In vanilla Factorio, why do advanced setups opt for belt systems over logistic robots, despite bots offering scalability? Is excessive power consumption the main limitation?
hey, i find belts more relible in large bases. they keep a steady flow and are easier to manage. while bots are cool for small ops, in megabases their added complexity and occasional lag just doesn’t cut it.
Hey everyone, I’ve been mulling over this for a while and I think there’s more to it than just the power consumption issue. In my experience, using belts in really big bases seems to cut down on a lot of the unpredictability you might face with bots. Belts give a kind of constant, reliable, and almost clockwork-like flow, which can be really handy when you’re trying to coordinate massive resource networks. With bots, even if they’re nifty for smaller setups, you sometimes end up with bottlenecks or unexpected glitches that are harder to troubleshoot when everything’s running high-speed. I’m also wondering if part of the appeal for using belts might be the satisfaction of fine-tuning those well-oiled transport lines – it adds a layer of creativity and challenge to the design. What are your thoughts? Do you find yourself leaning towards one method more for technical efficiency or the fun factor of arranging your base layout? I’d love to hear your stories or any insights on when you might choose robots over belts.
In my experience, the preference for belts in large megabase designs largely comes down to their predictability and simplicity. Belt lines permit a continuous flow of materials without the need for extensive network management, which can complicate logistics as bases expand. While robots offer flexibility for smaller or irregular layouts, they tend to introduce challenges as factory scale increases, such as pathing issues and delayed resource delivery. The hands-on control provided by belts can translate into fewer bottlenecks and a more streamlined process overall, resulting in more reliable production.
Hey all, this is another fun angle on the debate. I’ve been thinking about how belts really bring that predictable, almost rhythmic pulse to the factory, especially when you’re dealing with complex and sprawling systems. I’ve noticed that beyond just the raw throughput, belts let you literally see and tweak your logistic flows, which can be super satisfying if you’re into micromanagement and optimization. Meanwhile, bots, while neat and flexible, sometimes add this extra layer of unpredictability – not just in their power draw, but in how their pathfinding and scheduling can get a bit fuzzy when things ramp up. I’m curious though, besides the technical and performance differences, do any of you feel that the tactical design approach (like enjoying the art of belt setup) really tips the scales? What sort of metrics or personal preferences led you to lean one way or the other in your own megabase setups?