Gathering Resources
Locate oil deposits underground or use an oil derrick to extract crude oil from the world. You'll need copper, tin, and iron to craft refinery components. Smelt these ores in a furnace and gather wood for early crafting tables.
Building the Refinery
Place the refinery multiblock structure according to the pattern—typically a central processing unit with pipes connecting to storage tanks. Attach pipes to direct crude oil input and refined output. Connect a heat source (like a furnace or early-game burner) to the heating port.
Operating the Refinery
Insert crude oil into the input tank using buckets or piped automation. Activate the refinery by providing fuel to the heater. The machine will process oil into usable fuel and byproducts over time. Monitor tank levels to prevent overflow. Store refined fuel in dedicated tanks for later use in generators or vehicles.
Early refineries are slow but essential for progression. As you advance, upgrade to better heat sources for faster processing rates.