Factorio is one of those games where you can completely change your experience with the press of a button. All you have to do is change the map settings to experience a completely different game.
However, not all map settings are created equal. That leaves players everywhere with a simple question: what are the best map settings in Factorio?
The answer, of course, depends on what you’re trying to do. That’s why we put together the ultimate guide to which settings are best for different players and play styles.
Easy Base Defense
What are the best map settings for beginners? This is actually a bit of a trick question. I’d normally recommend vanilla settings for true beginners, but there are a few map settings that can make things even easier.
The best example of this is to Turn Off Biters. When you do this, you no longer have to worry about Biters, making it far easier for you to defend your base. To make things easier, you may wish to turn off pollution and expansion as well.
These are also good map settings if you’re wanting to chill out and take your time. If that’s your goal, you’ll really love the next setting.
Peaceful Exploration
“We come in peace” is the guiding philosophy behind Star Trek’s various explorers. With the peaceful mode setting, you can recreate that experience in your Factorio game.
As the name implies, peaceful mode makes it so that enemies do not attack unless you approach them. This helps you really pace your exploration and combat, helping you to learn the “lay of the land” as you play.
Like most map setting changes, this will disable some of your potential achievements but it will ultimately help you to play the game on your own terms.
Making a Megabase
Eventually, every player decides they want to make a Megabase. To make this easier for yourself, there are multiple map settings you may wish to change.
For example, you can make resource gathering easier by activating Very Low Frequency, Very Rich, and Very Big ores. You might want to make things easier on yourself by turning off both the Biters and Pollution.
With maximum resources and minimal distractions, making a Megabase has never been easier.
Hyper-Specific Goals
Every Factorio player approaches this game differently. That’s why our final section focuses on some of the hyper-specific goals you might have set for yourself.
For example, someone wanting to aggressively pursue solar power might toggle Always Day into the on position. Someone wanting to invest in landfills (or simply live out their Water World fantasies) may want to set the water to “Big.”
Want to make things easy (but not too easy) at the start? Select a very large starting area to minimize your initial bug problem.
Honestly, the best way to find the best map settings for your own play style is to try them all out and see what you like best!
Best Map Settings in Factorio: What’s Next?
Now you know the best map settings in Factorio but have you planned your next move?
Once you’re tired of playing with the settings, it may be time for a new game entirely. Check out our reviews to discover your new favorite games!
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