diff --git a/src/CMakeLists.txt b/src/CMakeLists.txt
index 372421a..802e9fa 100644
--- a/src/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/src/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -71,16 +71,44 @@ unset(SRCS)
 
 # ============================================================
 # ui — QtWidgets + QOpenGLWidget
-# Depends on lib. No sources yet; declared as INTERFACE library.
-# When UI source files are added under src/ui/, change this to
-# a regular static library and enable AUTOMOC on the target.
+# Depends on lib.
 # ============================================================
 
+set(HDRS)
+set(SRCS)
+
 add_subdirectory(ui)
 
-add_library(${TARGET_UI_NAME} INTERFACE)
+set(CMAKE_AUTOMOC ON)
 
-target_link_libraries(${TARGET_UI_NAME} INTERFACE
+set(RELATIVE_HDRS)
+foreach (_file ${HDRS})
+    file(RELATIVE_PATH _relPath "${SRC_DIR}" "${_file}")
+    list(APPEND RELATIVE_HDRS "${_relPath}")
+endforeach()
+
+set(RELATIVE_SRCS)
+foreach (_file ${SRCS})
+    file(RELATIVE_PATH _relPath "${SRC_DIR}" "${_file}")
+    list(APPEND RELATIVE_SRCS "${_relPath}")
+endforeach()
+
+add_files(UI_FILES ${RELATIVE_HDRS} ${RELATIVE_SRCS})
+
+add_library(${TARGET_UI_NAME} STATIC ${UI_FILES})
+create_source_groups(${UI_FILES})
+
+set_target_properties(${TARGET_UI_NAME} PROPERTIES
+    AUTOMOC ON
+    CXX_STANDARD 17
+)
+set_property(TARGET ${TARGET_UI_NAME} PROPERTY INCLUDE_DIRECTORIES
+    "${TARGET_UI_INCLUDE_DIRS}"
+    "${TARGET_LIB_INCLUDE_DIRS}"
+    "${LIB_INCLUDE_PATH}"
+)
+
+target_link_libraries(${TARGET_UI_NAME}
     ${TARGET_LIB_NAME}
     Qt5::Widgets
     ${OPENGL_LIBRARIES}
@@ -89,11 +117,13 @@ target_link_libraries(${TARGET_UI_NAME} INTERFACE
     Qt5::Charts
 )
 
-target_include_directories(${TARGET_UI_NAME} INTERFACE
-    "${TARGET_UI_INCLUDE_DIRS}"
-    "${TARGET_LIB_INCLUDE_DIRS}"
-    "${LIB_INCLUDE_PATH}"
-)
+set(CMAKE_AUTOMOC OFF)
+
+unset(UI_FILES)
+unset(RELATIVE_HDRS)
+unset(RELATIVE_SRCS)
+unset(HDRS)
+unset(SRCS)
 
 
 # ============================================================
@@ -145,6 +175,9 @@ set_property(TARGET ${TARGET_APP_NAME} PROPERTY CXX_STANDARD 17)
 set_target_properties(${TARGET_APP_NAME} PROPERTIES
     VS_DEBUGGER_WORKING_DIRECTORY "${OUTPUT_ROOT_PATH}/$(Configuration)/app/"
 )
+target_compile_definitions(${TARGET_APP_NAME} PRIVATE
+    DOTA_FACTORY_CONFIG_DIR="${CMAKE_SOURCE_DIR}/bin/config"
+)
 target_link_libraries(${TARGET_APP_NAME} ${TARGET_UI_NAME})
 
 unset(APP_FILES)
diff --git a/src/app/CMakeLists.txt b/src/app/CMakeLists.txt
index 83c6803..b9b25b4 100644
--- a/src/app/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/src/app/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -12,5 +12,3 @@ SET(SRCS
 	PARENT_SCOPE
 )
 
-
-
diff --git a/src/app/main.cpp b/src/app/main.cpp
index 13c4239..4b322a0 100644
--- a/src/app/main.cpp
+++ b/src/app/main.cpp
@@ -3,9 +3,13 @@
 #include <QApplication>
 #include <QDir>
 
+#include "ConfigLoader.h"
 #include "ConsoleLogger.h"
 #include "logging.h"
 #include "LogManager.h"
+#include "MainWindow.h"
+#include "Simulation.h"
+#include "VisualsLoader.h"
 
 int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 {
@@ -28,6 +32,13 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 		QDir().mkdir(dataDir.dirName());
 	}
 
+	GameConfig config = ConfigLoader::loadFromDirectory(DOTA_FACTORY_CONFIG_DIR);
+	VisualsConfig visuals = VisualsLoader::load(std::string(DOTA_FACTORY_CONFIG_DIR) + "/visuals.toml");
+	std::unique_ptr<Simulation> sim = std::make_unique<Simulation>(config);
+
+	MainWindow window(sim.get(), &config, &visuals);
+	window.show();
+
 	const int ret = application.exec();
 
 	return ret;
diff --git a/src/lib/sim/Simulation.cpp b/src/lib/sim/Simulation.cpp
index a17065c..83ddbc9 100644
--- a/src/lib/sim/Simulation.cpp
+++ b/src/lib/sim/Simulation.cpp
@@ -389,6 +389,25 @@ bool Simulation::isBlueprintUnlocked(const std::string& shipId) const
     return it->second.unlocked;
 }
 
+EntityId Simulation::tryPlaceBuilding(BuildingType type, QPoint anchor, Rotation rotation)
+{
+    int cost = 0;
+    for (const BuildingDef& def : m_config.buildings.buildings)
+    {
+        if (def.type == type)
+        {
+            cost = def.cost;
+            break;
+        }
+    }
+    if (m_buildingBlocksStock < cost)
+    {
+        return kInvalidEntityId;
+    }
+    m_buildingBlocksStock -= cost;
+    return m_buildingSystem->place(type, anchor, rotation, m_currentTick);
+}
+
 BuildingSystem& Simulation::buildings()
 {
     return *m_buildingSystem;
diff --git a/src/lib/sim/Simulation.h b/src/lib/sim/Simulation.h
index cbc4d7d..c076c96 100644
--- a/src/lib/sim/Simulation.h
+++ b/src/lib/sim/Simulation.h
@@ -6,11 +6,15 @@
 #include <string>
 #include <vector>
 
+#include <QPoint>
+
 #include "BeltSystem.h"
 #include "BlueprintDropEvent.h"
+#include "BuildingType.h"
 #include "EntityId.h"
 #include "FireEvent.h"
 #include "GameConfig.h"
+#include "Rotation.h"
 #include "Tick.h"
 
 class BuildingSystem;
@@ -44,6 +48,10 @@ public:
     int  blueprintLevel(const std::string& shipId)    const;
     bool isBlueprintUnlocked(const std::string& shipId) const;
 
+    // Checks affordability, deducts building blocks, and places the building.
+    // Returns the new entity id, or kInvalidEntityId if blocks are insufficient.
+    EntityId tryPlaceBuilding(BuildingType type, QPoint anchor, Rotation rotation);
+
     BuildingSystem&       buildings();
     const BuildingSystem& buildings() const;
     BeltSystem&           belts();
diff --git a/src/ui/BuildButtonGrid.cpp b/src/ui/BuildButtonGrid.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3d7f4d8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/ui/BuildButtonGrid.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,129 @@
+#include "BuildButtonGrid.h"
+
+#include <cctype>
+#include <string>
+
+#include <QGridLayout>
+#include <QPushButton>
+#include <QSignalMapper>
+
+#include "BuildingType.h"
+
+namespace
+{
+
+QString displayName(const std::string& id)
+{
+    QString result;
+    bool nextUpper = true;
+    for (char c : id)
+    {
+        if (c == '_')
+        {
+            result += ' ';
+            nextUpper = true;
+        }
+        else if (nextUpper)
+        {
+            result += static_cast<char>(std::toupper(static_cast<unsigned char>(c)));
+            nextUpper = false;
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            result += c;
+        }
+    }
+    return result;
+}
+
+}  // namespace
+
+
+BuildButtonGrid::BuildButtonGrid(const GameConfig* config, QWidget* parent)
+    : QWidget(parent)
+    , m_config(config)
+    , m_activeIndex(-1)
+{
+    QGridLayout* layout = new QGridLayout(this);
+    layout->setSpacing(4);
+    layout->setContentsMargins(4, 4, 4, 4);
+
+    QSignalMapper* mapper = new QSignalMapper(this);
+    int col = 0;
+    int row = 0;
+    const int kCols = 3;
+
+    for (const BuildingDef& def : config->buildings.buildings)
+    {
+        if (!def.playerPlaceable)
+        {
+            continue;
+        }
+        m_types.push_back(def.type);
+        m_costs[def.type] = def.cost;
+
+        const QString label = displayName(def.id)
+            + "\n" + QString::number(def.cost) + " Blocks";
+        QPushButton* btn = new QPushButton(label, this);
+        btn->setCheckable(true);
+        btn->setFixedHeight(48);
+        layout->addWidget(btn, row, col);
+
+        const int idx = static_cast<int>(m_buttons.size());
+        m_buttons.push_back(btn);
+        mapper->setMapping(btn, idx);
+        connect(btn, SIGNAL(clicked()), mapper, SLOT(map()));
+
+        ++col;
+        if (col >= kCols)
+        {
+            col = 0;
+            ++row;
+        }
+    }
+    connect(mapper, SIGNAL(mapped(int)), this, SLOT(onBuildButton(int)));
+}
+
+void BuildButtonGrid::updateAffordability(int buildingBlocks)
+{
+    for (std::size_t i = 0; i < m_buttons.size(); ++i)
+    {
+        const BuildingType type = m_types[i];
+        const std::map<BuildingType, int>::const_iterator it = m_costs.find(type);
+        const int cost = (it != m_costs.end()) ? it->second : 0;
+        m_buttons[i]->setEnabled(buildingBlocks >= cost || m_activeIndex == static_cast<int>(i));
+    }
+}
+
+void BuildButtonGrid::clearActiveButton()
+{
+    if (m_activeIndex >= 0 && m_activeIndex < static_cast<int>(m_buttons.size()))
+    {
+        m_buttons[static_cast<std::size_t>(m_activeIndex)]->setChecked(false);
+    }
+    m_activeIndex = -1;
+}
+
+void BuildButtonGrid::onBuildButton(int index)
+{
+    if (index < 0 || index >= static_cast<int>(m_buttons.size()))
+    {
+        return;
+    }
+
+    if (m_activeIndex == index)
+    {
+        clearActiveButton();
+        emit builderModeExited();
+        return;
+    }
+
+    if (m_activeIndex >= 0 && m_activeIndex < static_cast<int>(m_buttons.size()))
+    {
+        m_buttons[static_cast<std::size_t>(m_activeIndex)]->setChecked(false);
+    }
+
+    m_activeIndex = index;
+    m_buttons[static_cast<std::size_t>(index)]->setChecked(true);
+    emit buildingTypeSelected(m_types[static_cast<std::size_t>(index)]);
+}
diff --git a/src/ui/BuildButtonGrid.h b/src/ui/BuildButtonGrid.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..eaa215a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/ui/BuildButtonGrid.h
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include <map>
+#include <vector>
+
+#include <QWidget>
+
+#include "BuildingType.h"
+#include "GameConfig.h"
+
+class QPushButton;
+
+class BuildButtonGrid : public QWidget
+{
+    Q_OBJECT
+
+public:
+    BuildButtonGrid(const GameConfig* config, QWidget* parent = nullptr);
+
+    void updateAffordability(int buildingBlocks);
+    void clearActiveButton();
+
+signals:
+    void buildingTypeSelected(BuildingType type);
+    void builderModeExited();
+
+private slots:
+    void onBuildButton(int index);
+
+private:
+    const GameConfig*                m_config;
+    std::vector<BuildingType>        m_types;
+    std::vector<QPushButton*>        m_buttons;
+    std::map<BuildingType, int>      m_costs;
+    int                              m_activeIndex;
+};
diff --git a/src/ui/CMakeLists.txt b/src/ui/CMakeLists.txt
index a06e79b..a55d6a2 100644
--- a/src/ui/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/src/ui/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -1,7 +1,22 @@
-# UI source files are listed here as they are added.
-# Append headers and sources to HDRS and SRCS in PARENT_SCOPE,
-# following the same pattern used by src/lib/.
-#
-# When this directory has actual sources, the parent CMakeLists.txt
-# must be updated to convert DotaFactory_ui from an INTERFACE library
-# to a regular static library (and enable AUTOMOC on it).
+SET(HDRS
+    ${HDRS}
+    ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/VisualsConfig.h
+    ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/VisualsLoader.h
+    ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/MainWindow.h
+    ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/GameWorldView.h
+    ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/HeaderBar.h
+    ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/BuildButtonGrid.h
+    ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/SelectedBuildingPanel.h
+    PARENT_SCOPE
+)
+
+SET(SRCS
+    ${SRCS}
+    ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/VisualsLoader.cpp
+    ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/MainWindow.cpp
+    ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/GameWorldView.cpp
+    ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/HeaderBar.cpp
+    ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/BuildButtonGrid.cpp
+    ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/SelectedBuildingPanel.cpp
+    PARENT_SCOPE
+)
diff --git a/src/ui/GameWorldView.cpp b/src/ui/GameWorldView.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..aea1677
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/ui/GameWorldView.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,982 @@
+#include "GameWorldView.h"
+
+#include <algorithm>
+#include <cmath>
+#include <map>
+#include <string>
+
+#include <QKeyEvent>
+#include <QMessageBox>
+#include <QMouseEvent>
+#include <QPainter>
+#include <QPen>
+#include <QPolygonF>
+#include <QTimer>
+
+#include "Building.h"
+#include "BuildingSystem.h"
+#include "BeltSystem.h"
+#include "Scrap.h"
+#include "ScrapSystem.h"
+#include "Ship.h"
+#include "ShipSystem.h"
+#include "Simulation.h"
+#include "SurfaceMask.h"
+#include "Tick.h"
+
+namespace
+{
+
+Rotation rotateClockwise(Rotation r)
+{
+    switch (r)
+    {
+    case Rotation::North: return Rotation::East;
+    case Rotation::East:  return Rotation::South;
+    case Rotation::South: return Rotation::West;
+    case Rotation::West:  return Rotation::North;
+    }
+    return Rotation::East;
+}
+
+Rotation rotateCounterClockwise(Rotation r)
+{
+    switch (r)
+    {
+    case Rotation::North: return Rotation::West;
+    case Rotation::East:  return Rotation::North;
+    case Rotation::South: return Rotation::East;
+    case Rotation::West:  return Rotation::South;
+    }
+    return Rotation::East;
+}
+
+ShipRole shipRole(const Ship& ship)
+{
+    if (ship.isEnemy)           { return ShipRole::Enemy; }
+    if (ship.cargo.has_value()) { return ShipRole::Salvage; }
+    if (ship.repairTool.has_value()) { return ShipRole::Repair; }
+    return ShipRole::PlayerCombat;
+}
+
+QString toDisplayName(const std::string& id)
+{
+    QString result;
+    bool nextUpper = true;
+    for (char c : id)
+    {
+        if (c == '_')
+        {
+            result += ' ';
+            nextUpper = true;
+        }
+        else if (nextUpper)
+        {
+            result += static_cast<char>(std::toupper(static_cast<unsigned char>(c)));
+            nextUpper = false;
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            result += c;
+        }
+    }
+    return result;
+}
+
+}  // namespace
+
+
+GameWorldView::GameWorldView(Simulation* sim, const GameConfig* config,
+                             const VisualsConfig* visuals, QWidget* parent)
+    : QOpenGLWidget(parent)
+    , m_sim(sim)
+    , m_config(config)
+    , m_visuals(visuals)
+    , m_wallMs(0)
+    , m_gameSpeedMultiplier(1.0)
+    , m_prevNonZeroSpeed(1.0)
+    , m_scrollXTiles(0.0f)
+    , m_ghostRotation(Rotation::East)
+    , m_ghostValid(false)
+    , m_dragging(false)
+    , m_demolishMode(false)
+    , m_demolishHoverId(kInvalidEntityId)
+    , m_boxSelecting(false)
+    , m_scrollLeft(false)
+    , m_scrollRight(false)
+    , m_gameOverShown(false)
+{
+    setFocusPolicy(Qt::StrongFocus);
+    setMouseTracking(true);
+
+    m_renderTimer = new QTimer(this);
+    m_renderTimer->setInterval(16);
+    connect(m_renderTimer, SIGNAL(timeout()), this, SLOT(onFrame()));
+    m_renderTimer->start();
+    m_frameTimer.start();
+}
+
+void GameWorldView::initializeGL()
+{
+    // QPainter handles all rendering; no custom GL state needed.
+}
+
+void GameWorldView::onFrame()
+{
+    const qint64 elapsed = m_frameTimer.restart();
+    m_wallMs += elapsed;
+
+    // Advance simulation
+    {
+        const int ticks = m_tickDriver.advance(
+            static_cast<double>(elapsed), m_gameSpeedMultiplier);
+        for (int i = 0; i < ticks; ++i)
+        {
+            m_sim->tick();
+        }
+    }
+
+    // Drain fire events → active beams
+    {
+        const std::vector<FireEvent> fires = m_sim->drainFireEvents();
+        for (const FireEvent& fe : fires)
+        {
+            ActiveBeam beam;
+            beam.event         = fe;
+            beam.emittedWallMs = m_wallMs;
+            m_activeBeams.push_back(beam);
+        }
+    }
+
+    // Drain blueprint drop events → toasts
+    {
+        const std::vector<BlueprintDropEvent> drops =
+            m_sim->drainBlueprintDropEvents();
+        for (const BlueprintDropEvent& ev : drops)
+        {
+            const QString shipName = toDisplayName(ev.blueprintId);
+            ToastEntry toast;
+            if (ev.wasNewUnlock)
+            {
+                toast.text = "Blueprint unlocked: " + shipName;
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                toast.text = shipName + " production level \u2192 "
+                    + QString::number(ev.newLevel);
+            }
+            toast.createdWallMs = m_wallMs;
+            m_toasts.push_back(toast);
+        }
+    }
+
+    // Expire old beams
+    {
+        std::vector<ActiveBeam> live;
+        for (const ActiveBeam& b : m_activeBeams)
+        {
+            if (m_wallMs - b.emittedWallMs < kBeamLifetimeMs)
+            {
+                live.push_back(b);
+            }
+        }
+        m_activeBeams = std::move(live);
+    }
+
+    // Expire old toasts
+    {
+        std::vector<ToastEntry> live;
+        for (const ToastEntry& t : m_toasts)
+        {
+            if (m_wallMs - t.createdWallMs < kToastLifetimeMs)
+            {
+                live.push_back(t);
+            }
+        }
+        m_toasts = std::move(live);
+    }
+
+    // Apply held scroll
+    {
+        const float delta = kScrollSpeedTilesPerSec
+            * static_cast<float>(elapsed) / 1000.0f;
+        if (m_scrollLeft)  { m_scrollXTiles -= delta; }
+        if (m_scrollRight) { m_scrollXTiles += delta; }
+        clampScroll();
+    }
+
+    // Emit state update for header bar / build grid
+    emit stateUpdated(m_sim->currentTick(),
+                      m_sim->buildingBlocksStock(),
+                      m_gameSpeedMultiplier);
+
+    // Game over check
+    if (m_sim->isGameOver() && !m_gameOverShown)
+    {
+        m_gameOverShown = true;
+        m_gameSpeedMultiplier = 0.0;
+        emit gameOver();
+    }
+
+    update();
+}
+
+void GameWorldView::paintGL()
+{
+    QPainter painter(this);
+    painter.setRenderHint(QPainter::Antialiasing, false);
+    painter.translate(-static_cast<qreal>(m_scrollXTiles) * static_cast<qreal>(tilePx()), 0.0);
+
+    drawTiles(painter);
+    drawBuildings(painter);
+    drawBeltItems(painter);
+    drawScrap(painter);
+    drawShips(painter);
+    drawBeams(painter);
+    drawOverlays(painter);
+    drawScreenSpace(painter);
+}
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Coordinate helpers
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+float GameWorldView::tilePx() const
+{
+    return 20.0f;
+}
+
+float GameWorldView::viewportWidthTiles() const
+{
+    return static_cast<float>(width()) / tilePx();
+}
+
+QPointF GameWorldView::worldToWidget(QVector2D worldPos) const
+{
+    return QPointF(
+        static_cast<qreal>((worldPos.x() - m_scrollXTiles) * tilePx()),
+        static_cast<qreal>(worldPos.y() * tilePx()));
+}
+
+QPointF GameWorldView::tileToWidget(QPoint tile) const
+{
+    return worldToWidget(QVector2D(static_cast<float>(tile.x()),
+                                   static_cast<float>(tile.y())));
+}
+
+QPoint GameWorldView::widgetToTile(QPoint widgetPt) const
+{
+    const float wx = static_cast<float>(widgetPt.x()) / tilePx() + m_scrollXTiles;
+    const float wy = static_cast<float>(widgetPt.y()) / tilePx();
+    return QPoint(static_cast<int>(std::floor(wx)), static_cast<int>(std::floor(wy)));
+}
+
+QRectF GameWorldView::tileRect(QPoint tile) const
+{
+    const QPointF tl = tileToWidget(tile);
+    return QRectF(tl.x(), tl.y(),
+                  static_cast<qreal>(tilePx()), static_cast<qreal>(tilePx()));
+}
+
+QRect GameWorldView::viewportRect() const
+{
+    const int left   = static_cast<int>(std::floor(m_scrollXTiles)) - 1;
+    const int top    = 0;
+    const int right  = static_cast<int>(std::ceil(m_scrollXTiles + viewportWidthTiles())) + 1;
+    const int bottom = m_config->world.heightTiles;
+    return QRect(left, top, right - left, bottom - top);
+}
+
+float GameWorldView::asteroidLeftEdge() const
+{
+    float leftX = -static_cast<float>(m_config->world.regions.asteroidWidth);
+    for (const Building& b : m_sim->buildings().allBuildings())
+    {
+        for (const QPoint& cell : b.bodyCells)
+        {
+            if (static_cast<float>(cell.x()) < leftX)
+            {
+                leftX = static_cast<float>(cell.x());
+            }
+        }
+    }
+    return leftX;
+}
+
+float GameWorldView::enemyStationRightEdge() const
+{
+    float rightX = static_cast<float>(m_config->world.regions.playerBufferWidth
+        + m_config->world.regions.contestZoneWidth);
+    for (const Building& b : m_sim->buildings().allBuildings())
+    {
+        if (b.type == BuildingType::EnemyDefenceStation)
+        {
+            for (const QPoint& cell : b.bodyCells)
+            {
+                const float cx = static_cast<float>(cell.x() + 1);
+                if (cx > rightX) { rightX = cx; }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+    return rightX;
+}
+
+void GameWorldView::clampScroll()
+{
+    const float leftBound  = asteroidLeftEdge();
+    const float rightBound = enemyStationRightEdge() - viewportWidthTiles();
+    m_scrollXTiles = std::max(leftBound, std::min(m_scrollXTiles, rightBound));
+}
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Placement helpers
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+const BuildingDef* GameWorldView::findBuildingDef(BuildingType type) const
+{
+    for (const BuildingDef& def : m_config->buildings.buildings)
+    {
+        if (def.type == type) { return &def; }
+    }
+    return nullptr;
+}
+
+bool GameWorldView::isValidPlacement(BuildingType type, QPoint anchor,
+                                     Rotation rot) const
+{
+    const BuildingDef* def = findBuildingDef(type);
+    if (!def) { return false; }
+
+    const ParsedSurfaceMask parsed = parseSurfaceMask(def->surfaceMask, rot);
+
+    for (const QPoint& relCell : parsed.bodyCells)
+    {
+        const QPoint worldCell = anchor + relCell;
+
+        // Terrain check: S cells must be space (x >= 0), A cells must be asteroid (x < 0)
+        bool isShipDock = false;
+        for (const QPoint& dock : parsed.shipDockCells)
+        {
+            if (dock == relCell)
+            {
+                isShipDock = true;
+                break;
+            }
+        }
+        if (isShipDock && worldCell.x() < 0) { return false; }
+        if (!isShipDock && worldCell.x() >= 0) { return false; }
+
+        // Occupancy check
+        if (m_sim->buildings().isTileOccupied(worldCell)) { return false; }
+    }
+    return true;
+}
+
+EntityId GameWorldView::buildingAtTile(QPoint tile) const
+{
+    for (const Building& b : m_sim->buildings().allBuildings())
+    {
+        for (const QPoint& cell : b.bodyCells)
+        {
+            if (cell == tile) { return b.id; }
+        }
+    }
+    return kInvalidEntityId;
+}
+
+std::optional<QVector2D> GameWorldView::entityPosition(EntityId id) const
+{
+    const Ship* ship = m_sim->ships().findShip(id);
+    if (ship)
+    {
+        return ship->position;
+    }
+    const Building* bldg = m_sim->buildings().findBuilding(id);
+    if (bldg)
+    {
+        return QVector2D(
+            bldg->anchor.x() + bldg->footprint.width()  * 0.5f,
+            bldg->anchor.y() + bldg->footprint.height() * 0.5f);
+    }
+    return std::nullopt;
+}
+
+void GameWorldView::stepSpeed(int delta)
+{
+    const double kSpeeds[] = { 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 };
+    const int kCount = 5;
+    int current = 2;
+    for (int i = 0; i < kCount; ++i)
+    {
+        if (std::abs(kSpeeds[i] - m_gameSpeedMultiplier) < 0.001)
+        {
+            current = i;
+            break;
+        }
+    }
+    const int next = std::max(0, std::min(kCount - 1, current + delta));
+    setGameSpeed(kSpeeds[next]);
+}
+
+void GameWorldView::placeAtTile(QPoint tile)
+{
+    if (!m_builderType.has_value()) { return; }
+    const BuildingType type = *m_builderType;
+
+    if (!isValidPlacement(type, tile, m_ghostRotation)) { return; }
+
+    if (type == BuildingType::Belt)
+    {
+        if (m_beltDragTiles.count(tile) > 0) { return; }
+        if (!m_sim->buildings().isTileOccupied(tile))
+        {
+            const EntityId id = m_sim->tryPlaceBuilding(
+                type, tile, m_ghostRotation);
+            if (id != kInvalidEntityId)
+            {
+                m_beltDragTiles.insert(tile);
+            }
+        }
+    }
+    else if (type == BuildingType::Splitter)
+    {
+        if (!m_sim->buildings().isTileOccupied(tile))
+        {
+            m_sim->tryPlaceBuilding(type, tile, m_ghostRotation);
+        }
+    }
+    else
+    {
+        m_sim->tryPlaceBuilding(type, tile, m_ghostRotation);
+    }
+}
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Rendering
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+void GameWorldView::drawTiles(QPainter& painter)
+{
+    const int leftTile   = static_cast<int>(std::floor(m_scrollXTiles)) - 1;
+    const int rightTile  = leftTile + static_cast<int>(std::ceil(viewportWidthTiles())) + 2;
+    const int bottomTile = m_config->world.heightTiles;
+
+    painter.setPen(Qt::NoPen);
+    for (int x = leftTile; x <= rightTile; ++x)
+    {
+        const QColor& fill = (x < 0)
+            ? m_visuals->asteroid.fill
+            : m_visuals->space.fill;
+        for (int y = 0; y < bottomTile; ++y)
+        {
+            painter.fillRect(tileRect(QPoint(x, y)), fill);
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+void GameWorldView::drawBuildings(QPainter& painter)
+{
+    for (const Building& b : m_sim->buildings().allBuildings())
+    {
+        const std::map<BuildingType, BuildingVisuals>::const_iterator it =
+            m_visuals->buildings.find(b.type);
+        if (it == m_visuals->buildings.end()) { continue; }
+        const BuildingVisuals& bv = it->second;
+
+        painter.setPen(Qt::NoPen);
+        for (const QPoint& cell : b.bodyCells)
+        {
+            painter.fillRect(tileRect(cell), bv.fill);
+        }
+
+        const QPointF tl      = tileToWidget(b.anchor);
+        const QRectF  bboxRect(tl.x(), tl.y(),
+            b.footprint.width()  * static_cast<qreal>(tilePx()),
+            b.footprint.height() * static_cast<qreal>(tilePx()));
+
+        painter.setPen(QPen(bv.outline, 1));
+        painter.setBrush(Qt::NoBrush);
+        painter.drawRect(bboxRect);
+
+        if (!bv.glyph.isEmpty())
+        {
+            painter.setPen(bv.outline);
+            painter.drawText(bboxRect, Qt::AlignCenter, bv.glyph);
+        }
+
+        bool selected = false;
+        for (EntityId selId : m_selectedIds)
+        {
+            if (selId == b.id) { selected = true; break; }
+        }
+        if (selected)
+        {
+            painter.setPen(QPen(m_visuals->overlays.selectedOutline, 2));
+            painter.setBrush(Qt::NoBrush);
+            painter.drawRect(bboxRect.adjusted(-1, -1, 1, 1));
+        }
+    }
+
+    painter.setOpacity(0.5);
+    for (const ConstructionSite& s : m_sim->buildings().allSites())
+    {
+        const std::map<BuildingType, BuildingVisuals>::const_iterator it =
+            m_visuals->buildings.find(s.type);
+        if (it == m_visuals->buildings.end()) { continue; }
+        const BuildingVisuals& bv = it->second;
+
+        for (const QPoint& cell : s.bodyCells)
+        {
+            painter.fillRect(tileRect(cell), bv.fill);
+        }
+
+        const QPointF tl      = tileToWidget(s.anchor);
+        const QRectF  bboxRect(tl.x(), tl.y(),
+            s.footprint.width()  * static_cast<qreal>(tilePx()),
+            s.footprint.height() * static_cast<qreal>(tilePx()));
+        painter.setPen(QPen(bv.outline, 1, Qt::DashLine));
+        painter.setBrush(Qt::NoBrush);
+        painter.drawRect(bboxRect);
+    }
+    painter.setOpacity(1.0);
+}
+
+void GameWorldView::drawBeltItems(QPainter& painter)
+{
+    const float halfPx = tilePx() * 0.5f * 0.5f;
+    const QRect vr     = viewportRect();
+
+    m_sim->belts().forEachVisualItem(vr, [&](const VisualItem& vi)
+    {
+        const std::map<std::string, ItemVisuals>::const_iterator it =
+            m_visuals->items.find(vi.type.id);
+        if (it == m_visuals->items.end()) { return; }
+
+        const QPointF center = worldToWidget(
+            QVector2D(static_cast<float>(vi.worldPos.x()),
+                      static_cast<float>(vi.worldPos.y())));
+        const QRectF rect(center.x() - halfPx, center.y() - halfPx,
+                          halfPx * 2, halfPx * 2);
+        painter.fillRect(rect, it->second.fill);
+        painter.setPen(QPen(it->second.outline, 1));
+        painter.setBrush(Qt::NoBrush);
+        painter.drawRect(rect);
+    });
+}
+
+void GameWorldView::drawScrap(QPainter& painter)
+{
+    const float r = tilePx() * 0.2f;
+    for (const Scrap& scrap : m_sim->scraps().allScraps())
+    {
+        const QPointF center = worldToWidget(scrap.position);
+        painter.setBrush(QColor(128, 110, 90));
+        painter.setPen(QPen(QColor(50, 40, 30), 1));
+        painter.drawEllipse(center,
+                            static_cast<qreal>(r), static_cast<qreal>(r));
+    }
+}
+
+void GameWorldView::drawShips(QPainter& painter)
+{
+    for (const Ship& ship : m_sim->ships().allShips())
+    {
+        const ShipRole role = shipRole(ship);
+        const std::map<ShipRole, ShipVisuals>::const_iterator it =
+            m_visuals->ships.find(role);
+        if (it == m_visuals->ships.end()) { continue; }
+
+        const QPointF center = worldToWidget(ship.position);
+        const QVector2D vel  = ship.velocity;
+        const QVector2D dir  = (vel.length() > 0.0001f)
+            ? vel.normalized()
+            : QVector2D(1.0f, 0.0f);
+        const QVector2D perp(-dir.y(), dir.x());
+
+        const float fwd  = tilePx() * 0.45f;
+        const float side = tilePx() * 0.25f;
+
+        QPolygonF tri;
+        tri << QPointF(center.x() + static_cast<qreal>(dir.x()  * fwd),
+                       center.y() + static_cast<qreal>(dir.y()  * fwd))
+            << QPointF(center.x() + static_cast<qreal>(perp.x() * side - dir.x() * side),
+                       center.y() + static_cast<qreal>(perp.y() * side - dir.y() * side))
+            << QPointF(center.x() + static_cast<qreal>(-perp.x() * side - dir.x() * side),
+                       center.y() + static_cast<qreal>(-perp.y() * side - dir.y() * side));
+
+        painter.setPen(QPen(it->second.outline, 1));
+        painter.setBrush(it->second.fill);
+        painter.drawPolygon(tri);
+    }
+}
+
+void GameWorldView::drawBeams(QPainter& painter)
+{
+    painter.setPen(QPen(m_visuals->beams.color, m_visuals->beams.widthPx));
+    for (const ActiveBeam& beam : m_activeBeams)
+    {
+        const std::optional<QVector2D> shooterPos = entityPosition(beam.event.shooter);
+        const std::optional<QVector2D> targetPos  = entityPosition(beam.event.target);
+        if (!shooterPos.has_value() || !targetPos.has_value()) { continue; }
+        painter.drawLine(worldToWidget(*shooterPos), worldToWidget(*targetPos));
+    }
+}
+
+void GameWorldView::drawOverlays(QPainter& painter)
+{
+    // Builder-mode ghost
+    if (m_builderType.has_value())
+    {
+        const BuildingDef* def = findBuildingDef(*m_builderType);
+        if (def)
+        {
+            const ParsedSurfaceMask parsed =
+                parseSurfaceMask(def->surfaceMask, m_ghostRotation);
+            const QColor& ghostColor = m_ghostValid
+                ? m_visuals->overlays.ghostValid
+                : m_visuals->overlays.ghostInvalid;
+            for (const QPoint& cell : parsed.bodyCells)
+            {
+                painter.fillRect(tileRect(m_ghostTile + cell), ghostColor);
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    // Demolish hover tint
+    if (m_demolishMode && m_demolishHoverId != kInvalidEntityId)
+    {
+        const Building* b = m_sim->buildings().findBuilding(m_demolishHoverId);
+        if (b)
+        {
+            for (const QPoint& cell : b->bodyCells)
+            {
+                painter.fillRect(tileRect(cell), m_visuals->overlays.demolishTint);
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    // Box-select rectangle
+    if (m_boxSelecting)
+    {
+        const QPoint tl(std::min(m_boxStartTile.x(), m_boxCurrentTile.x()),
+                        std::min(m_boxStartTile.y(), m_boxCurrentTile.y()));
+        const QPoint br(std::max(m_boxStartTile.x(), m_boxCurrentTile.x()) + 1,
+                        std::max(m_boxStartTile.y(), m_boxCurrentTile.y()) + 1);
+        const QRectF selRect(tileToWidget(tl), tileToWidget(br));
+        painter.setPen(QPen(m_visuals->overlays.selectionRect, 1));
+        painter.setBrush(Qt::NoBrush);
+        painter.drawRect(selRect);
+    }
+}
+
+void GameWorldView::drawScreenSpace(QPainter& painter)
+{
+    painter.resetTransform();
+
+    const int margin   = 8;
+    const int toastW   = 320;
+    const int toastH   = 36;
+    const int spacing  = 4;
+
+    QFont toastFont = painter.font();
+    toastFont.setPointSize(m_visuals->toast.fontSize);
+    painter.setFont(toastFont);
+
+    int y = margin;
+    for (const ToastEntry& toast : m_toasts)
+    {
+        const qint64 age = m_wallMs - toast.createdWallMs;
+        double opacity   = 1.0;
+        if (age > kToastFadeStartMs)
+        {
+            opacity = 1.0 - static_cast<double>(age - kToastFadeStartMs)
+                          / static_cast<double>(kToastLifetimeMs - kToastFadeStartMs);
+            opacity = std::max(0.0, opacity);
+        }
+
+        painter.setOpacity(opacity);
+        const int x = width() - toastW - margin;
+        const QRect toastRect(x, y, toastW, toastH);
+        painter.fillRect(toastRect, m_visuals->toast.bg);
+        painter.setPen(m_visuals->toast.fg);
+        painter.drawText(toastRect.adjusted(8, 0, -8, 0),
+                         Qt::AlignVCenter | Qt::AlignLeft, toast.text);
+        painter.setOpacity(1.0);
+        y += toastH + spacing;
+    }
+}
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Input
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+void GameWorldView::keyPressEvent(QKeyEvent* event)
+{
+    if (event->isAutoRepeat())
+    {
+        QOpenGLWidget::keyPressEvent(event);
+        return;
+    }
+
+    switch (event->key())
+    {
+    case Qt::Key_A:
+        m_scrollLeft = true;
+        break;
+    case Qt::Key_D:
+        m_scrollRight = true;
+        break;
+    case Qt::Key_Space:
+        if (m_gameSpeedMultiplier > 0.0)
+        {
+            m_prevNonZeroSpeed = m_gameSpeedMultiplier;
+            setGameSpeed(0.0);
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            setGameSpeed(m_prevNonZeroSpeed);
+        }
+        break;
+    case Qt::Key_W:
+        stepSpeed(+1);
+        break;
+    case Qt::Key_S:
+        stepSpeed(-1);
+        break;
+    case Qt::Key_E:
+        if (m_builderType.has_value())
+        {
+            m_ghostRotation = rotateClockwise(m_ghostRotation);
+            m_ghostValid = isValidPlacement(*m_builderType, m_ghostTile, m_ghostRotation);
+        }
+        break;
+    case Qt::Key_Q:
+        if (m_builderType.has_value())
+        {
+            m_ghostRotation = rotateCounterClockwise(m_ghostRotation);
+            m_ghostValid = isValidPlacement(*m_builderType, m_ghostTile, m_ghostRotation);
+        }
+        break;
+    case Qt::Key_Escape:
+        if (m_builderType.has_value())
+        {
+            exitBuilderMode();
+        }
+        else if (m_demolishMode)
+        {
+            m_demolishMode    = false;
+            m_demolishHoverId = kInvalidEntityId;
+        }
+        break;
+    case Qt::Key_Backspace:
+        if (m_demolishMode)
+        {
+            m_demolishMode    = false;
+            m_demolishHoverId = kInvalidEntityId;
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            if (m_builderType.has_value()) { exitBuilderMode(); }
+            m_demolishMode = true;
+        }
+        break;
+    default:
+        QOpenGLWidget::keyPressEvent(event);
+        break;
+    }
+}
+
+void GameWorldView::keyReleaseEvent(QKeyEvent* event)
+{
+    if (event->isAutoRepeat())
+    {
+        QOpenGLWidget::keyReleaseEvent(event);
+        return;
+    }
+    if (event->key() == Qt::Key_A) { m_scrollLeft  = false; }
+    if (event->key() == Qt::Key_D) { m_scrollRight = false; }
+    QOpenGLWidget::keyReleaseEvent(event);
+}
+
+void GameWorldView::mousePressEvent(QMouseEvent* event)
+{
+    if (event->button() != Qt::LeftButton)
+    {
+        if (event->button() == Qt::RightButton && m_builderType.has_value())
+        {
+            exitBuilderMode();
+        }
+        return;
+    }
+
+    const QPoint tile = widgetToTile(event->pos());
+
+    if (m_builderType.has_value())
+    {
+        const BuildingType type = *m_builderType;
+        if (type == BuildingType::Belt || type == BuildingType::Splitter)
+        {
+            m_dragging = true;
+            m_beltDragTiles.clear();
+            placeAtTile(tile);
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            placeAtTile(tile);
+        }
+    }
+    else if (m_demolishMode)
+    {
+        const EntityId hovered = buildingAtTile(tile);
+        if (hovered != kInvalidEntityId)
+        {
+            const Building* b = m_sim->buildings().findBuilding(hovered);
+            if (b && b->type != BuildingType::Hq
+                  && b->type != BuildingType::PlayerDefenceStation)
+            {
+                m_sim->buildings().demolish(hovered);
+                m_demolishHoverId = kInvalidEntityId;
+            }
+        }
+    }
+    else
+    {
+        const EntityId id = buildingAtTile(tile);
+        if (id != kInvalidEntityId)
+        {
+            if (event->modifiers() & Qt::ControlModifier)
+            {
+                bool found = false;
+                std::vector<EntityId> newSel;
+                for (EntityId sel : m_selectedIds)
+                {
+                    if (sel == id) { found = true; }
+                    else           { newSel.push_back(sel); }
+                }
+                if (!found) { newSel.push_back(id); }
+                m_selectedIds = newSel;
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                m_selectedIds = { id };
+            }
+            emit selectionChanged(m_selectedIds);
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            if (!(event->modifiers() & Qt::ControlModifier))
+            {
+                m_selectedIds.clear();
+                emit selectionChanged(m_selectedIds);
+            }
+            m_boxSelecting    = true;
+            m_boxStartTile    = tile;
+            m_boxCurrentTile  = tile;
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+void GameWorldView::mouseMoveEvent(QMouseEvent* event)
+{
+    const QPoint tile = widgetToTile(event->pos());
+
+    if (m_builderType.has_value())
+    {
+        m_ghostTile  = tile;
+        m_ghostValid = isValidPlacement(*m_builderType, tile, m_ghostRotation);
+
+        if (m_dragging)
+        {
+            placeAtTile(tile);
+        }
+    }
+    else if (m_demolishMode)
+    {
+        m_demolishHoverId = buildingAtTile(tile);
+    }
+    else if (m_boxSelecting)
+    {
+        m_boxCurrentTile = tile;
+    }
+}
+
+void GameWorldView::mouseReleaseEvent(QMouseEvent* event)
+{
+    if (event->button() != Qt::LeftButton) { return; }
+
+    if (m_dragging)
+    {
+        m_dragging = false;
+        m_beltDragTiles.clear();
+    }
+
+    if (m_boxSelecting)
+    {
+        m_boxSelecting = false;
+
+        const int x0 = std::min(m_boxStartTile.x(), m_boxCurrentTile.x());
+        const int y0 = std::min(m_boxStartTile.y(), m_boxCurrentTile.y());
+        const int x1 = std::max(m_boxStartTile.x(), m_boxCurrentTile.x());
+        const int y1 = std::max(m_boxStartTile.y(), m_boxCurrentTile.y());
+
+        std::vector<EntityId> boxSel;
+        for (const Building& b : m_sim->buildings().allBuildings())
+        {
+            for (const QPoint& cell : b.bodyCells)
+            {
+                if (cell.x() >= x0 && cell.x() <= x1
+                 && cell.y() >= y0 && cell.y() <= y1)
+                {
+                    boxSel.push_back(b.id);
+                    break;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        if (!(event->modifiers() & Qt::ControlModifier))
+        {
+            m_selectedIds = boxSel;
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            for (EntityId id : boxSel)
+            {
+                bool found = false;
+                for (EntityId sel : m_selectedIds)
+                {
+                    if (sel == id) { found = true; break; }
+                }
+                if (!found) { m_selectedIds.push_back(id); }
+            }
+        }
+        emit selectionChanged(m_selectedIds);
+    }
+}
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Slots
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+void GameWorldView::enterBuilderMode(BuildingType type)
+{
+    m_builderType   = type;
+    m_ghostRotation = Rotation::East;
+    m_ghostValid    = false;
+    m_demolishMode  = false;
+}
+
+void GameWorldView::exitBuilderMode()
+{
+    m_builderType.reset();
+    m_beltDragTiles.clear();
+    m_dragging = false;
+    emit builderModeExited();
+}
+
+void GameWorldView::setGameSpeed(double multiplier)
+{
+    m_gameSpeedMultiplier = multiplier;
+    emit stateUpdated(m_sim->currentTick(),
+                      m_sim->buildingBlocksStock(),
+                      m_gameSpeedMultiplier);
+}
diff --git a/src/ui/GameWorldView.h b/src/ui/GameWorldView.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..41b2b33
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/ui/GameWorldView.h
@@ -0,0 +1,148 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include <optional>
+#include <set>
+#include <vector>
+
+#include <QElapsedTimer>
+#include <QOpenGLWidget>
+#include <QPoint>
+#include <QRectF>
+#include <QTimer>
+#include <QVector2D>
+
+#include "BlueprintDropEvent.h"
+#include "BuildingType.h"
+#include "EntityId.h"
+#include "FireEvent.h"
+#include "GameConfig.h"
+#include "Rotation.h"
+#include "Tick.h"
+#include "TickDriver.h"
+#include "VisualsConfig.h"
+
+class Simulation;
+class QPainter;
+
+struct QPointCompare
+{
+    bool operator()(const QPoint& a, const QPoint& b) const
+    {
+        if (a.x() != b.x()) { return a.x() < b.x(); }
+        return a.y() < b.y();
+    }
+};
+
+class GameWorldView : public QOpenGLWidget
+{
+    Q_OBJECT
+
+public:
+    GameWorldView(Simulation* sim, const GameConfig* config,
+                  const VisualsConfig* visuals, QWidget* parent = nullptr);
+
+signals:
+    void selectionChanged(const std::vector<EntityId>& ids);
+    void stateUpdated(Tick tick, int blocks, double speed);
+    void gameOver();
+    void builderModeExited();
+
+public slots:
+    void enterBuilderMode(BuildingType type);
+    void exitBuilderMode();
+    void setGameSpeed(double multiplier);
+
+protected:
+    void initializeGL() override;
+    void paintGL() override;
+    void keyPressEvent(QKeyEvent* event) override;
+    void keyReleaseEvent(QKeyEvent* event) override;
+    void mousePressEvent(QMouseEvent* event) override;
+    void mouseMoveEvent(QMouseEvent* event) override;
+    void mouseReleaseEvent(QMouseEvent* event) override;
+
+private slots:
+    void onFrame();
+
+private:
+    void drawTiles(QPainter& painter);
+    void drawBuildings(QPainter& painter);
+    void drawBeltItems(QPainter& painter);
+    void drawScrap(QPainter& painter);
+    void drawShips(QPainter& painter);
+    void drawBeams(QPainter& painter);
+    void drawOverlays(QPainter& painter);
+    void drawScreenSpace(QPainter& painter);
+
+    float    tilePx() const;
+    float    viewportWidthTiles() const;
+    QPointF  worldToWidget(QVector2D worldPos) const;
+    QPointF  tileToWidget(QPoint tile) const;
+    QPoint   widgetToTile(QPoint widgetPt) const;
+    QRectF   tileRect(QPoint tile) const;
+    QRect    viewportRect() const;
+
+    float    asteroidLeftEdge() const;
+    float    enemyStationRightEdge() const;
+    void     clampScroll();
+
+    bool     isValidPlacement(BuildingType type, QPoint anchor, Rotation rot) const;
+    const BuildingDef* findBuildingDef(BuildingType type) const;
+    EntityId buildingAtTile(QPoint tile) const;
+
+    std::optional<QVector2D> entityPosition(EntityId id) const;
+    void                     stepSpeed(int delta);
+    void                     placeAtTile(QPoint tile);
+
+    struct ActiveBeam
+    {
+        FireEvent event;
+        qint64    emittedWallMs;
+    };
+
+    struct ToastEntry
+    {
+        QString text;
+        qint64  createdWallMs;
+    };
+
+    static constexpr qint64  kBeamLifetimeMs        = 300;
+    static constexpr qint64  kToastLifetimeMs        = 4000;
+    static constexpr qint64  kToastFadeStartMs       = 3500;
+    static constexpr float   kScrollSpeedTilesPerSec = 10.0f;
+
+    Simulation*          m_sim;
+    const GameConfig*    m_config;
+    const VisualsConfig* m_visuals;
+
+    TickDriver    m_tickDriver;
+    QElapsedTimer m_frameTimer;
+    qint64        m_wallMs;
+    double        m_gameSpeedMultiplier;
+    double        m_prevNonZeroSpeed;
+    float         m_scrollXTiles;
+
+    QTimer* m_renderTimer;
+
+    std::vector<ActiveBeam> m_activeBeams;
+    std::vector<ToastEntry> m_toasts;
+
+    std::optional<BuildingType>          m_builderType;
+    Rotation                             m_ghostRotation;
+    QPoint                               m_ghostTile;
+    bool                                 m_ghostValid;
+    std::set<QPoint, QPointCompare>      m_beltDragTiles;
+    bool                                 m_dragging;
+
+    bool     m_demolishMode;
+    EntityId m_demolishHoverId;
+
+    std::vector<EntityId> m_selectedIds;
+    bool                  m_boxSelecting;
+    QPoint                m_boxStartTile;
+    QPoint                m_boxCurrentTile;
+
+    bool m_scrollLeft;
+    bool m_scrollRight;
+    bool m_gameOverShown;
+};
diff --git a/src/ui/HeaderBar.cpp b/src/ui/HeaderBar.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3abdd25
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/ui/HeaderBar.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,72 @@
+#include "HeaderBar.h"
+
+#include <cmath>
+#include <string>
+
+#include <QHBoxLayout>
+#include <QLabel>
+#include <QPushButton>
+#include <QSignalMapper>
+
+#include "Tick.h"
+
+const double HeaderBar::kSpeeds[]   = { 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 };
+const int    HeaderBar::kSpeedCount = 5;
+
+HeaderBar::HeaderBar(QWidget* parent)
+    : QWidget(parent)
+{
+    QHBoxLayout* layout = new QHBoxLayout(this);
+    layout->setContentsMargins(8, 4, 8, 4);
+    layout->setSpacing(8);
+
+    m_timeLabel   = new QLabel("00:00", this);
+    m_blocksLabel = new QLabel("Blocks: 0", this);
+    layout->addWidget(m_timeLabel);
+    layout->addWidget(m_blocksLabel);
+    layout->addStretch();
+
+    const char* labels[] = { "0x", "0.5x", "1x", "2x", "4x" };
+    QSignalMapper* mapper = new QSignalMapper(this);
+    for (int i = 0; i < kSpeedCount; ++i)
+    {
+        QPushButton* btn = new QPushButton(labels[i], this);
+        btn->setCheckable(true);
+        btn->setChecked(i == 2);
+        layout->addWidget(btn);
+        m_speedButtons.push_back(btn);
+        mapper->setMapping(btn, i);
+        connect(btn, SIGNAL(clicked()), mapper, SLOT(map()));
+    }
+    connect(mapper, SIGNAL(mapped(int)), this, SLOT(onSpeedButton(int)));
+
+    setFixedHeight(sizeHint().height());
+}
+
+void HeaderBar::onStateUpdated(Tick tick, int buildingBlocks, double gameSpeed)
+{
+    const int totalSeconds = static_cast<int>(ticksToSeconds(tick));
+    const int minutes = totalSeconds / 60;
+    const int seconds = totalSeconds % 60;
+
+    m_timeLabel->setText(
+        QString("%1:%2")
+            .arg(minutes, 2, 10, QChar('0'))
+            .arg(seconds, 2, 10, QChar('0')));
+
+    m_blocksLabel->setText(QString("Blocks: %1").arg(buildingBlocks));
+
+    for (int i = 0; i < kSpeedCount; ++i)
+    {
+        const bool active = (std::abs(kSpeeds[i] - gameSpeed) < 0.001);
+        m_speedButtons[static_cast<std::size_t>(i)]->setChecked(active);
+    }
+}
+
+void HeaderBar::onSpeedButton(int index)
+{
+    if (index >= 0 && index < kSpeedCount)
+    {
+        emit speedChanged(kSpeeds[index]);
+    }
+}
diff --git a/src/ui/HeaderBar.h b/src/ui/HeaderBar.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d4261f9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/ui/HeaderBar.h
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include <vector>
+
+#include <QWidget>
+
+#include "Tick.h"
+
+class QLabel;
+class QPushButton;
+
+class HeaderBar : public QWidget
+{
+    Q_OBJECT
+
+public:
+    explicit HeaderBar(QWidget* parent = nullptr);
+
+public slots:
+    void onStateUpdated(Tick tick, int buildingBlocks, double gameSpeed);
+
+signals:
+    void speedChanged(double multiplier);
+
+private slots:
+    void onSpeedButton(int index);
+
+private:
+    QLabel*                  m_timeLabel;
+    QLabel*                  m_blocksLabel;
+    std::vector<QPushButton*> m_speedButtons;
+
+    static const double kSpeeds[];
+    static const int    kSpeedCount;
+};
diff --git a/src/ui/MainWindow.cpp b/src/ui/MainWindow.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2f4e73a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/ui/MainWindow.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,109 @@
+#include "MainWindow.h"
+
+#include <QHBoxLayout>
+#include <QMessageBox>
+#include <QResizeEvent>
+#include <QVBoxLayout>
+
+#include "BuildButtonGrid.h"
+#include "GameWorldView.h"
+#include "HeaderBar.h"
+#include "SelectedBuildingPanel.h"
+#include "Simulation.h"
+#include "Tick.h"
+
+MainWindow::MainWindow(Simulation* sim, const GameConfig* config,
+                       const VisualsConfig* visuals, QWidget* parent)
+    : QWidget(parent)
+    , m_sim(sim)
+{
+    setWindowTitle("Dota Factory");
+    resize(1280, 768);
+
+    m_headerBar = new HeaderBar(this);
+
+    m_gameWorldView = new GameWorldView(sim, config, visuals, this);
+
+    m_bottomPanel = new QWidget(this);
+    QHBoxLayout* bottomLayout = new QHBoxLayout(m_bottomPanel);
+    bottomLayout->setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0);
+    bottomLayout->setSpacing(0);
+
+    m_selectedBuildingPanel = new SelectedBuildingPanel(sim, config, m_bottomPanel);
+    m_buildButtonGrid       = new BuildButtonGrid(config, m_bottomPanel);
+
+    bottomLayout->addWidget(m_selectedBuildingPanel, 1);
+    bottomLayout->addWidget(m_buildButtonGrid,       1);
+
+    // Signals: game world → other panels
+    connect(m_gameWorldView, SIGNAL(selectionChanged(std::vector<EntityId>)),
+            m_selectedBuildingPanel, SLOT(onSelectionChanged(std::vector<EntityId>)));
+
+    connect(m_gameWorldView, SIGNAL(stateUpdated(Tick, int, double)),
+            m_headerBar, SLOT(onStateUpdated(Tick, int, double)));
+
+    connect(m_gameWorldView, SIGNAL(stateUpdated(Tick, int, double)),
+            this, SLOT(onStateUpdated(Tick, int, double)));  // for affordability
+
+    connect(m_gameWorldView, SIGNAL(gameOver()),
+            this, SLOT(onGameOver()));
+
+    // Signals: build grid → game world
+    connect(m_buildButtonGrid, SIGNAL(buildingTypeSelected(BuildingType)),
+            m_gameWorldView, SLOT(enterBuilderMode(BuildingType)));
+
+    connect(m_buildButtonGrid, SIGNAL(builderModeExited()),
+            m_gameWorldView, SLOT(exitBuilderMode()));
+
+    connect(m_gameWorldView, SIGNAL(builderModeExited()),
+            m_buildButtonGrid, SLOT(clearActiveButton()));
+
+    // Signals: header bar → game world
+    connect(m_headerBar, SIGNAL(speedChanged(double)),
+            m_gameWorldView, SLOT(setGameSpeed(double)));
+
+    m_gameWorldView->setFocus();
+}
+
+void MainWindow::resizeEvent(QResizeEvent* event)
+{
+    QWidget::resizeEvent(event);
+    layoutPanels();
+}
+
+void MainWindow::layoutPanels()
+{
+    const int totalW  = width();
+    const int totalH  = height();
+    const int headerH = m_headerBar->sizeHint().height();
+    if (headerH <= 0) { return; }
+    const int remaining = totalH - headerH;
+    const int gameH     = remaining * 70 / 100;
+    const int panelH    = remaining - gameH;
+
+    m_headerBar->setGeometry(0, 0, totalW, headerH);
+    m_gameWorldView->setGeometry(0, headerH, totalW, gameH);
+    m_bottomPanel->setGeometry(0, headerH + gameH, totalW, panelH);
+}
+
+void MainWindow::onStateUpdated(Tick /*tick*/, int blocks, double /*speed*/)
+{
+    m_buildButtonGrid->updateAffordability(blocks);
+}
+
+void MainWindow::onGameOver()
+{
+    const Tick tick = m_sim->currentTick();
+    const int totalSeconds = static_cast<int>(ticksToSeconds(tick));
+    const int minutes = totalSeconds / 60;
+    const int seconds = totalSeconds % 60;
+
+    QMessageBox box(this);
+    box.setWindowTitle("Game Over");
+    box.setText(QString("HQ destroyed!\nSurvival time: %1:%2")
+        .arg(minutes, 2, 10, QChar('0'))
+        .arg(seconds, 2, 10, QChar('0')));
+    box.addButton("Quit", QMessageBox::RejectRole);
+    box.exec();
+    close();
+}
diff --git a/src/ui/MainWindow.h b/src/ui/MainWindow.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..52f571c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/ui/MainWindow.h
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include <QWidget>
+
+#include "GameConfig.h"
+#include "Tick.h"
+#include "VisualsConfig.h"
+
+class Simulation;
+class GameWorldView;
+class HeaderBar;
+class SelectedBuildingPanel;
+class BuildButtonGrid;
+class QResizeEvent;
+
+class MainWindow : public QWidget
+{
+    Q_OBJECT
+
+public:
+    MainWindow(Simulation* sim, const GameConfig* config,
+               const VisualsConfig* visuals, QWidget* parent = nullptr);
+
+protected:
+    void resizeEvent(QResizeEvent* event) override;
+
+private slots:
+    void onGameOver();
+    void onStateUpdated(Tick tick, int blocks, double speed);
+
+private:
+    void layoutPanels();
+
+    Simulation*            m_sim;
+    GameWorldView*         m_gameWorldView;
+    HeaderBar*             m_headerBar;
+    SelectedBuildingPanel* m_selectedBuildingPanel;
+    BuildButtonGrid*       m_buildButtonGrid;
+    QWidget*               m_bottomPanel;
+};
diff --git a/src/ui/SelectedBuildingPanel.cpp b/src/ui/SelectedBuildingPanel.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..16058b4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/ui/SelectedBuildingPanel.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,287 @@
+#include "SelectedBuildingPanel.h"
+
+#include <map>
+#include <string>
+
+#include <QComboBox>
+#include <QLabel>
+#include <QPushButton>
+#include <QVBoxLayout>
+
+#include "Building.h"
+#include "BuildingType.h"
+#include "Simulation.h"
+
+namespace
+{
+
+QString buildingTypeName(BuildingType type)
+{
+    const std::string id = buildingTypeId(type);
+    QString result;
+    bool nextUpper = true;
+    for (char c : id)
+    {
+        if (c == '_')
+        {
+            result += ' ';
+            nextUpper = true;
+        }
+        else if (nextUpper)
+        {
+            result += static_cast<char>(std::toupper(static_cast<unsigned char>(c)));
+            nextUpper = false;
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            result += c;
+        }
+    }
+    return result;
+}
+
+bool isProductionBuilding(BuildingType type)
+{
+    return type == BuildingType::Miner
+        || type == BuildingType::Smelter
+        || type == BuildingType::Assembler
+        || type == BuildingType::ReprocessingPlant
+        || type == BuildingType::Shipyard;
+}
+
+bool isBeltLike(BuildingType type)
+{
+    return type == BuildingType::Belt || type == BuildingType::Splitter;
+}
+
+}  // namespace
+
+
+SelectedBuildingPanel::SelectedBuildingPanel(Simulation* sim,
+                                             const GameConfig* config,
+                                             QWidget* parent)
+    : QWidget(parent)
+    , m_sim(sim)
+    , m_config(config)
+    , m_singleId(kInvalidEntityId)
+{
+    m_layout = new QVBoxLayout(this);
+    m_layout->setContentsMargins(8, 8, 8, 8);
+    m_layout->setSpacing(4);
+    m_layout->setAlignment(Qt::AlignTop);
+
+    m_titleLabel   = new QLabel(this);
+    m_recipeCombo  = new QComboBox(this);
+    m_clearBeltBtn = new QPushButton("Clear Items", this);
+    m_buffersLabel = new QLabel(this);
+    m_buffersLabel->setWordWrap(true);
+
+    m_layout->addWidget(m_titleLabel);
+    m_layout->addWidget(m_recipeCombo);
+    m_layout->addWidget(m_clearBeltBtn);
+    m_layout->addWidget(m_buffersLabel);
+
+    connect(m_recipeCombo, SIGNAL(currentIndexChanged(int)),
+            this, SLOT(onRecipeChanged(int)));
+    connect(m_clearBeltBtn, SIGNAL(clicked()),
+            this, SLOT(onClearBelt()));
+
+    buildEmpty();
+}
+
+void SelectedBuildingPanel::onSelectionChanged(const std::vector<EntityId>& ids)
+{
+    m_selection = ids;
+    rebuild();
+}
+
+void SelectedBuildingPanel::rebuild()
+{
+    if (m_selection.empty())
+    {
+        buildEmpty();
+    }
+    else if (m_selection.size() == 1)
+    {
+        buildSingle(m_selection[0]);
+    }
+    else
+    {
+        buildMulti(m_selection);
+    }
+}
+
+void SelectedBuildingPanel::buildEmpty()
+{
+    m_singleId = kInvalidEntityId;
+    m_titleLabel->hide();
+    m_recipeCombo->hide();
+    m_clearBeltBtn->hide();
+    m_buffersLabel->hide();
+}
+
+void SelectedBuildingPanel::buildSingle(EntityId id)
+{
+    m_singleId = id;
+
+    const Building* b = m_sim->buildings().findBuilding(id);
+    if (!b)
+    {
+        buildEmpty();
+        return;
+    }
+
+    m_titleLabel->setText(buildingTypeName(b->type));
+    m_titleLabel->show();
+    m_buffersLabel->show();
+
+    if (isProductionBuilding(b->type))
+    {
+        m_recipeCombo->blockSignals(true);
+        m_recipeCombo->clear();
+
+        m_recipeCombo->addItem("(none)", QString());
+
+        if (b->type == BuildingType::Shipyard)
+        {
+            for (const ShipDef& def : m_config->ships.ships)
+            {
+                if (m_sim->isBlueprintUnlocked(def.id))
+                {
+                    m_recipeCombo->addItem(
+                        QString::fromStdString(def.id),
+                        QString::fromStdString(def.id));
+                }
+            }
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            for (const RecipeDef& recipe : m_config->recipes.recipes)
+            {
+                if (recipe.building == b->type)
+                {
+                    m_recipeCombo->addItem(
+                        QString::fromStdString(recipe.id),
+                        QString::fromStdString(recipe.id));
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        const int currentIdx = m_recipeCombo->findData(QString::fromStdString(b->recipeId));
+        m_recipeCombo->setCurrentIndex(currentIdx >= 0 ? currentIdx : 0);
+        m_recipeCombo->blockSignals(false);
+        m_recipeCombo->show();
+    }
+    else
+    {
+        m_recipeCombo->hide();
+    }
+
+    if (isBeltLike(b->type))
+    {
+        m_clearBeltBtn->show();
+    }
+    else
+    {
+        m_clearBeltBtn->hide();
+    }
+
+    QString bufText;
+    if (!b->inputBuffer.counts.empty())
+    {
+        bufText += "Input: ";
+        for (const std::pair<const ItemType, int>& entry : b->inputBuffer.counts)
+        {
+            const std::map<ItemType, int>::const_iterator cap =
+                b->inputBuffer.caps.find(entry.first);
+            const int capVal = (cap != b->inputBuffer.caps.end()) ? cap->second : 0;
+            bufText += QString::fromStdString(entry.first.id)
+                + ": " + QString::number(entry.second)
+                + "/" + QString::number(capVal) + "  ";
+        }
+        bufText += "\n";
+    }
+    if (!b->outputBuffer.items.empty())
+    {
+        std::map<std::string, int> outCounts;
+        for (const Item& item : b->outputBuffer.items)
+        {
+            outCounts[item.type.id]++;
+        }
+        bufText += "Output(" + QString::number(static_cast<int>(b->outputBuffer.items.size()))
+            + "/" + QString::number(b->outputBuffer.capacity) + "): ";
+        for (const std::pair<const std::string, int>& entry : outCounts)
+        {
+            bufText += QString::fromStdString(entry.first)
+                + ":" + QString::number(entry.second) + " ";
+        }
+    }
+    m_buffersLabel->setText(bufText);
+}
+
+void SelectedBuildingPanel::buildMulti(const std::vector<EntityId>& ids)
+{
+    m_singleId = kInvalidEntityId;
+    m_recipeCombo->hide();
+    m_clearBeltBtn->hide();
+    m_buffersLabel->hide();
+
+    std::map<BuildingType, int> counts;
+    for (EntityId id : ids)
+    {
+        const Building* b = m_sim->buildings().findBuilding(id);
+        if (b)
+        {
+            counts[b->type]++;
+        }
+    }
+
+    bool hasBelt = false;
+    QString text;
+    for (const std::pair<const BuildingType, int>& entry : counts)
+    {
+        text += buildingTypeName(entry.first) + ": "
+            + QString::number(entry.second) + "\n";
+        if (isBeltLike(entry.first))
+        {
+            hasBelt = true;
+        }
+    }
+    m_titleLabel->setText(text.trimmed());
+    m_titleLabel->show();
+
+    if (hasBelt)
+    {
+        m_clearBeltBtn->show();
+    }
+}
+
+void SelectedBuildingPanel::onRecipeChanged(int comboIndex)
+{
+    if (m_singleId == kInvalidEntityId)
+    {
+        return;
+    }
+    const QString recipeId = m_recipeCombo->itemData(comboIndex).toString();
+    m_sim->buildings().setRecipe(m_singleId, recipeId.toStdString());
+}
+
+void SelectedBuildingPanel::onClearBelt()
+{
+    std::vector<QPoint> tiles;
+    for (EntityId id : m_selection)
+    {
+        const Building* b = m_sim->buildings().findBuilding(id);
+        if (b && isBeltLike(b->type))
+        {
+            for (const QPoint& cell : b->bodyCells)
+            {
+                tiles.push_back(cell);
+            }
+        }
+    }
+    if (!tiles.empty())
+    {
+        m_sim->belts().clearTiles(tiles);
+    }
+}
diff --git a/src/ui/SelectedBuildingPanel.h b/src/ui/SelectedBuildingPanel.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..adc9fc0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/ui/SelectedBuildingPanel.h
@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include <string>
+#include <vector>
+
+#include <QWidget>
+
+#include "EntityId.h"
+#include "GameConfig.h"
+
+class Simulation;
+class QLabel;
+class QComboBox;
+class QPushButton;
+class QVBoxLayout;
+
+class SelectedBuildingPanel : public QWidget
+{
+    Q_OBJECT
+
+public:
+    SelectedBuildingPanel(Simulation* sim, const GameConfig* config,
+                          QWidget* parent = nullptr);
+
+public slots:
+    void onSelectionChanged(const std::vector<EntityId>& ids);
+
+private slots:
+    void onRecipeChanged(int comboIndex);
+    void onClearBelt();
+
+private:
+    void rebuild();
+    void clearContent();
+    void buildEmpty();
+    void buildSingle(EntityId id);
+    void buildMulti(const std::vector<EntityId>& ids);
+
+    Simulation*        m_sim;
+    const GameConfig*  m_config;
+    std::vector<EntityId> m_selection;
+
+    QVBoxLayout* m_layout;
+    QLabel*      m_titleLabel;
+    QComboBox*   m_recipeCombo;
+    QPushButton* m_clearBeltBtn;
+    QLabel*      m_buffersLabel;
+
+    EntityId     m_singleId;
+    std::string  m_currentRecipeId;
+};
diff --git a/src/ui/VisualsConfig.h b/src/ui/VisualsConfig.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bd693e1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/ui/VisualsConfig.h
@@ -0,0 +1,78 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include <map>
+#include <string>
+
+#include <QColor>
+#include <QString>
+
+#include "BuildingType.h"
+
+struct TileVisuals
+{
+    QColor fill;
+};
+
+struct BuildingVisuals
+{
+    QColor  fill;
+    QColor  outline;
+    QString glyph;
+};
+
+struct ItemVisuals
+{
+    QColor fill;
+    QColor outline;
+};
+
+struct ShipVisuals
+{
+    QColor fill;
+    QColor outline;
+};
+
+struct BeamVisuals
+{
+    QColor color;
+    int    widthPx;
+};
+
+struct OverlayVisuals
+{
+    QColor ghostValid;
+    QColor ghostInvalid;
+    QColor demolishTint;
+    QColor selectionRect;
+    QColor tileHighlight;
+    QColor selectedOutline;
+};
+
+struct ToastVisuals
+{
+    QColor bg;
+    QColor fg;
+    int    fontSize;
+};
+
+enum class ShipRole
+{
+    PlayerCombat,
+    Salvage,
+    Repair,
+    Enemy,
+};
+
+struct VisualsConfig
+{
+    TileVisuals asteroid;
+    TileVisuals space;
+
+    std::map<BuildingType, BuildingVisuals> buildings;
+    std::map<std::string,  ItemVisuals>     items;
+    std::map<ShipRole,     ShipVisuals>     ships;
+
+    BeamVisuals    beams;
+    OverlayVisuals overlays;
+    ToastVisuals   toast;
+};
diff --git a/src/ui/VisualsLoader.cpp b/src/ui/VisualsLoader.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1378728
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/ui/VisualsLoader.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,231 @@
+#include "VisualsLoader.h"
+
+#include <sstream>
+#include <stdexcept>
+#include <string>
+
+#include <QColor>
+
+#include "toml.hpp"
+#include "BuildingType.h"
+
+namespace
+{
+
+std::runtime_error makeError(const std::string& section, const std::string& why)
+{
+    return std::runtime_error("visuals.toml: [" + section + "] " + why);
+}
+
+QColor parseColor(const std::string& s, const std::string& ctx)
+{
+    if (s.empty() || s[0] != '#')
+    {
+        throw std::runtime_error("visuals.toml: invalid color '" + s + "' in " + ctx);
+    }
+    if (s.size() == 9)
+    {
+        bool ok1 = true, ok2 = true, ok3 = true, ok4 = true;
+        int r = QString::fromStdString(s.substr(1, 2)).toInt(&ok1, 16);
+        int g = QString::fromStdString(s.substr(3, 2)).toInt(&ok2, 16);
+        int b = QString::fromStdString(s.substr(5, 2)).toInt(&ok3, 16);
+        int a = QString::fromStdString(s.substr(7, 2)).toInt(&ok4, 16);
+        if (!ok1 || !ok2 || !ok3 || !ok4)
+        {
+            throw std::runtime_error("visuals.toml: malformed color '" + s + "' in " + ctx);
+        }
+        return QColor(r, g, b, a);
+    }
+    QColor c(QString::fromStdString(s));
+    if (!c.isValid())
+    {
+        throw std::runtime_error("visuals.toml: invalid color '" + s + "' in " + ctx);
+    }
+    return c;
+}
+
+std::string requireString(toml::table& tbl, const std::string& key,
+                          const std::string& ctx)
+{
+    const std::optional<std::string> v = tbl[key].value<std::string>();
+    if (!v)
+    {
+        throw makeError(ctx, "missing or invalid string '" + key + "'");
+    }
+    return *v;
+}
+
+int requireInt(toml::table& tbl, const std::string& key, const std::string& ctx)
+{
+    const std::optional<int64_t> v = tbl[key].value<int64_t>();
+    if (!v)
+    {
+        throw makeError(ctx, "missing or invalid integer '" + key + "'");
+    }
+    return static_cast<int>(*v);
+}
+
+toml::table& requireSubtable(toml::table& tbl, const std::string& key,
+                              const std::string& ctx)
+{
+    toml::table* sub = tbl[key].as_table();
+    if (sub == nullptr)
+    {
+        throw makeError(ctx, "missing section '" + key + "'");
+    }
+    return *sub;
+}
+
+TileVisuals parseTile(toml::table& tbl, const std::string& ctx)
+{
+    TileVisuals v;
+    v.fill = parseColor(requireString(tbl, "fill", ctx), ctx + ".fill");
+    return v;
+}
+
+BuildingVisuals parseBuilding(toml::table& tbl, const std::string& ctx)
+{
+    BuildingVisuals v;
+    v.fill    = parseColor(requireString(tbl, "fill",    ctx), ctx + ".fill");
+    v.outline = parseColor(requireString(tbl, "outline", ctx), ctx + ".outline");
+    v.glyph   = QString::fromStdString(requireString(tbl, "glyph", ctx));
+    return v;
+}
+
+ItemVisuals parseItem(toml::table& tbl, const std::string& ctx)
+{
+    ItemVisuals v;
+    v.fill    = parseColor(requireString(tbl, "fill",    ctx), ctx + ".fill");
+    v.outline = parseColor(requireString(tbl, "outline", ctx), ctx + ".outline");
+    return v;
+}
+
+ShipVisuals parseShip(toml::table& tbl, const std::string& ctx)
+{
+    ShipVisuals v;
+    v.fill    = parseColor(requireString(tbl, "fill",    ctx), ctx + ".fill");
+    v.outline = parseColor(requireString(tbl, "outline", ctx), ctx + ".outline");
+    return v;
+}
+
+struct BuildingEntry
+{
+    const char*  key;
+    BuildingType type;
+};
+
+const BuildingEntry kBuildingEntries[] = {
+    { "hq",                BuildingType::Hq                },
+    { "miner",             BuildingType::Miner             },
+    { "smelter",           BuildingType::Smelter           },
+    { "assembler",         BuildingType::Assembler         },
+    { "reprocessing_plant",BuildingType::ReprocessingPlant },
+    { "shipyard",          BuildingType::Shipyard          },
+    { "salvage_bay",       BuildingType::SalvageBay        },
+    { "belt",              BuildingType::Belt              },
+    { "splitter",          BuildingType::Splitter          },
+};
+
+}  // namespace
+
+
+VisualsConfig VisualsLoader::load(const std::string& path)
+{
+    toml::table tbl;
+    try
+    {
+        tbl = toml::parse_file(path);
+    }
+    catch (const toml::parse_error& e)
+    {
+        std::ostringstream oss;
+        oss << "visuals.toml: parse error: " << e.description()
+            << " at " << e.source().begin;
+        throw std::runtime_error(oss.str());
+    }
+
+    VisualsConfig cfg;
+
+    // Tiles
+    {
+        toml::table& tiles = requireSubtable(tbl, "tiles", "root");
+        cfg.asteroid = parseTile(requireSubtable(tiles, "asteroid", "tiles"), "tiles.asteroid");
+        cfg.space    = parseTile(requireSubtable(tiles, "space",    "tiles"), "tiles.space");
+    }
+
+    // Buildings ([buildings.*] sections)
+    {
+        toml::table& bldgs = requireSubtable(tbl, "buildings", "root");
+        for (const BuildingEntry& entry : kBuildingEntries)
+        {
+            std::string ctx = std::string("buildings.") + entry.key;
+            cfg.buildings[entry.type] = parseBuilding(
+                requireSubtable(bldgs, entry.key, "buildings"), ctx);
+        }
+    }
+
+    // Stations ([stations.*] → mapped as PlayerDefenceStation / EnemyDefenceStation)
+    {
+        toml::table& stns = requireSubtable(tbl, "stations", "root");
+        cfg.buildings[BuildingType::PlayerDefenceStation] = parseBuilding(
+            requireSubtable(stns, "player", "stations"), "stations.player");
+        cfg.buildings[BuildingType::EnemyDefenceStation] = parseBuilding(
+            requireSubtable(stns, "enemy", "stations"), "stations.enemy");
+    }
+
+    // Items (iterate all keys in [items])
+    {
+        toml::table& items = requireSubtable(tbl, "items", "root");
+        for (toml::table::iterator it = items.begin(); it != items.end(); ++it)
+        {
+            std::string itemId = std::string(it->first.str());
+            toml::table* sub = it->second.as_table();
+            if (sub == nullptr)
+            {
+                throw std::runtime_error("visuals.toml: items." + itemId + " is not a table");
+            }
+            cfg.items[itemId] = parseItem(*sub, "items." + itemId);
+        }
+    }
+
+    // Ships
+    {
+        toml::table& ships = requireSubtable(tbl, "ships", "root");
+        cfg.ships[ShipRole::PlayerCombat] = parseShip(
+            requireSubtable(ships, "player_combat", "ships"), "ships.player_combat");
+        cfg.ships[ShipRole::Salvage] = parseShip(
+            requireSubtable(ships, "salvage", "ships"), "ships.salvage");
+        cfg.ships[ShipRole::Repair] = parseShip(
+            requireSubtable(ships, "repair", "ships"), "ships.repair");
+        cfg.ships[ShipRole::Enemy] = parseShip(
+            requireSubtable(ships, "enemy", "ships"), "ships.enemy");
+    }
+
+    // Beams
+    {
+        toml::table& beams = requireSubtable(tbl, "beams", "root");
+        cfg.beams.color   = parseColor(requireString(beams, "color", "beams"), "beams.color");
+        cfg.beams.widthPx = requireInt(beams, "width_px", "beams");
+    }
+
+    // Overlays
+    {
+        toml::table& ov = requireSubtable(tbl, "overlays", "root");
+        cfg.overlays.ghostValid      = parseColor(requireString(ov, "ghost_valid",      "overlays"), "overlays.ghost_valid");
+        cfg.overlays.ghostInvalid    = parseColor(requireString(ov, "ghost_invalid",    "overlays"), "overlays.ghost_invalid");
+        cfg.overlays.demolishTint    = parseColor(requireString(ov, "demolish_tint",    "overlays"), "overlays.demolish_tint");
+        cfg.overlays.selectionRect   = parseColor(requireString(ov, "selection_rect",   "overlays"), "overlays.selection_rect");
+        cfg.overlays.tileHighlight   = parseColor(requireString(ov, "tile_highlight",   "overlays"), "overlays.tile_highlight");
+        cfg.overlays.selectedOutline = parseColor(requireString(ov, "selected_outline", "overlays"), "overlays.selected_outline");
+    }
+
+    // Toast
+    {
+        toml::table& t = requireSubtable(tbl, "toast", "root");
+        cfg.toast.bg       = parseColor(requireString(t, "bg", "toast"), "toast.bg");
+        cfg.toast.fg       = parseColor(requireString(t, "fg", "toast"), "toast.fg");
+        cfg.toast.fontSize = requireInt(t, "font_size", "toast");
+    }
+
+    return cfg;
+}
diff --git a/src/ui/VisualsLoader.h b/src/ui/VisualsLoader.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cd680a9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/ui/VisualsLoader.h
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include <string>
+
+#include "VisualsConfig.h"
+
+class VisualsLoader
+{
+public:
+    static VisualsConfig load(const std::string& path);
+};