Automation Route
Automation should remove repeated chores, not create a new maintenance problem. The confirmed tools are transport drones for resource gathering and automated watering for plants.
When Automation Is Worth It
Section titled “When Automation Is Worth It”Automate a job when the same action blocks exploration or building several times in a short play session. Do not automate a job that still has no stable power, no storage target, or no clear route.
| Job | Automate When | Do Not Automate Yet If |
|---|---|---|
| Resource gathering | You repeatedly leave building projects to gather the same basic material. | Storage is full or power dips stop machines. |
| Crop watering | The farm is large enough that manual watering delays other work. | Food demand is still small and manual watering is quick. |
| Base logistics | Materials are spread between too many work zones. | The base layout is still changing every few minutes. |
Transport Drone Checklist
Section titled “Transport Drone Checklist”- Confirm the route has power from Energy System.
- Give the drone a useful destination, not just a vague storage pile.
- Put high-repeat materials closest to crafting stations.
- After each airship trip, check whether the drone route still matches your current bottleneck.
Best Automation Targets
Section titled “Best Automation Targets”The first automation target should usually be whichever chore interrupts you most often. In a survival builder, that is commonly watering, basic resource movement, or repeated construction materials.
For food-first bases, combine Farming with watering support. For expansion-first bases, make Transport Drones feed storage and crafting.