Hey Kenshi fans! Ever been frustrated by a shop counter that's stubbornly refusing to cooperate in your settlements? You're not alone! The shop counter in Kenshi can be a little finicky, but don't worry, we're diving deep into why your shop counter might not be working, and more importantly, how to fix it. This guide is your one-stop shop for diagnosing and resolving those pesky shop counter issues, ensuring your trading empire thrives. We will look at what can go wrong, from the basics like power and placement to more complex issues like pathfinding and AI behavior. So, grab a cup of Dustwich (or your favorite in-game snack), and let's get those counters operational!

Understanding Shop Counters in Kenshi

Before we get our hands dirty with troubleshooting, let's take a moment to understand how shop counters function in Kenshi. They're much more than just decorative items; they're the heart of your trading operations. They allow your in-game citizens to buy and sell goods, generating much-needed income and providing supplies for your growing base. When a shop counter isn't working correctly, it can grind your economy to a halt, leaving your people without essential resources and, frankly, bumming you out. The good news is, understanding the basic mechanics of the shop counter can help us pinpoint where things are going wrong.

Shop counters in Kenshi require several things to function correctly:

• Power: This is pretty fundamental. The counter needs power to operate. This means having it connected to a power grid, which can be supplied by windmills, solar panels, or generators.
• Access: Your shopkeepers and customers need to be able to reach the counter. This means clear pathways and no obstructions. Poor pathfinding is a common culprit!
• Shopkeeper: You need someone assigned to work at the counter. Make sure you've assigned a character to the counter and that they are not otherwise occupied or incapacitated.
• Stock: The counter needs something to sell! Make sure you have storage containers nearby filled with the goods you want to trade. This could include food, weapons, armor, or building materials, depending on what you're trying to sell.
• Storage: Similarly, the counter needs storage space for any money it takes in. If the counter’s storage is full, the shopkeeper will be unable to accept sales, thus stopping the shop from working.

Knowing these basics is key to successful troubleshooting. Let's begin!

Common Causes and Solutions for Shop Counter Problems

Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of why your shop counters might not be working. We'll cover the most common issues and how to fix them, step by step. This is where we get our hands dirty and start solving those problems!

1. Power Issues: Is the Counter Powered?

This might seem obvious, but it's often the first thing to check. Is your base powered? Are the shop counters connected to the power grid? You can check this by selecting the counter and looking at the interface. It should tell you whether it has power or not. If not, here's what to do:

• Check Power Sources: Make sure your generators (windmills, solar panels, or fuel generators) are producing power. Are they damaged? Are the wind conditions favorable for windmills? Do you have fuel for your generators? Solar panels will only work during the day.
• Inspect Wiring: Check the power lines leading to the counter. Are they connected properly? Are there any breaks in the lines? Sometimes, a stray enemy or a building collapse can damage your power infrastructure.
• Overload: Is your power grid overloaded? If you're drawing too much power, the counter might not receive enough. Consider upgrading your power generation or reducing the number of devices drawing power.

2. Pathfinding Problems: Can Anyone Reach the Counter?

Kenshi's pathfinding AI can be… well, let's say it can be a bit quirky. If characters can't reach the shop counter, they won't use it. Here’s what to look for:

• Obstructions: Is there anything blocking the path to the counter? This could be furniture, debris, enemies, or even other characters. Clear the area around the counter, ensuring that there's a clear path for both shopkeepers and customers.
• Building Placement: Sometimes, placing the counter too close to a wall or other structures can cause pathfinding issues. Try moving the counter slightly to give characters more space to navigate.
• Doors and Gates: If the counter is inside a building, ensure that doors and gates are open or set to allow access. Make sure your characters are set to the correct AI behavior, so they are allowed to open the doors. Characters can’t use a locked door, even if they have the key!

3. Shopkeeper Assignment: Who's Working the Counter?

If the counter doesn’t have a shopkeeper assigned, it won’t function. Ensure that someone is assigned to the counter and able to do their job:

• Character Assignment: Select the counter, and check if a character is assigned to it. If not, assign a character from your squad.
• Character Status: Is the assigned character incapacitated (injured, knocked out, etc.)? If so, they can’t work. Make sure your shopkeeper is healthy and able to perform their duties.
• Job Conflicts: Is the assigned character busy doing something else? Characters can't work two jobs at once. Make sure they don't have conflicting jobs, like hauling items or fighting enemies.

4. Stock and Storage: Is There Anything to Sell or Store?

No stock, no sales, and no storage for money means a non-working shop counter. Double-check these aspects:

• Stocking the Counter: Place storage containers (chests, shelves, etc.) near the counter and fill them with the items you want to sell. Ensure the containers are accessible to the shopkeeper.
• Shopkeeper's Inventory: Sometimes, the shopkeeper's inventory gets full. If they have too much to carry, they won't be able to sell anything. Monitor their inventory and ensure they have enough space.
• Money Storage: Make sure there's space for the money the counter generates. If the storage is full, the counter will stop accepting sales. Check the assigned storage and ensure there is ample room for incoming funds.

5. AI Behavior and Game Mechanics

Sometimes, the issue isn't as straightforward as power or pathfinding. Several other factors can affect the functionality of your shop counters:

• AI Settings: Check your squad's AI settings. Are they set to