Your factory will be attacked. Biters evolve and grow stronger as pollution spreads. A good defense keeps your science flowing and your factory intact.
Key principle: Defense is not optional. Even on peaceful mode, cliffs and spawners can block expansion.
Defense Layers
A strong defense uses multiple layers:
Walls — First physical barrier. Upgrade to stone, then steel.
Gun turrets — Early game. Cheap, but need constant ammo replenishment.
Laser turrets — Mid game. Powered by electricity, no ammo needed.
Flame turrets — Area damage. Devastating against biter waves.
Artillery — Long range. Strikes biter nests before they reach you.
Pollution and Evolution
| Factor | Effect on biters |
|---|---|
| Pollution | Plus-plus aggression, faster evolution |
| Destroyed nests | Plus resentment, occasional retaliation |
| Time | Plus slow natural evolution |
| Killing spawners | Minus reduces evolution factor |
Tip: Use efficiency modules in miners and labs to reduce pollution. Fewer biters equals less defense needed.
Quick Start Build
- Place stone walls 2 tiles thick around your base perimeter
- Add gun turrets every 5-8 tiles along the wall
- Set up ammo inserters feeding from steel chests
- Upgrade to laser turrets as electricity becomes abundant
- Place artillery turrets at the map edge for long-range strike