StarRupture Factory Automation Guide: Mastering Production on Arcadia-7
Unlock the full potential of StarRupture's factory automation systems with comprehensive guides on production chain design, conveyor logistics, resource management, and factory optimization. Build efficient industrial complexes that survive the hostile alien environment of Arcadia-7.
🏭 Factory + Survival Hybrid
StarRupture uniquely combines complex factory automation with survival mechanics. Your factories must not only be efficient but also defensible against alien threats and environmental hazards.
Factory Automation Fundamentals
Core Production Components
⛏️ Resource Extractors
Mining drills, harvesters, and collectors that gather raw materials from the alien world.
⚙️ Processing Machines
Refineries, smelters, and assemblers that transform raw materials into usable components.
📦 Storage & Logistics
Containers, conveyor belts, and sorting systems that manage material flow between machines.
🔌 Power Systems
Generators, transformers, and distribution networks that provide energy to factory operations.
Production Chain Design
Basic Material Processing Chains
| Raw Material | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Final Product |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alien Ore | Mining Drill | Ore Processor | Smelter | Alien Alloy Ingots |
| Crystal Shards | Crystal Harvester | Crystal Cutter | Polisher | Precision Lenses |
| Organic Biomass | Bio Collector | Bioreactor | Chemical Processor | Advanced Polymers |
| Radioactive Minerals | Hazmat Miner | Isotope Separator | Enricher | Fuel Rods |
Advanced Manufacturing Chains
| Component Chain | Input Materials | Production Steps | Output Products |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit Board Factory | Copper, Silicon, Polymers | 5-step automated process | Basic to Quantum Circuits |
| Drone Assembly Line | Alloys, Circuits, Batteries | Modular assembly system | Mining, Defense, Transport Drones |
| Energy Weapon Factory | Crystals, Capacitors, Alloys | Precision manufacturing | Personal & Turret Weapons |
| Exosuit Production | Multiple advanced materials | Custom fabrication lines | Survival & Combat Exosuits |
Conveyor & Logistics Systems
Conveyor Belt Types
📏 Basic Conveyor
Standard belt for general material transport. Speed: 1x, Capacity: Medium.
⚡ Fast Conveyor
High-speed transport for critical paths. Speed: 2x, Capacity: High, Power: 2x.
🔄 Smart Conveyor
Directional control, item filtering, priority routing. Programmable logic.
🚀 Tube Transport
Pneumatic/item tube system for long-distance, high-volume transport.
Logistics Network Design
- Centralized Hub: All materials flow through central sorting facility
- Distributed Network: Local storage at each production area
- Hybrid System: Central hub with satellite processing stations
- Just-in-Time: Direct machine-to-machine transport minimizing storage
Factory Layout Optimization
Space Efficiency Patterns
| Layout Type | Space Usage | Expansion Potential | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grid Layout | 90% efficient | Easy expansion | Large-scale production |
| Modular Blocks | 85% efficient | Excellent flexibility | Experimental designs |
| Vertical Stacking | 95% efficient | Limited vertical expansion | Compact bases |
| Radial Design | 80% efficient | Complex but scalable | Centralized processing |
Optimal Machine Placement
Pro Tip: Place input/output ports adjacent to reduce conveyor length. Group similar machines together for shared resource input and output collection.
Power Management & Distribution
Power Generation Options
| Power Source | Output | Fuel Requirements | Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar Array | Variable (day only) | None (sunlight) | Low-power operations, backup |
| Wind Turbine | Variable (wind) | None | Supplemental power |
| Bio Generator | Medium | Organic biomass | Early-mid game |
| Fission Reactor | High | Radioactive fuel | Large factories |
| Fusion Reactor | Very High | Deuterium/Tritium | End-game mega factories |
Power Grid Design
- Redundant Circuits: Separate power lines for critical vs non-critical systems
- Load Balancing:
- Battery Buffer: Energy storage for peak demand periods and power outages
- Smart Grid: Automated power distribution based on factory needs
Automation & Robotics
Drone Workforce Systems
🤖 Logistics Drones
Transport materials between storage and machines. Can be programmed with delivery routes.
🛠️ Maintenance Drones
Perform repairs, clear blockages, and conduct preventative maintenance on factory equipment.
🔧 Construction Drones
Automated building and expansion based on blueprints. Can work 24/7 without player input.
🛡️ Security Drones
Patrol factory perimeter, defend against alien threats, and monitor for intrusions.
Automation Programming
- Simple Logic: Basic if-then conditions for machine control
- Production Scheduling: Time-based automation for batch processing
- Resource-Aware Systems: Automatic scaling based on material availability
- Emergency Protocols: Automatic shutdown/startup during threats or power issues
Resource Management Strategies
Inventory Optimization
| Resource Type | Storage Strategy | Buffer Amount | Replenishment Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw Materials | Bulk storage near extractors | 2-3 hours production | 50% capacity |
| Processed Components | Just-in-time buffers | 30-60 minutes usage | 25% capacity |
| Finished Products | Output buffers before export | 1-2 hours shipment | 75% capacity |
| Emergency Supplies | Secure, distributed caches | Critical needs only | Manual management |
Waste Management & Recycling
- Byproduct Processing: Convert factory waste into usable materials
- Scrap Recycling: Reclaim materials from damaged equipment and structures
- Environmental Compliance: Manage pollution to avoid alien aggression
- Closed-Loop Systems: Maximize resource efficiency through recycling
Factory Defense Systems
Integrated Defense Layers
🛡️ Perimeter Defense
Walls, gates, and turrets to keep alien threats outside factory boundaries.
🚨 Internal Security
Motion sensors, cameras, and lockdown systems for critical areas.
⚡ Power Protection
Redundant power lines, shielded cables, and emergency generators.
💾 Data Security
Firewalls, encryption, and backup systems for factory control networks.
Alien Threat Response
| Threat Type | Factory Impact | Defense Strategy | Recovery Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Infestation | Minor damage, temporary shutdown | Automated turrets, repair drones | Quick repair, resume operations |
| Swarm Attack | Section damage, production halt | Defense perimeter, emergency protocols | Partial rebuild, gradual restart |
| Siege Event | Major damage, extended downtime | Full lockdown, defensive measures | Major reconstruction, backup restore |
Scaling & Expansion Planning
Growth Phases
| Factory Phase | Size | Key Challenges | Expansion Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter Factory | Small (5-10 machines) | Resource scarcity, basic automation | Vertical integration, efficiency focus |
| Industrial Complex | Medium (20-50 machines) | Logistics complexity, power demands | Modular expansion, specialization |
| Mega Factory | Large (100+ machines) | System optimization, defense scaling | District planning, automation focus |
| Planetary Network | Massive (multi-site) | Transport logistics, coordination | Networked systems, centralized control |
Future-Proofing Designs
- Modular Architecture: Design factories as interchangeable modules
- Expansion Space: Leave room for future upgrades and new technologies
- Standardized Interfaces: Use consistent connection points for easy integration
- Documentation Systems: Maintain blueprints and operational manuals
Performance Optimization
Factory Efficiency Metrics
| Metric | Calculation | Optimal Range | Improvement Strategies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Throughput | Items produced per minute | Maximize based on demand | Machine upgrades, parallel processing |
| Uptime | % time machines are operating | 85-95% | Preventive maintenance, buffer stocks |
| Efficiency | Output / Input resources | 90%+ | Waste reduction, recycling systems |
| Power Efficiency | Output / Power consumed | Maximize | Energy-saving modes, smart scheduling |
Bottleneck Identification & Resolution
⛔ Resource Starvation
Increase extraction rates, improve transport speed, or implement priority routing.
⚡ Power Limitations
Upgrade power generation, implement load balancing, or add energy storage.
📦 Storage Congestion
Increase storage capacity, improve sorting systems, or adjust production rates.
🔄 Processing Delays
Add parallel machines, upgrade equipment, or optimize production scheduling.
Advanced Automation Techniques
AI-Assisted Factory Management
- Predictive Maintenance: AI analyzes machine data to predict failures before they occur
- Dynamic Scheduling: Automatic adjustment of production based on demand patterns
- Resource Optimization: AI finds most efficient resource allocation paths
- Threat Response: Automated defense systems with learning capabilities
Quantum Computing Integration
Late Game Feature: Quantum computers can solve complex optimization problems, dramatically improving factory efficiency and enabling previously impossible production chains.
Multiplayer Factory Coordination
Team-Based Factory Management
| Team Size | Recommended Structure | Communication Needs | Coordination Tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Players | Generalist/Specialist split | Basic voice/text | Shared blueprints, task lists |
| 3 Players | Production/Logistics/Defense | Organized voice channels | Project management, scheduling |
| 4 Players | Full specialization with manager | Structured communication | Factory control software, dashboards |
Pro Tip: Start small and iterate. Build a basic functional factory first, then optimize and expand. Use blueprints to save successful designs, and always maintain backup saves before major factory overhauls.