Implement unified tunnel build mode (REQ-BLD-TUNNEL-MODE)

Collapse the two tunnel buttons into a single Tunnel button whose ghost
resolves between Tunnel Entry and Tunnel Exit based on the hovered
position, with a green connection preview.

- Add pure core helper TunnelCompletion (firstTunnelFacing +
  resolveTunnelCompletion): the entry/exit completion scans and the
  sub-tile cursor tie-break, unit-tested in TunnelCompletionTest.
- Dedup BeltSystem::reevaluateTunnelPairing onto firstTunnelFacing so the
  pairing scan rule lives in one place.
- GameWorldView: resolve the ghost type on hover/rotate (matching built
  tunnels and construction sites), place the resolved type (drop the old
  auto-switch), and draw the matched partner + between-tiles in green.
  Hotkey 3 = Tunnel, 4 unused.
- BuildButtonGrid: one "Tunnel" button; tunnel_exit stays player-placeable
  so blueprints and cost totals still account for exits.
- Add the green tunnel_preview overlay color (VisualsConfig/Loader/toml).

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.8 <noreply@anthropic.com>
Claude-Session: https://claude.ai/code/session_01Y7N59FsLA5e2kuVdqe4Uhc

bin/app/data/config/buildings.toml

@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ surface_mask = ["<A>"]
 
 [[building]]
 id = "tunnel_entry"
-tooltip = "Sends items underground to a matching tunnel exit, letting belts cross."
+tooltip = "Sends items underground so belts can cross. Places an entry, or an exit when it would connect to a matching entry under the cursor."
 cost = 5
 player_placeable = true
 construction_time_seconds = 0.5

bin/app/data/config/visuals.toml

@@ -351,6 +351,7 @@ selected_outline = "#ffff00"   # outline drawn around currently-selected buildin
 copy_config    = "#33ccff66"   # copy-settings eligible-target tint + copy/paste flash (REQ-BLD-COPY-CONFIG-FEEDBACK)
 locked_asteroid = "#0000007f"  # tint over the asteroid left of the buildable edge (not yet unlocked by expansion)
 modal_dim      = "#00000099"   # semi-transparent black dim behind modal dialogs/menus (REQ-UI-MODAL-DIM)
+tunnel_preview = "#00ff0055"   # tunnel connection preview: matched end + tiles between (REQ-BLD-TUNNEL-MODE)
 
 # -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 # Schematic-drop toasts (REQ-UI-SCHEMATIC-TOAST)

src/lib/core/CMakeLists.txt

@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ SET(HDRS
     ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/SchematicChoiceOption.h
     ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/DisplayName.h
     ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/BeltDragPath.h
+    ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/TunnelCompletion.h
     PARENT_SCOPE
 )
 
@@ -21,6 +22,7 @@ SET(SRCS
     ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/EntityAdmin.cpp
     ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/DisplayName.cpp
     ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/BeltDragPath.cpp
+    ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/TunnelCompletion.cpp
     PARENT_SCOPE
 )
 

src/lib/core/TunnelCompletion.cpp

@@ -0,0 +1,115 @@
+#include "TunnelCompletion.h"
+
+namespace
+{
+
+QPoint stepTile(QPoint tile, Rotation dir)
+{
+    switch (dir)
+    {
+        case Rotation::North: return {tile.x(),     tile.y() - 1};
+        case Rotation::East:  return {tile.x() + 1, tile.y()    };
+        case Rotation::South: return {tile.x(),     tile.y() + 1};
+        case Rotation::West:  return {tile.x() - 1, tile.y()    };
+    }
+    return tile;
+}
+
+Rotation oppositeRotation(Rotation dir)
+{
+    switch (dir)
+    {
+        case Rotation::North: return Rotation::South;
+        case Rotation::East:  return Rotation::West;
+        case Rotation::South: return Rotation::North;
+        case Rotation::West:  return Rotation::East;
+    }
+    return dir;
+}
+
+float tileCenterDistanceSq(QPoint tile, QVector2D cursorWorldPos)
+{
+    const QVector2D center(static_cast<float>(tile.x()) + 0.5f,
+                           static_cast<float>(tile.y()) + 0.5f);
+    return (center - cursorWorldPos).lengthSquared();
+}
+
+}  // namespace
+
+std::optional<QPoint> firstTunnelFacing(const TunnelLookup& lookup, QPoint start,
+                                        Rotation stepDir, Rotation targetFacing,
+                                        int maxDistance)
+{
+    QPoint probe = start;
+    for (int distance = 1; distance <= maxDistance; ++distance)
+    {
+        probe = stepTile(probe, stepDir);
+        const std::optional<TunnelTileInfo> info = lookup(probe);
+        if (info.has_value() && info->rotation == targetFacing)
+        {
+            return probe;
+        }
+    }
+    return std::nullopt;
+}
+
+TunnelCompletion resolveTunnelCompletion(const TunnelLookup& lookup, QPoint hoverTile,
+                                         Rotation rotation, int maxDistance,
+                                         QVector2D cursorWorldPos)
+{
+    // Entry-completion: a hypothetical entry at the hovered tile searches ahead (its
+    // facing direction) for a same-direction exit to pair with. The first
+    // same-direction tunnel ahead completes the entry only if it is an exit.
+    std::optional<QPoint> exitPartner;
+    if (const std::optional<QPoint> ahead =
+            firstTunnelFacing(lookup, hoverTile, rotation, rotation, maxDistance);
+        ahead.has_value())
+    {
+        const std::optional<TunnelTileInfo> info = lookup(*ahead);
+        if (info.has_value() && info->type == BuildingType::TunnelExit)
+        {
+            exitPartner = ahead;
+        }
+    }
+
+    // Exit-completion: a hypothetical exit at the hovered tile pairs with an existing
+    // entry behind it — one whose forward search (its facing direction) reaches the
+    // hovered tile as its first same-direction tunnel. Scanning backwards, the first
+    // same-direction tunnel completes the exit only if it is an entry.
+    std::optional<QPoint> entryPartner;
+    if (const std::optional<QPoint> behind =
+            firstTunnelFacing(lookup, hoverTile, oppositeRotation(rotation), rotation,
+                              maxDistance);
+        behind.has_value())
+    {
+        const std::optional<TunnelTileInfo> info = lookup(*behind);
+        if (info.has_value() && info->type == BuildingType::TunnelEntry)
+        {
+            entryPartner = behind;
+        }
+    }
+
+    // Default: a TunnelEntry with no partner.
+    if (!entryPartner.has_value() && !exitPartner.has_value())
+    {
+        return TunnelCompletion{BuildingType::TunnelEntry, std::nullopt};
+    }
+    if (entryPartner.has_value() && !exitPartner.has_value())
+    {
+        return TunnelCompletion{BuildingType::TunnelExit, entryPartner};
+    }
+    if (exitPartner.has_value() && !entryPartner.has_value())
+    {
+        return TunnelCompletion{BuildingType::TunnelEntry, exitPartner};
+    }
+
+    // Both apply: complete whichever existing partner is closer to the sub-tile
+    // cursor position (REQ-BLD-TUNNEL-MODE).
+    const float entryDistanceSq = tileCenterDistanceSq(*entryPartner, cursorWorldPos);
+    const float exitDistanceSq  = tileCenterDistanceSq(*exitPartner,  cursorWorldPos);
+    if (entryDistanceSq <= exitDistanceSq)
+    {
+        return TunnelCompletion{BuildingType::TunnelExit, entryPartner};
+    }
+    return TunnelCompletion{BuildingType::TunnelEntry, exitPartner};
+}

src/lib/core/TunnelCompletion.h

@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include <functional>
+#include <optional>
+
+#include <QPoint>
+#include <QVector2D>
+
+#include "BuildingType.h"
+#include "Rotation.h"
+
+// A tunnel building occupying a single tile: whether it is an entry or an exit and
+// the direction it faces. Used by the tunnel pairing scan (REQ-BLD-TUNNEL-PAIR) and
+// the unified tunnel build mode (REQ-BLD-TUNNEL-MODE).
+struct TunnelTileInfo
+{
+    BuildingType type;      // TunnelEntry or TunnelExit
+    Rotation     rotation;  // facing direction
+};
+
+// Given a tile, returns the tunnel building on it (entry or exit) with its facing
+// direction, or std::nullopt when the tile holds no tunnel building.
+using TunnelLookup = std::function<std::optional<TunnelTileInfo>(QPoint)>;
+
+// Steps from `start` in `stepDir` over the tiles at distance 1..maxDistance and
+// returns the first tile whose tunnel faces `targetFacing`. Tunnel buildings facing
+// any other direction are skipped, mirroring the "stop at the first same-direction
+// tunnel" rule of REQ-BLD-TUNNEL-PAIR. Returns std::nullopt if none is found in range.
+std::optional<QPoint> firstTunnelFacing(const TunnelLookup& lookup, QPoint start,
+                                        Rotation stepDir, Rotation targetFacing,
+                                        int maxDistance);
+
+// Result of resolving which tunnel end the ghost should become at a hovered tile
+// (REQ-BLD-TUNNEL-MODE): the type to place and the existing tunnel it would complete.
+struct TunnelCompletion
+{
+    BuildingType          resolvedType;  // TunnelEntry (default) or TunnelExit
+    std::optional<QPoint> partnerTile;   // matched existing tunnel, if any
+};
+
+// Resolves the tunnel ghost type for a hover at `hoverTile` with the ghost facing
+// `rotation` (REQ-BLD-TUNNEL-MODE):
+//  - exit-completion: placing an exit here would pair with an existing entry behind
+//    it (the entry's forward search reaches this tile as its first same-direction
+//    tunnel) — the ghost becomes a TunnelExit;
+//  - entry-completion: placing an entry here would pair with an existing exit ahead
+//    of it — the ghost stays a TunnelEntry.
+// When both apply, the end whose existing partner is closer to `cursorWorldPos` (the
+// sub-tile cursor position in world tile units) wins, so nudging the cursor within a
+// single tile can flip the target. With no match the ghost stays a TunnelEntry with
+// no partner.
+TunnelCompletion resolveTunnelCompletion(const TunnelLookup& lookup, QPoint hoverTile,
+                                         Rotation rotation, int maxDistance,
+                                         QVector2D cursorWorldPos);

src/lib/sim/BeltSystem.cpp

@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@
 
 #include "StateChecksum.h"
 #include "Tick.h"
+#include "TunnelCompletion.h"
 #include "tracing.h"
 
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -177,43 +178,50 @@ void BeltSystem::reevaluateTunnelPairing()
     std::vector<TunnelLink> oldLinks;
     std::swap(oldLinks, m_tunnelLinks);
 
+    // Tunnel index over this system's own (completed) tunnel tiles, shared with the
+    // scan primitive so the pairing rule lives in one place (REQ-BLD-TUNNEL-PAIR).
+    const TunnelLookup lookup = [this](QPoint tile) -> std::optional<TunnelTileInfo>
+    {
+        const std::map<std::pair<int, int>, TunnelEntryTile>::const_iterator teIt =
+            m_tunnelEntries.find(key(tile));
+        if (teIt != m_tunnelEntries.end())
+        {
+            return TunnelTileInfo{BuildingType::TunnelEntry, teIt->second.direction};
+        }
+        const std::map<std::pair<int, int>, TunnelExitTile>::const_iterator txIt =
+            m_tunnelExits.find(key(tile));
+        if (txIt != m_tunnelExits.end())
+        {
+            return TunnelTileInfo{BuildingType::TunnelExit, txIt->second.direction};
+        }
+        return std::nullopt;
+    };
+
     for (const std::pair<const std::pair<int, int>, TunnelEntryTile>& entry : m_tunnelEntries)
     {
         const QPoint entryPos(entry.first.first, entry.first.second);
         const Rotation dir = entry.second.direction;
         const int maxDist  = entry.second.maxDistance;
 
-        for (int d = 1; d <= maxDist; ++d)
+        // The first same-direction tunnel ahead forms a pair only when it is an exit;
+        // a same-direction entry blocks (firstTunnelFacing stops at it either way).
+        const std::optional<QPoint> target =
+            firstTunnelFacing(lookup, entryPos, dir, dir, maxDist);
+        if (!target.has_value() || m_tunnelExits.find(key(*target)) == m_tunnelExits.end())
         {
-            QPoint probe = entryPos;
+            continue;
-            for (int step = 0; step < d; ++step)
-            {
-                probe = adjacentTile(probe, dir);
         }
 
-            // Check if a same-direction tunnel entry is here (blocks pairing)
-            const std::map<std::pair<int, int>, TunnelEntryTile>::const_iterator teIt =
-                m_tunnelEntries.find(key(probe));
-            if (teIt != m_tunnelEntries.end() && teIt->second.direction == dir)
-            {
-                break;
-            }
-
-            // Check if a same-direction tunnel exit is here (forms pair)
-            const std::map<std::pair<int, int>, TunnelExitTile>::const_iterator txIt =
-                m_tunnelExits.find(key(probe));
-            if (txIt != m_tunnelExits.end())
-            {
-                if (txIt->second.direction == dir)
-                {
         TunnelLink link;
         link.entryTile = entryPos;
-                    link.exitTile  = probe;
+        link.exitTile  = *target;
-                    link.length    = static_cast<double>(d);
+        // The exit is colinear with the entry along `dir`, so the tile-coordinate
+        // distance is the Manhattan distance.
+        link.length = static_cast<double>((*target - entryPos).manhattanLength());
 
         for (const TunnelLink& old : oldLinks)
         {
-                        if (old.entryTile == entryPos && old.exitTile == probe)
+            if (old.entryTile == entryPos && old.exitTile == *target)
             {
                 link.items = old.items;
                 break;
@@ -221,11 +229,6 @@ void BeltSystem::reevaluateTunnelPairing()
         }
 
         m_tunnelLinks.push_back(std::move(link));
-                    break;
-                }
-                // Different direction exit — skip, keep searching
-            }
-        }
     }
 }
 

src/test/CMakeLists.txt

@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ add_files(
     BeltSystemTest.cpp
     SurfaceMaskTest.cpp
     BeltDragPathTest.cpp
+    TunnelCompletionTest.cpp
     BuildingTest.cpp
     BuildingConfigTest.cpp
     ShipTest.cpp

src/test/TunnelCompletionTest.cpp

@@ -0,0 +1,171 @@
+#include "catch.hpp"
+
+#include <map>
+#include <optional>
+#include <utility>
+
+#include <QPoint>
+#include <QVector2D>
+
+#include "BuildingType.h"
+#include "Rotation.h"
+#include "TunnelCompletion.h"
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Helpers
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+namespace
+{
+
+using TunnelMap = std::map<std::pair<int, int>, TunnelTileInfo>;
+
+TunnelLookup makeLookup(const TunnelMap& tunnels)
+{
+    return [&tunnels](QPoint tile) -> std::optional<TunnelTileInfo>
+    {
+        const TunnelMap::const_iterator it = tunnels.find({tile.x(), tile.y()});
+        if (it == tunnels.end()) { return std::nullopt; }
+        return it->second;
+    };
+}
+
+// Cursor at the centre of a tile.
+QVector2D tileCentre(QPoint tile)
+{
+    return QVector2D(static_cast<float>(tile.x()) + 0.5f,
+                     static_cast<float>(tile.y()) + 0.5f);
+}
+
+}  // namespace
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// No match
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+TEST_CASE("No tunnels: ghost defaults to a Tunnel Entry with no partner")
+{
+    const TunnelMap tunnels;
+    const TunnelCompletion result = resolveTunnelCompletion(
+        makeLookup(tunnels), QPoint(5, 5), Rotation::East, 10, tileCentre(QPoint(5, 5)));
+
+    REQUIRE(result.resolvedType == BuildingType::TunnelEntry);
+    REQUIRE(!result.partnerTile.has_value());
+}
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Entry-completion: an existing exit ahead keeps the ghost an entry
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+TEST_CASE("Existing exit ahead completes as an entry")
+{
+    TunnelMap tunnels;
+    tunnels[{8, 5}] = TunnelTileInfo{BuildingType::TunnelExit, Rotation::East};
+
+    const TunnelCompletion result = resolveTunnelCompletion(
+        makeLookup(tunnels), QPoint(5, 5), Rotation::East, 10, tileCentre(QPoint(5, 5)));
+
+    REQUIRE(result.resolvedType == BuildingType::TunnelEntry);
+    REQUIRE(result.partnerTile.has_value());
+    REQUIRE(*result.partnerTile == QPoint(8, 5));
+}
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Exit-completion: an existing entry behind flips the ghost to an exit
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+TEST_CASE("Existing entry behind completes as an exit")
+{
+    TunnelMap tunnels;
+    tunnels[{2, 5}] = TunnelTileInfo{BuildingType::TunnelEntry, Rotation::East};
+
+    const TunnelCompletion result = resolveTunnelCompletion(
+        makeLookup(tunnels), QPoint(5, 5), Rotation::East, 10, tileCentre(QPoint(5, 5)));
+
+    REQUIRE(result.resolvedType == BuildingType::TunnelExit);
+    REQUIRE(result.partnerTile.has_value());
+    REQUIRE(*result.partnerTile == QPoint(2, 5));
+}
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Both matches: the sub-tile cursor position breaks the tie
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+TEST_CASE("Both matches resolve to the partner nearer the sub-tile cursor")
+{
+    TunnelMap tunnels;
+    tunnels[{3, 5}] = TunnelTileInfo{BuildingType::TunnelEntry, Rotation::East}; // behind
+    tunnels[{7, 5}] = TunnelTileInfo{BuildingType::TunnelExit,  Rotation::East}; // ahead
+
+    const TunnelLookup lookup = makeLookup(tunnels);
+
+    SECTION("cursor near the left edge completes the entry (ghost becomes exit)")
+    {
+        const QVector2D cursor(5.1f, 5.5f);
+        const TunnelCompletion result =
+            resolveTunnelCompletion(lookup, QPoint(5, 5), Rotation::East, 10, cursor);
+        REQUIRE(result.resolvedType == BuildingType::TunnelExit);
+        REQUIRE(*result.partnerTile == QPoint(3, 5));
+    }
+
+    SECTION("cursor near the right edge completes the exit (ghost stays entry)")
+    {
+        const QVector2D cursor(5.9f, 5.5f);
+        const TunnelCompletion result =
+            resolveTunnelCompletion(lookup, QPoint(5, 5), Rotation::East, 10, cursor);
+        REQUIRE(result.resolvedType == BuildingType::TunnelEntry);
+        REQUIRE(*result.partnerTile == QPoint(7, 5));
+    }
+}
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// A same-direction tunnel between the ghost and a candidate blocks the pairing
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+TEST_CASE("A same-direction entry between the ghost and an exit blocks completion")
+{
+    TunnelMap tunnels;
+    tunnels[{7, 5}] = TunnelTileInfo{BuildingType::TunnelEntry, Rotation::East}; // blocker
+    tunnels[{9, 5}] = TunnelTileInfo{BuildingType::TunnelExit,  Rotation::East};
+
+    const TunnelCompletion result = resolveTunnelCompletion(
+        makeLookup(tunnels), QPoint(5, 5), Rotation::East, 10, tileCentre(QPoint(5, 5)));
+
+    // The forward scan stops at the same-direction entry, which is not an exit, so no
+    // entry-completion. Nothing behind, so no exit-completion either.
+    REQUIRE(result.resolvedType == BuildingType::TunnelEntry);
+    REQUIRE(!result.partnerTile.has_value());
+}
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Differently-facing tunnels are skipped by the scan
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+TEST_CASE("A differently-facing tunnel ahead is skipped, not treated as a match")
+{
+    TunnelMap tunnels;
+    tunnels[{6, 5}] = TunnelTileInfo{BuildingType::TunnelExit, Rotation::North}; // skipped
+    tunnels[{8, 5}] = TunnelTileInfo{BuildingType::TunnelExit, Rotation::East};  // match
+
+    const TunnelCompletion result = resolveTunnelCompletion(
+        makeLookup(tunnels), QPoint(5, 5), Rotation::East, 10, tileCentre(QPoint(5, 5)));
+
+    REQUIRE(result.resolvedType == BuildingType::TunnelEntry);
+    REQUIRE(*result.partnerTile == QPoint(8, 5));
+}
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Distance limit
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+TEST_CASE("A candidate beyond the max distance is not matched")
+{
+    TunnelMap tunnels;
+    tunnels[{8, 5}] = TunnelTileInfo{BuildingType::TunnelExit, Rotation::East}; // distance 3
+
+    const TunnelCompletion result = resolveTunnelCompletion(
+        makeLookup(tunnels), QPoint(5, 5), Rotation::East, 2, tileCentre(QPoint(5, 5)));
+
+    REQUIRE(result.resolvedType == BuildingType::TunnelEntry);
+    REQUIRE(!result.partnerTile.has_value());
+}

src/ui/BuildButtonGrid.cpp

@@ -35,11 +35,21 @@ BuildButtonGrid::BuildButtonGrid(Simulation* sim, const GameConfig* config, QWid
         {
             continue;
         }
+        // Tunnel Entry and Tunnel Exit share a single "Tunnel" button; the exit is
+        // reached through the unified tunnel build mode, not its own button
+        // (REQ-BLD-TUNNEL-MODE, REQ-UI-BUILD-GRID). Both stay player-placeable so
+        // blueprints and cost totals still account for exits.
+        if (def.type == BuildingType::TunnelExit)
+        {
+            continue;
+        }
         m_types.push_back(def.type);
         m_costs[def.type] = def.cost;
 
-        const QString label = QString::fromStdString(toDisplayName(def.id))
+        const QString name = (def.type == BuildingType::TunnelEntry)
-            + "\n" + tr("%1 Building Blocks").arg(def.cost);
+            ? tr("Tunnel")
+            : QString::fromStdString(toDisplayName(def.id));
+        const QString label = name + "\n" + tr("%1 Building Blocks").arg(def.cost);
         QPushButton* btn = new QPushButton(label, this);
         btn->setCheckable(true);
         btn->setFixedHeight(48);

src/ui/GameWorldView.cpp

@@ -58,6 +58,7 @@
 #include "ScrapDataComponent.h"
 #include "SurfaceMask.h"
 #include "Tick.h"
+#include "TunnelCompletion.h"
 #include "EscapeMenuRequestedEvent.h"
 #include "TracePrintRequestedEvent.h"
 #include "BuildHotkeyPressedEvent.h"
@@ -878,13 +879,68 @@ void GameWorldView::placeBlueprintAtTile(QPoint center)
     }
 }
 
+bool GameWorldView::inTunnelMode() const
+{
+    return m_builderType.has_value() && *m_builderType == BuildingType::TunnelEntry;
+}
+
+BuildingType GameWorldView::effectiveBuilderType() const
+{
+    return inTunnelMode() ? m_tunnelGhostType : *m_builderType;
+}
+
+void GameWorldView::updateTunnelGhost()
+{
+    m_tunnelGhostType = BuildingType::TunnelEntry;
+    m_tunnelPartnerTile.reset();
+
+    // The connection preview and entry/exit switch only apply at a valid placement
+    // (REQ-BLD-TUNNEL-MODE); at an invalid position the ghost stays a plain entry.
+    if (!m_ghostValid)
+    {
+        return;
+    }
+
+    // Index every tunnel entry/exit — built or still a construction site — by its
+    // single-cell tile, so a just-placed entry (not yet constructed) is matchable.
+    std::map<std::pair<int, int>, TunnelTileInfo> tunnels;
+    for (const Building& b : m_sim->getBuildings().getAllBuildings())
+    {
+        if (b.type == BuildingType::TunnelEntry || b.type == BuildingType::TunnelExit)
+        {
+            tunnels[{b.anchor.x(), b.anchor.y()}] = TunnelTileInfo{b.type, b.rotation};
+        }
+    }
+    for (const ConstructionSite& s : m_sim->getBuildings().getAllSites())
+    {
+        if (s.type == BuildingType::TunnelEntry || s.type == BuildingType::TunnelExit)
+        {
+            tunnels[{s.anchor.x(), s.anchor.y()}] = TunnelTileInfo{s.type, s.rotation};
+        }
+    }
+
+    const TunnelLookup lookup = [&tunnels](QPoint tile) -> std::optional<TunnelTileInfo>
+    {
+        const std::map<std::pair<int, int>, TunnelTileInfo>::const_iterator it =
+            tunnels.find({tile.x(), tile.y()});
+        if (it == tunnels.end()) { return std::nullopt; }
+        return it->second;
+    };
+
+    const TunnelCompletion completion =
+        resolveTunnelCompletion(lookup, m_ghostTile, m_ghostRotation,
+                                m_config->world.tunnelMaxDistance_tiles, m_cursorWorldPos);
+    m_tunnelGhostType   = completion.resolvedType;
+    m_tunnelPartnerTile = completion.partnerTile;
+}
+
 void GameWorldView::placeAtTile(QPoint tile)
 {
     if (!m_builderType.has_value())
 	{
 		return;
 	}
-    const BuildingType type = *m_builderType;
+    const BuildingType type = effectiveBuilderType();
 
     if (!isValidPlacement(type, tile, m_ghostRotation))
 	{
@@ -903,11 +959,11 @@ void GameWorldView::placeAtTile(QPoint tile)
         return;
     }
 
-    // For placements whose UI follow-up depends on success (the tunnel entry/exit
+    // For the splitter and tunnels, pre-validate occupancy + affordability so the
-    // toggle), pre-validate occupancy + affordability so the optimistic UI update
+    // optimistic UI update matches what the deferred command will do — isValidPlacement
-    // matches what the deferred command will do — isValidPlacement (above) already
+    // (above) already covered terrain/bounds. In tunnel mode the resolved type (entry
-    // covered terrain/bounds. Belts are placed via the drag path (applyBeltDragPath),
+    // or exit) is placed as-is (REQ-BLD-TUNNEL-MODE); there is no post-placement toggle.
-    // not here.
+    // Belts are placed via the drag path (applyBeltDragPath), not here.
     if (type == BuildingType::Splitter
              || type == BuildingType::TunnelEntry
              || type == BuildingType::TunnelExit)
@@ -915,14 +971,6 @@ void GameWorldView::placeAtTile(QPoint tile)
         if (!m_sim->getBuildings().isTileOccupied(tile) && canAfford(type))
         {
             enqueuePlaceBuilding(type, tile, m_ghostRotation);
-            if (type == BuildingType::TunnelEntry)
-            {
-                m_builderType = BuildingType::TunnelExit;
-            }
-            else if (type == BuildingType::TunnelExit)
-            {
-                m_builderType = BuildingType::TunnelEntry;
-            }
         }
     }
     else
@@ -1798,7 +1846,27 @@ void GameWorldView::drawOverlays(QPainter& painter)
         }
         else
         {
-            drawBuildingGhost(painter, *m_builderType, m_ghostTile,
+            // In tunnel mode the ghost shows the position-resolved type (entry or
+            // exit) and, when it would complete an existing tunnel, the matched end
+            // and the tiles between it and the ghost are tinted green
+            // (REQ-BLD-TUNNEL-MODE).
+            if (inTunnelMode() && m_ghostValid && m_tunnelPartnerTile.has_value())
+            {
+                const QColor green = m_visuals->overlays.tunnelPreview;
+                painter.fillRect(tileRect(*m_tunnelPartnerTile), green);
+
+                // Partner and ghost tile are colinear along the tunnel run; tint the
+                // tiles strictly between them.
+                const QPoint delta = *m_tunnelPartnerTile - m_ghostTile;
+                const QPoint step((delta.x() > 0) - (delta.x() < 0),
+                                  (delta.y() > 0) - (delta.y() < 0));
+                for (QPoint t = m_ghostTile + step; t != *m_tunnelPartnerTile; t += step)
+                {
+                    painter.fillRect(tileRect(t), green);
+                }
+            }
+
+            drawBuildingGhost(painter, effectiveBuilderType(), m_ghostTile,
                               m_ghostRotation, m_ghostValid,
                               /*showPortTargetGlyphs*/ true);
         }
@@ -2099,8 +2167,7 @@ void GameWorldView::keyPressEvent(QKeyEvent* event)
             {
             case 1: type = BuildingType::Belt;        break;
             case 2: type = BuildingType::Splitter;    break;
-            case 3: type = BuildingType::TunnelEntry; break;
+            case 3: type = BuildingType::TunnelEntry; break;  // unified tunnel mode (REQ-BLD-TUNNEL-MODE); 4 unused
-            case 4: type = BuildingType::TunnelExit;  break;
             }
         }
         else
@@ -2412,6 +2479,13 @@ void GameWorldView::mouseMoveEvent(QMouseEvent* event)
         m_ghostTile  = tile;
         m_ghostValid = isValidPlacement(*m_builderType, tile, m_ghostRotation);
 
+        if (inTunnelMode())
+        {
+            // Resolve entry vs exit and the completion partner for the new hover
+            // position and sub-tile cursor (REQ-BLD-TUNNEL-MODE).
+            updateTunnelGhost();
+        }
+
         if (m_dragging)
         {
             // Belt drag: update the previewed path; placement happens on release
@@ -2587,6 +2661,8 @@ void GameWorldView::rotateGhost(bool clockwise)
         m_ghostRotation = clockwise ? rotateClockwise(m_ghostRotation)
                                     : rotateCounterClockwise(m_ghostRotation);
         m_ghostValid = isValidPlacement(*m_builderType, m_ghostTile, m_ghostRotation);
+        // A new facing changes which tunnels the ghost could complete (REQ-BLD-TUNNEL-MODE).
+        if (inTunnelMode()) { updateTunnelGhost(); }
         // Rotating during a belt drag re-picks the path's primary axis immediately,
         // without waiting for the next mouse move (REQ-BLD-BELT-DRAG).
         if (m_dragging) { recomputeBeltDragPath(m_ghostTile); }
@@ -2704,6 +2780,8 @@ void GameWorldView::enterBuilderMode(BuildingType type)
     m_builderType     = type;
     m_ghostRotation   = Rotation::East;
     m_ghostValid      = false;
+    m_tunnelGhostType = BuildingType::TunnelEntry;
+    m_tunnelPartnerTile.reset();
     m_demolishMode  = false;
     m_blueprintMode.reset();
     EventManager::getInstance()->sendEventImmediately(

src/ui/GameWorldView.h

@@ -205,6 +205,16 @@ private:
     void                     stepSpeed(int delta);
     void                     placeAtTile(QPoint tile);
 
+    // Unified tunnel build mode (REQ-BLD-TUNNEL-MODE). Active while the builder type
+    // is TunnelEntry; the ghost then resolves to an entry or exit by hovered position.
+    bool         inTunnelMode() const;
+    // The building type the ghost currently represents: the position-resolved tunnel
+    // type in tunnel mode, otherwise the plain builder type.
+    BuildingType effectiveBuilderType() const;
+    // Recomputes m_tunnelGhostType and m_tunnelPartnerTile from the current ghost
+    // tile, rotation, and sub-tile cursor position. Only meaningful in tunnel mode.
+    void         updateTunnelGhost();
+
     // Belt drag placement (REQ-BLD-BELT-DRAG).
     // Per-path-tile decision, shared by ghost drawing and release-time placement.
     enum class BeltTileAction { PlaceNew, RotateInPlace, Invalid };
@@ -274,6 +284,12 @@ private:
     Rotation                             m_ghostRotation;
     QPoint                               m_ghostTile;
     bool                                 m_ghostValid;
+    // Unified tunnel build mode (REQ-BLD-TUNNEL-MODE): while m_builderType is
+    // TunnelEntry the ghost resolves to an entry or an exit based on the hovered
+    // position; m_tunnelPartnerTile is the existing tunnel it would complete (drawn
+    // as the green connection preview), or unset when there is no completion match.
+    BuildingType                         m_tunnelGhostType = BuildingType::TunnelEntry;
+    std::optional<QPoint>                m_tunnelPartnerTile;
     // Deferred belt drag placement (REQ-BLD-BELT-DRAG): while dragging, the
     // rectilinear anchor->cursor path is recomputed on each move and only applied
     // on release. Empty unless a belt drag is in progress.

src/ui/VisualsConfig.h

@@ -51,6 +51,7 @@ struct OverlayVisuals
     QColor copyConfig;
     QColor lockedAsteroid;
     QColor modalDim;
+    QColor tunnelPreview;   // tunnel connection preview highlight (REQ-BLD-TUNNEL-MODE)
 };
 
 struct ToastVisuals

src/ui/VisualsLoader.cpp

@@ -227,6 +227,7 @@ VisualsConfig VisualsLoader::load(const std::string& path)
         cfg.overlays.copyConfig      = parseColor(requireString(ov, "copy_config",      "overlays"), "overlays.copy_config");
         cfg.overlays.lockedAsteroid  = parseColor(requireString(ov, "locked_asteroid",  "overlays"), "overlays.locked_asteroid");
         cfg.overlays.modalDim        = parseColor(requireString(ov, "modal_dim",        "overlays"), "overlays.modal_dim");
+        cfg.overlays.tunnelPreview   = parseColor(requireString(ov, "tunnel_preview",   "overlays"), "overlays.tunnel_preview");
     }
 
     // Toast