I chose this area because I thought that I’d have room to automate all the super early game mats and build my space elevator. Now I’m not so sure. Right now I have iron plates, iron rods, screws, wire, cable, and concrete automated with smelters ready to set up copper sheets the next time I play.

    • TheRedSpade@lemmy.worldOP
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      2 months ago

      Yeah, I JUST unlocked the AWESOME Sink, so I’ll have to figure that out next time I play too. Trying to bring verticality into the mix with just foundations seems like it’d make every build way bigger than it should be.

      • GoodEye8@lemm.ee
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        2 months ago

        Pro tip, almost always build your factory in such a way that you can expand upwards. It’s very rare to have a place on the map where you can’t expand upwards. The exception is when you need to use fluids, then it’s generally better to build horizontally.

        • TheRedSpade@lemmy.worldOP
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          18 days ago

          When I posted that comment I hadn’t realized that I already unlocked walls with base building. I thought that they were in the shop, and I’d have to use foundations as walls until unlocking them.

  • Codex@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    I built my SE over a large lake near the second starting area that had some nearby flat land and already things are piled on top of each other, belts weaving all over. Honestly though, automation doesn’t even truly begin until you’re into phase 2. Trying to set up smaller specialized factories that have routes between each other is my current strategy.

    Some people say to just wait for trains (just unlocked!) or build long belts, but I enjoy the vehicles and setting up the truck depots. Very helpful with the rough terrain around me as well.

    • Codex@lemmy.world
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      2 months ago

      I finally drove out there in my explorer and I was salty about it. Those low rolling dunes and high visibility got me feeling jealous, but I think I’d have struggled with power. I was on biofuel and burners for a long time thanks to a few chainsaw clearcutting sessions.

      • xmunk@sh.itjust.works
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        2 months ago

        Ah no worries - there are always more spots… and you can always go up ten 4x foundations and just pave over paradise. I tend to grab terrain features and build factories that fit them - but there’s no wrong way to industrialize an alien backwater!