Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about Factorio.
What is Factorio?
Factorio is an open-ended factory-building simulation game where players automate production lines to construct massive industrial complexes. The ultimate goal involves mining resources, crafting components, and launching a rocket into space while defending against alien creatures.
Who are the main characters in the story?
The player controls a nameless engineer stranded on an alien planet after their ship crashes, serving as the primary protagonist. There is also a mysterious scientist character who provides mission updates and guides the player through the technological progression.
Where should a new player start learning?
Newcomers should begin by following the in-game tutorial which teaches basic automation concepts like mining, crafting, and belt logistics. Additionally, reading community-made strategy guides or watching beginner walkthroughs can accelerate understanding of complex factory designs.
Is Factorio free to play?
No, Factorio is a paid title available on Steam and other platforms, though it frequently offers significant discounts during sales events. The developers provide a limited 'trial' version that restricts certain features but allows players to test the core gameplay loop before purchasing.
What are biter raids?
Biter raids are aggressive attacks by alien creatures that scale in frequency and intensity as the player's pollution levels rise from industrial activity. Players must build defensive turrets, walls, and automated defenses to protect their factories from these evolving threats.
Does Factorio have multiplayer support?
Yes, the game features robust cooperative multiplayer allowing friends to join a single factory or compete in custom scenarios. It supports both local LAN play and online matchmaking with dedicated server options for large communities.
What is the 'space program' achievement?
Completing the space program involves crafting a massive rocket launchpad, constructing a fully fueled rocket, and successfully launching it to escape the planet's gravity. This action concludes the main campaign but allows players to continue expanding their factory indefinitely in sandbox mode.
How often does Factorio receive updates?
The development team releases major content updates roughly once or twice a year, introducing new mechanics, biomes, and story elements. These are complemented by frequent minor patches that fix bugs and balance gameplay issues reported by the community.
What is the most popular mod for Factorio?
While preferences vary, 'Space Exploration' is widely considered one of the most comprehensive mods as it adds interplanetary travel and deep new progression systems. Other staples include quality-of-life tools like 'Squeak Through' and visual enhancements such as 'Factory Planner.'
Can I play Factorio on mobile devices?
Currently, there is no official version of Factorio for iOS or Android due to the game's complex performance requirements and control scheme. However, some players use remote desktop applications to stream their PC installation onto tablets or phones.