Factorio - A game about automation, logistics and network optimizations is a gaming app. Factorio is a game in which you build and maintain factories.
- Download it from the publisher’s website
- Open in Steam
Playstyles for Inspiration
Bus-Based
- Main Bus: Centralized organization with parallel belts of common materials
- Compact Bus: Space-efficient variation with more vertical integration
- Direct Insertion: Skip the bus for some products; produce where consumed
Train-Centric
- Outpost Network: Specialized, isolated production areas connected by trains
- Hub and Spoke: Central processing area with resource outposts feeding in
- City Blocks: Grid-based layout with train tracks defining block boundaries, see Example of a generic city block layout
Combat and Expansion
- Defensive: Heavy fortifications with minimal territory
- Aggressive: Constant biter clearing to minimize defensive needs
- Nomadic: Temporary bases that relocate as resources deplete
Personal Movement
- Train Passenger: Add tracks, stations close to every part of for factory
- Remote building: Use tank, spidertrons to stay off planet
- Road Infrastructure: Build dedicated paths for cars, walking
Resource Management
- Distributed Smelting: Smelt ores at outposts to maximize train capacity
- Local Power: Generate power at outposts vs. centralized generation
- JIT Production: Produce items only as needed vs. buffer storage
Transportation
Train Network Design
- Single resource per train: Simplifies schedules and logistics
- Train limit set to 1: Prevents train queues on the main track
- Bidirectional trains: Allows more compact stations
- Refueling: Automatic interruption at refueling stations
- Generic schedules: Use train groups with interrupts based on cargo
See Train network - Design schedules interaction of pickup, drop off stations
Logistics Robot Usage
Logistics robots complement trains and belts, but their use should be strategic:
Good fit: Variable demand, lower quantities
- Player supply - Keep the player supplied with building materials
- Wall defense - Supply turrets with ammunition and repair materials
- Player mall - Handle items with high variety but low quantity
Controversial use cases: I don’t use logistic bots for:
- General factory supply - Avoid using for bulk production
- Smelting - Use belts for better efficiency
Game Phases
Early Game
- Build in surrounding chunks to prevent biter expansion
- Change assembler recipes instead of building full automation for rarely used items
- See Hand-feed, jump start base
Mid Game
- Develop a rail network with standardized stations
- Establish a mall for construction supplies
- Set up centralized smelting
Late Game
- Modular, expandable production blocks
- Circuit networks for advanced logistics
- Nuclear power and beaconed setups
Defensive Strategies
- Space turrets just inside overlapping range
- Round wall corners to prevent splash damage
- Place roboports far from walls to let flamethrower fire disappear before bots arrive
- Use one-wide gaps between wall segments to prevent biter reach
Other notes
- Former Factorio overview page
- Wrong ways to play Factorio
- Should logistic bots supply only the character or the factory as well
External Resources
Sources: