How to Get Started with Mekanism: First Machines and Power

Your First Power Source

Begin by crafting a Heat Generator or similar basic generator, then place a Basic Energy Cube next to it. Connect them with a Basic Universal Cable so the cube stores the power your machines will draw. The Basic Energy Cube is your early buffer: it accepts energy from the generator and pushes it out to anything you cable it to.

Your First Processing Machines

Mine Osmium Ore and smelt it into Osmium Ingots. Use those ingots to craft a Metallurgic Infuser, which is the backbone of early Mekanism progression. Feed it power from your Basic Energy Cube via a Basic Universal Cable. The Metallurgic Infuser converts raw materials into infused alloys and dusts you cannot get any other way.

Next, build an Enriching Factory or the basic Enriching machine to turn ores into dusts at higher yield. A Crusher doubles ore output by crushing ores into two dusts each. A Basic Smelting Factory smelts multiple items at once so you are not waiting on a single furnace.

Scaling Up

Once your Basic Energy Cube fills faster than your machines drain it, upgrade your cabling to Advanced Universal Cable and your storage to an Advanced Energy Cube. Use a Configurator to set cables to pull or push energy in the direction you need. Keep every machine within cable range of your cube, and add a Chargepad so you can top up tools and armor by standing on it.