Factorio Forums

Let's say you have a line of pipes. If you draw another line of pipes going in the same direction right next to them, the pipes all connect. Maybe make that not happen. Make me have to click on one pipe and drag to the other in order to connect. Could possibly make it work like belts.

It's been quite a while since this was last suggested: viewtopic.php?t=99180
Also viewtopic.php?t=73470

DisRuptive1 wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 2:09 pm Let's say you have a line of pipes. If you draw another line of pipes going in the same direction right next to them, the pipes all connect. Maybe make that not happen. Make me have to click on one pipe and drag to the other in order to connect. Could possibly make it work like belts.

I actually think in the vanilla game, where space generally isn't an issue, and the number of fluids is relatively low, then the "restriction" for not being able to run parallel pipes adds to the puzzle/challenge. However, in some mods with huge numbers of fluids and where production chains are generally longer, then this suggestion would be suitable.

I liked how this was implemented in Oxygen not included. But I would hate it here for the same reason. Fluids are not that central to the game and already mostly trivial. Making it even easier would remove all challenges around it.
It's a bit like asking for a version of Sudoku where you can place any number anywhere. But that is not Sudoku anymore. Sometimes constraints breed creativity, and I firmly believe this is one such case.

As stated, there is not much need for fancier pipe behaviors until you add modded fluids. At which point, there are many mods to make more complex pipe systems possible. Colored pipes, overhead pipes, underground corner pipes, extra long pipes, etc etc.