotives, radars, roboports, and train stops.

Note: While train stops get the name of a backer when placed down, players can rename them if they want to. In this case, backer_name returns the player-given name of the entity.
entity_label :: string [Read-Write]

The label of this entity if it has one or nil. Changing the value will trigger on_entity_renamed event

Note: only usable on entities that have labels (currently only spider-vehicles).
time_to_live :: uint [Read-Write]

The ticks left before a ghost, combat robot, highlight box or smoke with trigger is destroyed.

  • for ghosts set to uint32 max (4,294,967,295) to never expire.
  • for ghosts Cannot be set higher than LuaForce::ghost_time_to_live of the entity's force.

color :: Color [Read-Write]

The character, rolling stock, train stop, car, spider-vehicle, flying text, corpse or simple-entity-with-owner color. Returns nil if this entity doesn't use custom colors.

Note: Car color is overridden by the color of the current driver/passenger, if there is one.
text :: LocalisedString [Read-Write]

The text of this flying-text entity.

Can only be used if this is FlyingText
signal_state :: defines.signal_state [Read-only]

The state of this rail signal.

Can only be used if this is RailSignal
chain_signal_state :: defines.chain_signal_state [Read-only]

The state of this chain signal.

Can only be used if this is RailChainSignal
to_be_looted :: boolean [Read-Write]

Will this entity be picked up automatically when the player walks over it?

Can only be used if this is ItemEntity
crafting_speed :: double [Read-only]

The current crafting speed, including speed bonuses from modules and beacons.

Can only be used if this is CraftingMachine
crafting_progress :: float [Read-Write]

The current crafting progress, as a number in range [0, 1].

Can only be used if this is CraftingMachine
bonus_progress :: double [Read-Write]

The current productivity bonus progress, as a number in range [0, 1].

Can only be used if this is CraftingMachine
productivity_bonus :: double [Read-only]

The productivity bonus of this entity.

Note: This includes force based bonuses as well as beacon/module bonuses.
pollution_bonus :: double [Read-only]

The pollution bonus of this entity.

speed_bonus :: double [Read-only]

The speed bonus of this entity.

Note: This includes force based bonuses as well as beacon/module bonuses.
consumption_bonus :: double [Read-only]

The consumption bonus of this entity.

belt_to_ground_type :: string [Read-only]

"input" or "output", depending on whether this underground belt goes down or up.

Can only be used if this is TransportBeltToGround
loader_type :: string [Read-Write]

"input" or "output", depending on whether this loader puts to or gets from a container.

Can only be used if this is Loader
rocket_parts :: uint [Read-Write]

Number of rocket parts in the silo.

Can only be used if this is RocketSilo
logistic_network :: LuaLogisticNetwork [Read-Write]

The logistic network this entity is a part of.

logistic_cell :: LuaLogisticCell [Read-only]

The logistic cell this entity is a part of. Will be nil if this entity is not a part of any logistic cell.

item_requests :: dictionary[stringuint] [Read-Write]

Items this ghost will request when revived or items this item request proxy is requesting. Result is a dictionary mapping each item prototype name to the required count.

player :: LuaPlayer [Read-only]

The player connected to this character or nil if none.

Can only be used if this is Character
unit_group :: LuaUnitGroup [Read-only]

The unit group this unit is a member of, or nil if none.

Can only be used if this is Unit
damage_dealt :: double [Read-Write]

The damage dealt by this turret, artillery turret, or artillery wagon.

Can only be used if this is Turret
kills :: uint [Read-Write]

The number of units killed by this turret, artillery turret, or artillery wagon.

Can only be used if this is Turret
last_user :: LuaPlayer [Read-Write]

The last player that changed any setting on this entity. This includes building the entity, changing its color, or configuring its circuit network. Can be nil if the last user is not part of the save anymore. Mods can overwrite it if desired.

Can only be used if this is EntityWithOwner
electric_buffer_size :: double [Read-Write]

The buffer size for the electric energy source or nil if the entity doesn't have an electric energy source.

Note: Write access is limited to the ElectricEnergyInterface type
electric_input_flow_limit :: double [Read-only]

The input flow limit for the electric energy source or nil if the entity doesn't have an electric energy source.

electric_output_flow_limit :: double [Read-only]

The output flow limit for the electric energy source or nil if the entity doesn't have an electric energy source.

electric_drain :: double [Read-only]

The electric drain for the electric energy source or nil if the entity doesn't have an electric energy source.

electric_emissions :: double [Read-only]

The emissions for the electric energy source or nil if the entity doesn't have an electric energy source.

unit_number :: uint [Read-only]

The unit number or nil if the entity doesn't have one. This is universally unique for every entity that has one, for the lifetime of a whole game.

ghost_unit_number :: uint [Read-only]

The unit number of the entity contained in this ghost or nil if the entity doesn't have one.

Can only be used if this is EntityGhost
mining_progress :: double [Read-Write]

The mining progress for this mining drill or nil if this isn't a mining drill. Is a number in range [0, mining_target.prototype.mineable_properties.mining_time]

bonus_mining_progress :: double [Read-Write]

The bonus mining progress for this mining drill or nil if this isn't a mining drill. Read yields a number in range [0, mining_target.prototype.mineable_properties.mining_time]

power_production :: double [Read-Write]

The power production specific to the ElectricEnergyInterface entity type.

Can only be used if this is ElectricEnergyInterface
power_usage :: double [Read-Write]

The power usage specific to the ElectricEnergyInterface entity type.

Can only be used if this is ElectricEnergyInterface
bounding_box :: BoundingBox [Read-only]

LuaEntityPrototype::collision_box around entity's given position and respecting the current entity orientation.

secondary_bounding_box :: BoundingBox [Read-only]

The secondary bounding box of this entity or nil if it doesn't have one.

selection_box :: BoundingBox [Read-only]

LuaEntityPrototype::selection_box around entity's given position and respecting the current entity orientation.

secondary_selection_box :: BoundingBox [Read-only]

The secondary selection box of this entity or nil if it doesn't have one.

mining_target :: LuaEntity [Read-only]

The mining target or nil if none

Can only be used if this is MiningDrill
circuit_connected_entities :: table [Read-only]

Entities that are directly connected to this entity via the circuit network.

Table with the following fields:
  • red :: array[LuaEntity]: Entities connected via the red wire.
  • green :: array[LuaEntity]: Entities connected via the green wire.

circuit_connection_definitions :: array[CircuitConnectionDefinition] [Read-only]

The connection definition for entities that are directly connected to this entity via the circuit network.

request_slot_count :: uint [Read-only]

The index of the configured request with the highest index for this entity. This means 0 if no requests are set and e.g. 20 if the 20th request slot is configured.

filter_slot_count :: uint [Read-only]

The number of filter slots this inserter, loader, or logistic storage container has. 0 if not one of those entities.

loader_container :: LuaEntity [Read-only]

The container entity this loader is pointing at/pulling from depending on the LuaEntity::loader_type.

Can only be used if this is Loader
grid :: LuaEquipmentGrid [Read-only]

The equipment grid or nil if this entity doesn't have an equipment grid.

graphics_variation :: uint8 [Read-Write]

The graphics variation for this entity or nil if this entity doesn't use graphics variations.

tree_color_index :: uint8 [Read-Write]

Index of the tree color.

tree_color_index_max :: uint8 [Read-only]

Maximum index of the tree colors.

tree_stage_index :: uint8 [Read-Write]

Index of the tree stage.

tree_stage_index_max :: uint8 [Read-only]

Maximum index of the tree stages.

tree_gray_stage_index :: uint8 [Read-Write]

Index of the tree gray stage

tree_gray_stage_index_max :: uint8 [Read-only]

Maximum index of the tree gray stages.

burner :: LuaBurner [Read-only]

The burner energy source for this entity or nil if there isn't one.

shooting_target :: LuaEntity [Read-Write]

The shooting target for this turret or nil.

proxy_target :: LuaEntity [Read-only]

The target entity for this item-request-proxy or nil

stickers :: array[LuaEntity] [Read-only]

The sticker entities attached to this entity or nil if none.

sticked_to :: LuaEntity [Read-only]

The entity this sticker is sticked to.

parameters :: ProgrammableSpeakerParameters [Read-Write]

Can only be used if this is ProgrammableSpeaker
alert_parameters :: ProgrammableSpeakerAlertParameters [Read-Write]

Can only be used if this is ProgrammableSpeaker
electric_network_statistics :: LuaFlowStatistics [Read-only]

The electric network statistics for this electric pole.

Can only be used if this is ElectricPole
inserter_stack_size_override :: uint [Read-Write]

Sets the stack size limit on this inserter. If the stack size is > than the force stack size limit the value is ignored.

Note: Set to 0 to reset.
products_finished :: uint [Read-Write]

The number of products this machine finished crafting in its lifetime.

Can only be used if this is CraftingMachine
spawner :: LuaEntity [Read-only]

The spawner associated with this unit entity or nil if the unit has no associated spawner.

units :: array[LuaEntity] [Read-only]

The units associated with this spawner entity.

power_switch_state :: boolean [Read-Write]

The state of this power switch.

effects :: ModuleEffects [Read-only]

The effects being applied to this entity or nil. For beacons this is the effect the beacon is broadcasting.

infinity_container_filters :: array[InfinityInventoryFilter] [Read-Write]

The filters for this infinity container.

Can only be used if this is InfinityContainer
remove_unfiltered_items :: boolean [Read-Write]

If items not included in this infinity container filters should be removed from the container.

Can only be used if this is InfinityContainer
character_corpse_player_index :: uint [Read-Write]

The player index associated with this character corpse.

Note: The index is not guaranteed to be valid so it should always be checked first if a player with that index actually exists.
Can only be used if this is CharacterCorpse
character_corpse_tick_of_death :: uint [Read-Write]

The tick this character corpse died at.

Can only be used if this is CharacterCorpse
character_corpse_death_cause :: LocalisedString [Read-Write]

The reason this character corpse character died (if any).

Can only be used if this is CharacterCorpse
associated_player :: LuaPlayer [Read-Write]

The player this character is associated with or nil if none. When the player logs off in multiplayer all of the associated characters will be logged off with him.

Note: A character associated with a player is not directly controlled by any player.
Note: Set to nil to clear. The player will be automatically disassociated when a controller is set on the character.
Can only be used if this is Character
tick_of_last_attack :: uint [Read-Write]

The last tick this character entity was attacked.

Can only be used if this is Character
tick_of_last_damage :: uint [Read-Write]

The last tick this character entity was damaged.

Can only be used if this is Character
splitter_filter :: LuaItemPrototype [Read-Write]

The filter for this splitter or nil if no filter is set.

Can only be used if this is Splitter
inserter_filter_mode :: string [Read-Write]

The filter mode for this filter inserter: "whitelist", "blacklist", or nil if this inserter doesn't use filters.

Can only be used if this is Inserter
splitter_input_priority :: string [Read-Write]

The input priority for this splitter : "left", "none", or "right".

Can only be used if this is Splitter
splitter_output_priority :: string [Read-Write]

The output priority for this splitter : "left", "none", or "right".

Can only be used if this is Splitter
armed :: boolean [Read-only]

If this land mine is armed.

Can only be used if this is LandMine
recipe_locked :: boolean [Read-Write]

When locked; the recipe in this assembling machine can't be changed by the player.

Can only be used if this is AssemblingMachine
connected_rail :: LuaEntity [Read-only]

The rail entity this train stop is connected to or nil if there is none.

Can only be used if this is TrainStop
trains_in_block :: uint [Read-only]

The number of trains in this rail block for this rail entity.

Can only be used if this is Rail
timeout :: uint [Read-Write]

The timeout that's left on this landmine in ticks. It describes the time between the landmine being placed and it being armed.

Can only be used if this is LandMine
neighbour_bonus :: double [Read-only]

The current total neighbour bonus of this reactor.

Can only be used if this is Reactor
ai_settings :: LuaAISettings [Read-only]

The ai settings of this unit.

Can only be used if this is Unit
highlight_box_type :: string [Read-Write]

The hightlight box type of this highlight box entity.

Can only be used if this is HighlightBox
status :: defines.entity_status [Read-only]

The status of this entity or nil if no status.

enable_logistics_while_moving :: boolean [Read-Write]

If equipment grid logistics are enabled while this vehicle is moving.

Can only be used if this is Vehicle
render_player :: LuaPlayer [Read-Write]

The player that this simple-entity-with-owner, simple-entity-with-force, flying-text, or highlight-box is visible to. nil means it is rendered for every player.

render_to_forces :: array[ForceIdentification] [Read-Write]

The forces that this simple-entity-with-owner, simple-entity-with-force, or flying-text is visible to. nil or an empty array means it is rendered for every force.

Note: Reading will always give an array of LuaForce
pump_rail_target :: LuaEntity [Read-only]

The rail target of this pump or nil.

Can only be used if this is Pump
moving :: boolean [Read-only]

Returns true if this unit is moving.

Can only be used if this is Unit
electric_network_id :: uint [Read-only]

Returns the id of the electric network that this entity is connected to or nil.

allow_dispatching_robots :: boolean [Read-Write]

Whether this character's personal roboports are allowed to dispatch robots.

Can only be used if this is Character
auto_launch :: boolean [Read-Write]

Whether this rocket silo automatically launches the rocket when cargo is inserted.

Can only be used if this is RocketSilo
energy_generated_last_tick :: double [Read-only]

How much energy this generator generated in the last tick.

Can only be used if this is Generator
storage_filter :: LuaItemPrototype [Read-Write]

The storage filter for this logistic storage container.

request_from_buffers :: boolean [Read-Write]

Whether this requester chest is set to also request from buffer chests.

Note: Useable only on entities that have requester slots.
corpse_expires :: boolean [Read-Write]

Whether this corpse will ever fade away.

Note: Useable only on corpses.
corpse_immune_to_entity_placement :: boolean [Read-Write]

If true, corpse won't be destroyed when entities are placed over it. If false, whether corpse will be removed or not depends on value of CorpsePrototype::remove_on_entity_placement.

Note: Useable only on corpses.
tags :: Tags [Read-Write]

The tags associated with this entity ghost or nil if not an entity ghost.

command :: Command [Read-only]

The command given to this unit or nil is the unit has no command.

Can only be used if this is Unit
distraction_command :: Command [Read-only]

The distraction command given to this unit or nil is the unit currently isn't distracted.

Can only be used if this is Unit
time_to_next_effect :: uint [Read-Write]

The ticks until the next trigger effect of this smoke-with-trigger.

Can only be used if this is SmokeWithTrigger
autopilot_destination :: Position [Read-Write]

Destination position of spidertron's autopilot. Returns nil if autopilot doesn't have destination set.

Can only be used if this is SpiderVehicle
autopilot_destinations :: array[Position] [Read-only]

The queued destination positions of spidertron's autopilot.

Can only be used if this is SpiderVehicle
trains_count :: uint [Read-only]

Amount of trains related to this particular train stop. Includes train stopped at this train stop (until it finds a path to next target) and trains having this train stop as goal or waypoint. Writing nil will disable the limit (will set a maximum possible value).

Note: Train may be included multiple times when braking distance covers this train stop multiple times
Note: Value may be read even when train stop has no control behavior
Can only be used if this is TrainStop
trains_limit :: uint [Read-Write]

Amount of trains above which no new trains will be sent to this train stop.

Note: When a train stop has a control behavior with wire connected and set_trains_limit enabled, this value will be overwritten by it
Can only be used if this is TrainStop
is_entity_with_force :: boolean [Read-only]

If this entity is EntityWithForce

is_entity_with_owner :: boolean [Read-only]

If this entity is EntityWithOwner

is_entity_with_health :: boolean [Read-only]

If this entity is EntityWithHealth

combat_robot_owner :: LuaEntity [Read-Write]

The owner of this combat robot if any.

follow_target :: LuaEntity [Read-Write]

The follow target of this spidertron if any.

Can only be used if this is SpiderVehicle
follow_offset :: Position [Read-Write]

The follow offset of this spidertron if any. If it is not following an entity this will be nil. This is randomized each time the follow entity is set.

Can only be used if this is SpiderVehicle
linked_belt_type :: string [Read-Write]

Type of linked belt: it is either "input" or "output". Changing type will also flip direction so the belt is out of the same side

Note: Can only be changed when linked belt is disconnected (has no neighbour set)
Note: Can also be used on entity ghost if it contains linked-belt
Can only be used if this is LinkedBelt
linked_belt_neighbour :: LuaEntity [Read-only]

Neighbour to which this linked belt is connected to. Returns nil if not connected.

Note: Can also be used on entity ghost if it contains linked-belt
Note: May return entity ghost which contains linked belt to which connection is made
Can only be used if this is LinkedBelt