Factorio Forums

Hello everyone. I plan on buying this game tomorrow after doing some research on it and determined that it's exactly what I want! I have a few questions though.

I didn't download the demo, nor intend to as I know my laptop can run this game. So when I go to buy the game, do I just select the "Email me the code" option?

Also, for a beginner, can anyone give some general tips on survival and building?

And is the game still being worked on? The latest (and most viewed) videos I see on Youtube are from 8-10 months ago. Is the developer still rolling out updates and changes regularly? I know it's still in Alpha, but I just want to be sure I'm going to support a game that will get out of Alpha at some point . The community seems active just from looking at Forum activity so that's good.

That's all! Thanks!

Welcome
First of all, even if you are sure you are going to buy the game, I see no disadvantage in getting the demo first - It is basically identical in the first hour or so of gameplay (although maybe it doesn't have the freeplay? I don't remember ).

If I recall correctly, you get a code when you buy, and use it to upgrade your http://www.factorio.com account (not the same as your account for this forum!), and then you can download the full game.

As for development - yes, the game is still very actively developed - the latest version (0.11.20) came just today (a few minutes after you posted your message ). During stabilization period they usually release a version every 2-3 weeks in average (although the variance is pretty high), and between a version going stable and a new experimental branch going public I'd say there are on average a few months. Check the releases subforum to check back on exact dates if you are interested.
I think a few big youtubers picked on the game a few months ago, but haven't came back to it since, but you can find much more, even here on the "Show Your Creations/Videos" subforum.

Lastly, my advice for surviving in the beginning is - don't over extend to fast - don't mine and smelt what you can't process, because more pollution = more alien attacks. Also, don't neglect the military techs, and as soon as you get attacked try placing a few turrets in the direction where the attacks came from. Other than that - I think you will find it is not too hard to thwart the attacks if you keep up on research, and not pollute more than you can defend - on normal settings I find it quite easy to survive (unless you go out on big nests too early).

I'm sure people here will be happy to give you more advice.
Get ready to lost _a lot_ of time to this wonderful game

(Edit: Got forum name wrong)

Excellent! Thanks!

I played the tutorial but I am SO lost. I have no idea how I should be connecting things or any sort of idea on what should be going to what or any kinda of idea of a layout for my machines.

Can anybody help?

Some hints how you can arrange the factory.

Woah. That's super confusing but I'm sure will help if I can get a good look at it and analyze it more.

What about when I'm just starting out on Free Play? What should be my first steps and goals? In the campaign/tutorial I was running from machine to machine grabbing all of its output. Is there a way to automate that? Or make it easier?

You should play the tutorial missions. They are some kind of basic documentation.
You can try the quick start guide: https://forums.factorio.com/wiki/inde ... tart_Guide
You can look into Gameplay help: https://forums.factorio.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=18 (look at the sticky threads first)
And there are really much too much "Let's plays". See https://forums.factorio.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=54
and https://forums.factorio.com/wiki/inde ... t%27s_play
If that doesn't work for you, come back, and I will show you the next 5 ideas.

Great info and advice from everyone! I would also just like to say there are tons of recent LPs under the Show Your Creations-->Videos area. Also in Gameplay Help there are some great resources. I actually very recently made 2 tutorial videos going over the early game that is specifically geared towards beginners, which I think you would find helpful.
They can be found under Gameplay Help. (Link coming soon)
Also I'm the same area is a thread with tons of tutorials made by a fellow Negative Root. (Link coming soon)


Hope this helps!

I can get a Multiplayer going if you want to learn some basics and quick tips, BUT i suggest you really just play along yourself and learn by doing.

This game can never be played "wrong" Just not very effective.

PM me your Steam-ID or something if you want to do some multiplayer, i can host a fresh server on easy settings. : )