Introduction
Tired of watching your resources trickle in along a seemingly endless chain of conveyor belts? Do you dream of a sprawling, automated factory complex, efficiently fed by a network of high-speed rail lines stretching across the entire landscape of Massage-2(AB)b? Then you’re probably eagerly anticipating the moment you unlock trains in Satisfactory. These powerful logistical tools are the key to scaling your production beyond basic levels, allowing you to transport massive quantities of materials across vast distances with relative ease. But when exactly do you unlock these metal behemoths, and what does it take to get there?
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about unlocking trains in Satisfactory. We’ll break down the tier system, pinpoint the crucial HUB milestone, detail the research requirements, and even offer some tips for setting up your very first railway network. Get ready to trade your conveyor belts for locomotives – your factory is about to get a whole lot bigger.
The Tier System and HUB Progression
Satisfactory’s progression system is structured around Tiers. These Tiers represent advancements in your technological capabilities, and they are unlocked by completing milestones in the HUB. The HUB is the central structure where you start your journey as a pioneer, and completing milestones requires delivering specified resources. Think of it as leveling up your factory’s overall technological readiness. To advance, you’ll need to construct buildings, automate production, and explore the world to find new resources.
Progressing through these Tiers is absolutely essential for unlocking new technologies and structures, including, of course, the highly coveted trains. Don’t skip ahead or try to rush – each Tier provides the foundations you need to efficiently produce the resources required for the next. Taking the time to optimize your production lines early on will save you countless hours of frustration later. A well-organized factory at Tier four will make the transition to Tier five and trains much smoother.
Unlocking Trains: Reaching Logistics Advancement
The pivotal moment for unlocking trains arrives when you reach Tier five. Within Tier five, the specific HUB milestone you must complete is Logistics Advancement. This milestone signifies a significant upgrade to your factory’s logistical capabilities. Completing this milestone unlocks the Railway technology, paving the way for building your very first rail network.
Logistics Advancement requires a substantial investment of resources and a certain level of industrial sophistication. You’ll need to produce several complex items, each requiring multiple steps in the production chain. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to gather:
- Steel Beams: A staple for any self-respecting pioneer. You will most likely have automated steel production by the time you reach this tier, but you will need a considerable quantity. Ensure you have plenty of iron ore and coal production automated.
- Encased Industrial Beams: These require concrete and steel beams, so you’ll need fully operational steel and concrete production lines. Consider expanding them now if they are struggling to keep up with demand.
- Heavy Modular Frames: A more advanced component requiring reinforced iron plates, steel pipes, and concrete. This will test the mettle of your factory as you need to combine materials from all over your base.
- Motors: These require stators, rotors, and copper wire. Motors are one of the early more complex components that introduce multiple production chains that need to work in sync.
These materials require automated production lines using smelters, constructors, assemblers, and potentially even refineries and manufacturers, depending on your chosen alternative recipes. Setting up efficient and scalable production lines for these components is critical. Consider setting up dedicated factories specifically for producing these advanced materials.
To tackle Logistics Advancement efficiently, focus on automating each component individually. Identify bottlenecks in your production lines and address them promptly. Explore new resource nodes to ensure a steady supply of raw materials. Consider using alternative recipes to streamline your production processes and reduce resource consumption. Prioritizing the resource extraction necessary for these components is crucial. Start by identifying where your raw resources are located and establish dedicated mining operations. Automate the transportation of these resources back to your main factory using conveyor belts or, if you’ve already unlocked them, trucks.
Researching Railway Technology
Once you’ve completed the Logistics Advancement milestone, you’re not quite ready to lay down tracks just yet. The next step is to research the Railway technology in the M.A.M. (Molecular Analysis Machine). The M.A.M. allows you to unlock new technologies by analyzing various research items found throughout the world.
For Railway technology, you’ll need to analyze Caterium. Caterium is a valuable resource that yields advanced technologies. Once you’ve acquired a sufficient amount of Caterium ore, simply load it into the M.A.M. and initiate the research. The research process takes time, so be patient and ensure that your M.A.M. is adequately powered.
After the Railway technology research is complete, congratulations! You’ve officially unlocked trains in Satisfactory.
What’s Unlocked? The Railway Arsenal
The Railway research unlocks a whole host of new items and structures that will revolutionize your logistics. Here’s a list of what becomes available:
- Locomotive: The engine that pulls your trains. It requires fuel (biomass or packaged fuel) to operate.
- Freight Car: Used to transport solid resources.
- Fluid Freight Car: Used to transport fluids.
- Train Station: A location where trains can load and unload resources, and where they stop.
- Railway Tracks: The foundation of your railway network.
- Railway Signals: Essential for managing multiple trains on the same track and preventing collisions.
The Locomotive provides the pulling power. It requires fuel to operate, so be sure to establish a reliable fuel supply. Freight Cars are used to transport solid resources, while Fluid Freight Cars are designed for transporting liquids. Train Stations are where trains load and unload resources, acting as central hubs for your railway network. Railway Tracks are the foundation of your railway network, allowing you to connect distant locations. Railway Signals are essential for managing multiple trains on the same track, preventing collisions and optimizing traffic flow.
Setting Up Your First Train Network (Brief Overview)
Now that you have the tools, it’s time to build your first train network. Start by laying down tracks between two points you want to connect. Remember to consider the terrain when placing your tracks. Trains can handle slopes, but excessively steep inclines can reduce their speed. Try to find the most level route possible.
Next, place Train Stations at each end of your track. Ensure that the stations are oriented correctly to allow trains to travel in the desired direction. Connect the stations to your resource storage facilities using conveyor belts.
Finally, place a Locomotive and a Freight Car on the track and configure the train schedule. Tell the train to go between the stations. Make sure to fuel the locomotive. You are on your way!
This is a very basic introduction. Mastering train networks takes time and experimentation. Consider watching in-depth guides if you want to create more complex rail lines.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful planning, you might encounter some issues when setting up your train network. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
- “My train won’t move!” Ensure that the locomotive has fuel and is powered. Check the train schedule to make sure it is properly configured. Verify that the tracks are continuous and that there are no obstructions.
- “My train is stuck!” Check the signals to see if they are properly placed and functioning. Verify that the tracks are not damaged or misaligned. Ensure that the train’s path is clear of any obstacles.
- “My train is going the wrong way!” Check the orientation of the Train Stations to ensure that the train is traveling in the correct direction. Adjust the train schedule as needed.
Optimizing Your Train Network
As you become more experienced with trains, you can start optimizing your network for maximum efficiency. Consider using advanced signaling techniques to manage traffic flow and prevent congestion. Implement double tracks to allow trains to travel in both directions simultaneously. Create detailed timetables to schedule train movements and optimize resource delivery. Experiment with different fuel types to improve fuel efficiency.
Conclusion
Unlocking trains in Satisfactory marks a significant milestone in your factory’s evolution. By progressing through the tiers, completing the Logistics Advancement milestone, and researching the Railway technology, you’ll gain access to a powerful logistical tool that will revolutionize your resource transportation capabilities. Embrace the challenge of building and optimizing your rail network, and watch as your factory expands to new heights.
So, get out there, pioneer, and build those railways! What awesome train networks have you built? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below! And feel free to ask any questions you may have about unlocking and utilizing trains in Satisfactory.
