How to Change a Group of Lights Color Space Engineers

This guide teaches you how to change a group of lights color in Space Engineers using programmable blocks, timers, and remote control. You’ll learn to automate lighting systems for bases, ships, and stations with full RGB control.

Key Takeaways

• Use Programmable Blocks: Automate light color changes with simple scripts and logic.
• Group Lights for Efficiency: Assign multiple lights to a single group for synchronized control.
• Leverage Timers and Sensors: Trigger color shifts based on time, proximity, or player actions.
• Master RGB Values: Understand how red, green, and blue values create custom colors.
• Remote Control Access: Change light colors from anywhere using cockpit or remote control blocks.
• Optimize Performance: Avoid lag by limiting script frequency and light count per group.
• Troubleshoot Common Issues: Fix unresponsive lights or script errors with proven fixes.

Introduction: Why Change Light Colors in Space Engineers?

Lighting in Space Engineers isn’t just about visibility—it’s a powerful tool for aesthetics, safety, and automation. Whether you’re building a futuristic space station, a stealthy warship, or a cozy mining outpost, controlling the color of your lights can dramatically improve your experience. In 2026, with updated game mechanics and enhanced programmable block features, changing a group of lights color in Space Engineers has never been easier or more flexible.

This guide will walk you through every step of the process, from grouping lights to writing simple scripts that change colors dynamically. You’ll learn how to use programmable blocks, timers, sensors, and remote controls to create stunning lighting effects. Whether you want your base to glow red during an emergency or cycle through rainbow colors for fun, this tutorial covers it all.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to automate and customize lighting systems like a pro. No prior coding experience is needed—just basic knowledge of Space Engineers’ building and control systems. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Understand How Lights Work in Space Engineers

Before you start changing colors, it’s important to understand how lights function in the game. In Space Engineers, lights are functional blocks that emit light in a cone or sphere, depending on the type. There are two main types: Interior Lights (small, ceiling-mounted) and Spotlights (directional, used on ships and exteriors).

Each light has adjustable properties, including:
– Brightness
– Radius
– Color (via RGB values)
– Blink settings

The key to changing colors lies in the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) system. Each color is defined by three values ranging from 0 to 1. For example:
– Pure red = (1, 0, 0)
– Pure green = (0, 1, 0)
– Pure blue = (0, 0, 1)
– White = (1, 1, 1)
– Purple = (1, 0, 1)

You can manually change these values in the light’s terminal, but for groups of lights, automation is the way to go.

Why Use Groups?

Grouping lights allows you to control multiple blocks at once. Instead of changing each light individually, you assign them to a group and control the entire set with one command. This saves time and ensures consistency.

To create a group:
1. Open the terminal (press K).
2. Select all the lights you want to include.
3. Click “Create Group” and name it (e.g., “Base Lights” or “Ship Exterior”).

Now, any command you send to that group will affect all lights within it.

Step 2: Set Up a Programmable Block

The programmable block is the brain of your lighting system. It runs scripts that can change light colors, respond to events, and automate tasks.

Place and Name the Block

1. Build a Programmable Block near your lights (on the same grid).
2. Open its terminal and give it a clear name, like “Light Controller” or “Color Changer.”
3. Make sure it’s powered and connected to the same power grid as your lights.

Access the Script Editor

1. In the programmable block’s terminal, click “Edit” under the “Program” section.
2. Choose a language—C# is recommended for beginners due to its simplicity and built-in examples.
3. Clear any default code so you can start fresh.

Write a Basic Color Change Script

Here’s a simple script to change all lights in a group to red:

// Change group of lights to red
var lights = GridTerminalSystem.GetBlockGroupWithName("Base Lights");
if (lights != null)
{
    var lightList = new List();
    lights.GetBlocksOfType(lightList);
    foreach (var light in lightList)
    {
        light.SetValue("Color", new Color(255, 0, 0)); // Red in RGB (0-255 scale)
    }
}

Note: Space Engineers uses a 0–255 scale for RGB in scripts, not 0–1. So (255, 0, 0) is pure red.

Run the Script

1. Click “Check Code” to ensure there are no errors.
2. Click “Run” to execute the script.
3. Watch your lights turn red!

Step 3: Automate Color Changes with Timers

Manual scripts are great, but automation makes your base feel alive. Timers let you change colors at set intervals—perfect for mood lighting, alerts, or decorative effects.

Add a Timer Block

1. Place a Timer Block on your grid.
2. Name it something like “Color Timer.”
3. Set the delay (e.g., 5 seconds for a slow color cycle).

Link Timer to Programmable Block

1. Open the Timer Block’s terminal.
2. Under “Actions,” select your programmable block.
3. Choose “Run” as the action.
4. Enable “Repeat” so it keeps triggering.

Now, every 5 seconds, the timer will run your script.

Create a Color Cycling Script

To make lights cycle through colors, modify your script to change colors over time. Here’s an example that cycles through red, green, and blue:

// Color cycling script

var lights = GridTerminalSystem.GetBlockGroupWithName("Base Lights");

if (lights != null)

{

    var lightList = new List();

    lights.GetBlocksOfType(lightList);

    // Get current time in seconds

    var time = (int)(DateTime.UtcNow - new DateTime(1970, 1, 1)).TotalSeconds;

    var colorIndex = (time / 5) % 3; // Change every 5 seconds
    Color color;

    if (colorIndex