Getting Started: First Machines and Power

Your First Generator

Begin with a Heat Generator or Coal Generator. The Heat Generator burns fuel to produce energy; the Coal Generator does the same using coal. Place the generator, then run Cable MK1 from its output face to your first machine. Cable MK1 carries low-tier power; upgrade to Cable MK2, Cable MK3, and Cable MK4 as your network grows and your machines demand more throughput.

Core Processing Machines

Your first processing chain should be a Compressor MK1 and an Electric Furnace MK1. The Compressor MK1 turns raw materials into compressed forms; the Electric Furnace MK1 smelts ores and dusts using energy instead of fuel. Feed both from your generator with Cable MK1. Craft a Machine Block early — it is a foundational component for many machines. Use a Hammer to shape plates such as Copper Plate and Gold Plate, which feed into machine recipes.

Storage and Monitoring

Place a Battery on your network to buffer energy so machines keep running when demand spikes. Attach an Energy Reader to any cable or machine to read its current charge and flow. Build a Cabinet to store components like Cooler Cell, Heat Coil, and Heatsink near your machine room. Once your MK1 setup is stable, upgrade to Compressor MK2 and Electric Furnace MK2, then MK3 and MK4, and consider the Factory MK4 variants for bulk throughput.