How it works
Build the first automated factory from mining to stable science without skipping power and defense. Each stage in the walkthrough below has a distinct practical objective; complete the current supply or control loop before expanding it.
Practical advice
Collect iron, copper, stone and coal near your landing area. Use burner drills for bootstrap production, then arrange ore supply to furnaces so plates become available without constant hand-feeding.
Mistakes to avoid
Never assume an unrelated blueprint or another version of Factorio has identical recipes, technology unlocks or machine ratios. Use the checkpoints in this guide to diagnose your own save.
Complete beginner walkthrough: complete walkthrough
Set up the first ore loop
Collect iron, copper, stone and coal near your landing area. Use burner drills for bootstrap production, then arrange ore supply to furnaces so plates become available without constant hand-feeding.
Make electricity repeatable
Position an offshore pump at water, connect a boiler with consistent fuel and pipe steam into engines. Link a power pole network to drills and assemblers. Check electrical satisfaction before scaling.
Automate everyday components
Set up assemblers for gears, belts, inserters and poles. Feed short buffers rather than letting one mall consume all plates. Make machine inputs and outputs visible so the first jam can be traced.
Start red and green science
Automate science packs and insert them into powered labs. Select research that unlocks the next production constraint. Add miners and furnaces when science demand empties iron or copper belts.
Protect and extend the base
Check pollution and nearby enemy nests on the map. Add ammunition-fed turrets near vulnerable production and reserve space for oil, rail corridors and future expanded smelting.