Where you build your first base decides how far every future belt runs. A good location shortens every later trip.
Why this matters
You will haul materials across this map for hours. A central location near mixed nodes saves more travel than any vehicle upgrade.
Step-by-step
- Open the map and survey nearby nodes.
- Pick a flat area near iron and copper.
- Check for limestone and coal within reach.
- Avoid building in water or steep terrain.
- Leave space between node clusters for lines.
- Plan vehicle routes from base to outposts.
- Build near the map center if nodes allow.
Tips
- Flat ground saves foundation building
- Mixed nodes nearby beat one pure node far away
- Plan for future coal and oil access
- Build early near the space elevator route
Practical notes
Location is the one decision you cannot fix later without a rebuild. A flat site near mixed nodes saves more travel than any vehicle, because every belt, pipe and power line starts shorter. Check the map for iron, copper, limestone and coal within reach before committing a single foundation.
Leave space between node clusters so lines have room to leave the pad. Water access matters too, since coal power and oil both need it. Plan vehicle routes out to the nodes you will claim later, and mark them on the map so nothing gets claimed twice.
Water access matters, since coal power and oil both need it nearby.
Mark claimed nodes on the map so nothing gets built twice.
Common mistakes
- Building far from all nodes
- Picking terrain that fights foundations
- Ignoring later-tier node needs
- Trapping your base between cliffs