Factorian
Factorian (/factorian) is the factory automation job. Build machines, mine resources, run them through production lines, research better technology, and sell satellites by rocket to stations in space. It takes time, and it pays off over many sessions.
Guide Accuracy
We keep this guide up to date, but specific values may change with server updates. Always check in-game for current figures.
Overview
The Factorian workflow follows this progression:
Mine Ore → Melt into Ingots → Assemble Components → Sell via Rocket SiloAlong the way you research new technology to unlock better machines and more automation. The workbench has a ? button with an in-game guide.
Getting Started
Become a Factorian
Select the job from the F4 menu. It gives you the Constructor tool.
Buy a Workbench
Buy a Workbench (£1,000) from the F4 menu. It crafts everything else and stores your factory.
Mine Basic Ores
Hit iron and copper ore with your Constructor to gather raw materials.
Build a Lab
Craft research kits and research Factory Foundations. Level I unlocks drills, level II the melter and assembler.
Build Your First Drill
It mines ore for you, so you don't have to mine by hand.
The Building Blocks
Most of your factory is built from a few core materials:
| Material | Source |
|---|---|
| Ingots | Melt raw ore |
| Pipes | Craft from ingots |
| Plates | Craft from ingots |
| Scaffolding | Craft from pipes |
Machines
Drill
Mines ore from nearby resource nodes by itself.
- Place it near an ore deposit (within its radius)
- You can run six drills, seven from Factorian level 20
- Tip: Always have one drill on coal. The Melter needs it
Research
Research unlocks better machines and technology. Research is permanent: you keep it across sessions.
Craft Research Kits at your workbench
Put them in a Lab to research a branch. Each level takes kits and time
Work through Factory Foundations, Fabrication, Workshop Tools, Rocket Science, Bot Network and the weapon branches
Crafted Weapons
The weapon branches let you craft guns that no other job can make. Each new gun needs a precision receiver, which you order at the workbench for a price shown before you buy. Sell your guns to other players on the Marketplace.
Upgrades
Machines take upgrade kits:
| Upgrade | Effect |
|---|---|
| Speed | Faster production |
| Radius | Larger mining range |
| Productivity | A chance of extra output from assemblers |
Speed and Radius kits up to MK3 can be crafted after Fabrication research. Stronger kits only come back from rocket launches.
An installed upgrade is lost when you pack up or dismantle that machine.
Saving Your Progress
If you change job or disconnect, your factory isn't simply lost. After the grace period, the server saves your workbench contents, your machines and what they held. Buy and place a workbench again to get them back.
What Isn't Saved
Installed upgrade kits, rocket parts and work in flight, and items still travelling by bot or cannon aren't saved.
Packing Up
You can also pack the whole factory into your workbench yourself. The factory has to fit, and labs, rockets and deliveries have to finish first. The game asks you to confirm and warns you about losing installed upgrades.
Tips for Success
The Melter needs coal to work. Put a drill on coal early.
Hand mining is slow. Get drills running as soon as you can.
Rockets pay double for some items. Match your cargo to the station's favourites.
The workbench's ? button explains every step.
This job rewards time. Short sessions won't pay off.
Common Problems
Cause: The server packed them away when you left or changed job.
Solution: Buy and place a workbench. Your saved factory comes back into it.
Cause: Missing coal.
Solution: Make sure coal is feeding into the melter.
Cause: Chest setup is wrong.
Solution: Make sure you have Provider chests (pick-up) and Requester chests (delivery) in place.
Cause: It doesn't fit in the workbench, or something is still running.
Solution: Make room, and let labs, rockets and deliveries finish.
Cause: Machines without upgrades.
Solution: Craft or win Speed upgrade kits.
Quick Reference
- Core materials: Ingots, Pipes, Plates, Scaffolding
- Key machines: Drill, Melter, Assembler, Rocket Silo
- Automation: Item Cannons, then Logistics Bots
- Selling: rocket silo to space stations (favourite items pay double)
- Weapons: sell them to players on the Marketplace
- Research: permanent
- Upgrades: lost when the machine is packed
Values May Vary
Machine costs, research requirements, and station payouts may be adjusted. Check in-game for current values.
