Factorio Space Exploration Guide

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Space Exploration is a full-overhaul mode where it introduces a lot of new buildings, items, science packs, and even some secrets. Do you feel that you need more information about this mod? If so, here is the guide about Space Exploration according to the Space Exploration Wiki which can be accessed at here.

The Basic Information About Space Exploration

There are 2 parts of a playthrough of Space Exploration. The first one is Pre-space, with AAI Industries. It is the same as vanilla but it comes with some changes. Generally, it takes as long as a vanilla playthrough around 50 to 100 hours. The second one is Space, with new buildings and items and a lot of logistical challenges unseen in vanilla and usually it takes 200+ hours.

Here are the things that you should expect.

    • It is a very long playthrough where it lasts you hundreds of hours.
    • There are a lot of changes and rebalances to vanilla things. Never expect your existing blueprints to work. You may need to adapt your playstyle.
    • The difficulty in the early game is the same as vanilla. After launched into space, there will be more difficult challenges which will continue to be introduced past the point where vanilla would stop.
    • It requires circuitry knowledge, even though the complexity is introduced progressively.
    • Space Exploration is mostly a complexity challenge and it is not a scale challenge. It is possible to defeat the game with only 20SPM, unless you play with a science multiplier. However, it will be difficult.
    • This mod is in active development. If it is updated, there will be more features, but it will also break some of your existing stuff.

Factorio Space Exploration Guide

Installing Space Exploration

If you want to install Space Exploration, the easiest way is to use Factorio’s in-game Mods menu. Under the Install tab, you have to search for Space Exploration and then you can install only the main mod. It is important for you to note that all other required mods will also be marked for installation and you do not have to install them yourself.

How to Start a Game

A new game must be started by you and it is important for you to note that Space Exploration is not able to be added to an existing game. For all players, it is recommended to start from the Space Exploration Defaults map preset. It is done for the intended balanced experience.

After you choose this preset, then you are able to change settings according to your preferences, for example, biter or science multiplier settings. It is important for you to note that some settings only give an impact to your home planet Nauvis, and some other settings can affect all planets.

Some FAQs About Space Exploration

According to the Space Exploration Wiki, which can be accessed at here, here are some FAQs about Space Exploration.

    • Why will not SE work properly?
      Answer: It seems that mostly you have a mod incompatibility. One of your mods which have been installed has disabled one of SE’s required mods. It can be confirmed by looking at Space Exploration in your mod list. If you find that the name is in red, it means that you have a mod incompatibility. You can compare your mod list with the ‘conflict’ mod list and disable any that are incompatible. You will have to Apply Changes to restart Factorio before you are able to see whether the name still comes up in red. There are some commonly installed mods which are incompatible namely RSO, Clockwork, Bob’s and Angel.
    • What is the reason for Bob’s modules mod incompatible?
      Answer: SE has its own system of modules which does not work with bobs, because of conflicts, Bob’s modules will cause crashes. In the future. A fix may be done or an option to disable the modules may be available.
    • What is the reason for the inability of placing productivity modules in any of the space structures?
      Answer: It gives you an option for where to produce your intermediate resources which have to be consumed in space. If you want to produce things in space, it is easier. It is because it is right where you need it. However, it is important for you to note that you are not able to use productivity modules. If you produce things on the ground, it will allow you to use productivity modules, but you will be required to figure out how to ship it. It is important for you to note that there are 2 exceptions where you are able to use productivity modules in space, namely Space labs and drills.
    • Can we use construction/ logistic bots in Space?
      Answer: Yes, you are able to use construction/ logistic bots in Space, even though you have to note that robot attrition is often higher in space. You have to verify the robot attrition of a zone in the Universe Explorer.
    • Can we convert our belt/rail blueprints to space belts/ space rails?
      Answer: Due to a Factorio limitation with collision masks, SE is not able to make upgrade planners work between ground and space versions of items. However, there are workarounds to convert your blueprints automatically. The first workaround is to use this web app tap here. You have to paste the exported string of a blueprint or blueprint book in the Input box and you will get a converted blueprint string in the Output box. The second workaround is to use a mod which directly edits the json of blueprints such as Upgrade Builder and Planner.
    • What do we have to do after we reach space?
      After you reach space, you have to begin by setting up a science lab and making rocket science. It requires a number of new buildings and intermediates, and it will in turn permit you to unlock the more complicated space sciences which need special resources not found on Nauvis. When you get to the more advanced space sciences, you may focus on a single one of diversify since they give better returns at higher tiers, while some sciences give you more significant data. Every science gives its own challenges, but Biological science is the most difficult to do. Other things that you do after you reach space are listed below.

      1. You are able to work towards making spaceships and it can be done by following the astronomical science path.
      2. You have to go to an asteroid field and set up a base there.
      3. You are able to make other planet-side bases to send up resources.
      4. You have to create better energy production and it can be done by following the energy science path.
      5. You should try and expand your rocket launches from Nauvis. So, you have a steady supply of resources in space.

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