A reported DREADMOOR engine upgrade loop can occur after removing and shredding the original engine before its quest step. The developer acknowledged that performing some actions too early can stop later objectives from updating properly. The available reply does not provide a confirmed recovery for an original engine that has already been destroyed.
What did the player report?
In an October 31 Steam discussion, a player said they removed the old engine before the relevant mission and shredded it. When the story later required removing and replacing that engine, the quest did not recognize the replacement they had installed.
That is a specific community report with a particular sequence, not proof that every engine problem has the same cause. If your original engine is still present, or your objective has stopped at a different point, the report alone does not diagnose your save.
The original engine-upgrade-loop discussion is the direct source for the complaint and response.
What did the developer confirm?
The Digital Vortex Entertainment account, marked as a developer in the discussion, said the situation sounded like a bug. It also acknowledged previous issues in which players acted before the intended quest stage and the subsequent objective did not update correctly.
The reply thanks the player for the report. It does not identify a patched build, give a console command, or say that a newly crafted engine will satisfy the original-module check.
Keep the distinction clear: the thread supports the reported trigger and a developer acknowledgment of premature-action progression issues. It does not establish a guaranteed fix or reveal the quest's internal code.
Follow the normal engine order on an unaffected run
The documented demo route provides a sensible prevention sequence while you still have the original module:
- Complete the preceding boat repair and hull-protection objectives.
- Research the upgraded-engine blueprint when directed.
- Complete the traders' Harpooner sale and buy the Carburetor.
- Raise the boat to level two for the engine objective.
- Remove the old engine when instructed and put it in module storage.
- Craft and install the upgraded engine, then report to John.
Player experience in Mr Feudal's demo recording follows that normal remove-store-craft-install order. Retaining the original and waiting for its objective avoids the particular early-shredding sequence described in the complaint; it is not a guarantee against every progression bug.
What if the original engine is already shredded?
The supplied discussion contains no confirmed recovery. Recrafting, reloading, waiting for a respawn, or reinstalling a replacement should not be presented as proven solutions. The player specifically said the replacement they installed was not counted as the original.
For a useful bug report, describe your build, the exact objective text, when the original module was removed, and whether it was destroyed. The official DREADMOOR Steam hub links to the game's community channels. Providing the sequence helps distinguish this case from missing crafting materials or an upgrade that has not actually been installed.
FAQ
Is there a confirmed fix for the already-shredded engine?
Not in the supplied developer reply or player report.
Does crafting another engine definitely work?
No. The report says an installed replacement was not accepted as the original engine.
How can I avoid the reported trigger?
Follow the engine objective in order and store the original module instead of shredding it early.
Is every engine quest problem this same bug?
No. The evidence concerns the specific early-removal-and-shredding sequence described in the thread.