Alchemy Factory Automation Guide: Logistics, Belts, Catapults & Portals
Automation is the defining feature of Alchemy Factory.
While early gameplay allows for manual production and transport, the game is intentionally designed to push players toward automated systems as production chains grow.
This guide focuses on early automation and logistics, explaining when automation becomes necessary, how different transport tools work, and how to avoid common automation mistakes during the early game.
When Should You Start Automating?
Automation in Alchemy Factory is not something players should rush immediately, but it also cannot be delayed for too long.
Early signs that automation is needed include:
- Spending most of the day manually transporting items
- Falling behind on restocking shelves
- Losing income due to slow checkout
- Machines sitting idle due to missing inputs
The game’s time system reinforces this pressure. Manual actions consume valuable in-game time, and sleeping advances the day with efficiency loss. As production chains expand, automation becomes the only sustainable way to maintain progress.
Core Logistics Systems Overview
Alchemy Factory offers several logistics tools, each suited to different stages of progression.
Early logistics focuses on short-distance, reliable transport, while later systems prioritize speed and flexibility. Understanding these tools early helps prevent inefficient factory designs that require constant rebuilding.
Belts – The Foundation of Automation
Belts are typically the first automation tool players encounter.
They are best used for:
- Short-distance transport
- Simple, linear production lines
- Connecting storage to processing machines
Belts are reliable but have limited throughput. Overloading a single belt with too many item types can quickly create bottlenecks.
Best practices for belts include:
- Using separate belts for high-volume items
- Keeping belt paths as straight as possible
- Avoiding unnecessary intersections early on
Belts are ideal for learning automation fundamentals before introducing more advanced logistics systems.
Containers and Storage Automation
Containers play a crucial role in stabilizing automated systems.
They act as:
- Buffers between machines
- Temporary storage for surplus items
- Distribution points for multiple outputs
Placing containers between production stages helps prevent machines from stalling due to temporary input shortages. Early automation becomes significantly more reliable when containers are used strategically.
Storage automation also reduces manual restocking, freeing time for expansion and planning.
Catapults – Early Long-Distance Transport
Catapults introduce a different approach to logistics.
They are particularly useful for:
- Transporting items across longer distances
- Moving items vertically
- Bypassing complex belt layouts
Compared to belts, catapults:
- Require less physical space
- Are easier to reposition
- Can simplify early factory layouts
However, they are less precise than belts and work best when transporting single item types. Mixing items through catapults can create sorting challenges later.
Portals – Advanced Logistics Tools
Portals represent a major upgrade in logistics capability.
Once unlocked, portals allow:
- Instant item transfer
- Long-distance transport without physical paths
- Cleaner and more compact factory layouts
Portals are best reserved for:
- High-volume items
- Centralized storage systems
- Late-early or mid-game automation
Using portals too early can lead to inefficient designs and wasted resources. Players benefit more from mastering belts and catapults before relying heavily on portal-based logistics.
Automation Milestones to Aim For
By the end of the early game, players should aim to automate several key tasks:
- Item transport between major production stages
- Restocking systems to reduce manual shelf management
- Checkout processes, such as using automatic cashiers
- Core resource flow, including wood, stone, and farming outputs
Reaching these milestones dramatically reduces manual workload and stabilizes production.
Common Automation Mistakes to Avoid
Several mistakes frequently occur during early automation attempts:
- Automating too many systems at once
- Building overly complex layouts without clear item flow
- Ignoring storage buffers between machines
- Using advanced logistics tools before mastering basic ones
Automation works best when introduced incrementally. Small, reliable systems are easier to expand than large, fragile ones.
Planning for Future Expansion
Good automation design considers not only current needs but also future growth.
Key planning tips include:
- Leaving space for additional machines
- Designing modular production areas
- Keeping logistics paths flexible
Factories that are easy to expand require fewer rebuilds and allow players to focus on optimization rather than constant restructuring.