[Concept/Mod Idea] Space Horde Survival: A compact, time-pressured hybrid of Warptorio and Space Exploration

[harberto]

Hello Team Wube and the Factorio community,I would like to share a gameplay concept that blends the planetary scale of Space Age/Space Exploration with the adrenaline and compact design of mods like Warptorio2. I believe this could offer a highly engaging, high-pressure alternative playstyle.

The Core ConceptShift the defensive and primary factory-development gameplay from the planet surfaces directly into the Space Platform / Spaceship. The ship becomes a true compact mobile base under constant threat, forcing players to manage space efficiently while surviving planetary and interstellar waves.

* Key Mechanics:The Planetary Countdown (The Extraction Loop):

1) When the spaceship lands on a planet to gather exotic resources (e.g., Uranium, Vulcanite), a global timer starts.

2) The local ecosystem or planetary faction detects the ship. At first, small waves attack. As the timer reaches zero, massive, endless hordes attempt to breach the landing pad/cargo ramp.

3) The player must quickly automate resource extraction, load the cargo, and take off before being completely overrun.

* Interstellar Hordes & Infections:

1) Hull Breaches: If planetary hordes damage the ship before takeoff, alien parasites or "horde strains" can infect the ship. During the flight, players will face internal combat within the compact corridors of their own factory.

2) Space Hazards: The larger and more technologically advanced the ship, the more "hyperspace noise" it generates, attracting progressive waves of interstellar monsters or rival human/alien factions during transit, alongside cosmic meteorites.

* The Compact Puzzle:

0) Space inside the ship is the ultimate resource. Every defensive laser, shield generator, and nuclear reactor competes for physical tiles. This forces players to create ultra-optimized, compact factory blueprints.

I wanted to share this concept out of deep respect for your incredible game design. I believe a loop focused on "Land, gather under extreme pressure, upgrade the ship, and survive interstellar travel" solves the late-game passivity and adds a thrilling sense of urgency to automation.

Thank you for reading, and I would love to hear what the developers and the community think about this hybrid approach!