Factorio

Factorio is a single-player and multiplayer construction and management simulation game. The game begins with the crash landing of the protagonist, an engineer stranded on an alien planet. With only basic tools at hand, the player’s objective is to rebuild civilization’s technology base by constructing automated systems that can eventually produce a rocket capable of leaving the planet. Hostile alien creatures inhabit the world, growing more aggressive as industrial pollution spreads, forcing the player to balance progress with defense.

Gameplay revolves around mining resources, crafting items, and constructing increasingly complex factories. Players start by manually harvesting materials such as iron, copper, and coal, then use these to build machines that automate production. Conveyor belts, inserters, and assembly machines form the backbone of factories, moving and combining resources into higher-tier products. Over time, manual work gives way to large-scale automated systems that operate continuously without direct input.

Research and technology progression are central. Players must invest in science packs produced by their factories to unlock new technologies in a tech tree. These advancements expand the range of structures and vehicles available, from advanced smelting and oil refining to logistics robots and modular power armor. As research progresses, new layers of complexity are introduced, requiring careful planning of supply chains and layouts.

Combat plays a supporting role. Alien “biters” and other creatures attack factories in response to pollution, requiring defensive measures such as turrets, walls, and automated weaponry. Players can also personally equip armor and weapons to engage in combat, though large bases rely heavily on automated defenses. Vehicle access, including cars, tanks, and trains, expands both transportation and combat capabilities.

Secondary systems deepen the simulation. Power management is critical, with players starting on basic steam engines and eventually building advanced solar arrays and nuclear reactors. Rail networks and logistic robots allow large-scale distribution of goods across vast factories. Multiplayer enables cooperative or competitive factory building, where players share resources or race toward objectives.

The game world is procedurally generated, with randomized terrain, resource placement, and alien nests creating unique challenges for each playthrough. Mods are officially supported, allowing players to customize mechanics, add new content, or change progression entirely. Scenarios and community challenges provide structured objectives beyond the standard sandbox.