Production Chains

Commodities in ECON Galaxy don't exist in isolation. They're connected through deep production chains - raw materials become processed goods, which become components, which become modules, which become end products.

ECON Galaxy features Factorio-level complexity in its production system. Mastering these chains is key to building a successful empire.

Production Flow Overview

Each tier adds value. The further along the chain you produce, the higher the profit margins – but also the more complex your logistics.

The Five Tiers

Tier 0: Raw Materials

The basic resources extracted from the galaxy:

Raw materials are the foundation. Early game traders focus here.

Tier 1: Processing

Raw materials are processed into usable forms:

Byproducts: Some processes create byproducts (marked with *). Slag must be disposed of or sold - it can't just disappear. Managing byproducts is part of efficient production.

Tier 2: Components

Processed materials combine into components:

Components are where profit margins start getting interesting.

Tier 3: Modules

Components combine into sophisticated modules:

Module production requires complex logistics but offers high margins.

Tier 4: End Products

The final goods that stations and populations actually consume:

• Ship Components - Parts for ship construction and repair
• Station Modules - Equipment for station expansion
• Weapons - Defense systems and combat equipment
• Consumer Goods - What populations actually want

Recipe Alternatives

Most products can be made multiple ways:

Standard Electronics:

• 2 Refined Metals + 1 Chemical → 1 Electronics
• Cost: Low | Efficiency: Medium

Premium Electronics:

• 1 Refined Metal + 1 Crystal + 1 Chemical → 1 High-Grade Electronics
• Cost: High | Efficiency: High

Choose based on your resources and target market. Some buyers pay premium for quality.

Quality Levels

Production quality depends on:

1. Input Quality - Better inputs = better outputs
2. Facility Level - Higher-tier facilities produce better goods
3. Crew Skills - Engineers and Scientists improve quality
4. Efficiency Modifiers - Research and modules help

A high-quality Reactor from premium inputs is worth significantly more than a basic one.

Production Location Types

Finding Opportunities

To identify profitable production routes:

1. Open the Location Details panel
2. Check the Economy tab
3. Look at Production and Consumption rates
4. Check Population Needs - what do they actually want?

A location that produces a commodity will:

• Have high stock
• Sell at low prices
• Consume the inputs needed

A location that consumes a commodity will:

• Have low stock
• Buy at high prices
• Have population demand for it

Bottleneck Strategy

The key to profitability: find the bottleneck.

If 10 stations need Refined Metals but only 2 produce Ore, Ore transport is your opportunity. If everyone can make Electronics but no one has Coolant, Coolant is the bottleneck.

Look for:

• High consumption, low production
• Missing links in chains
• New stations that need supplies

Production Tips

1. Start simple - Master Tier 0-1 before going deeper
2. Follow the bottleneck - Where's the shortage?
3. Consider byproducts - Slag disposal is a business too
4. Multi-stop routes - Pick up at each tier, maximize your trips
5. Quality matters - Premium goods for premium stations

Player Manufacturing

When you're ready to produce goods yourself:

1. Rent production slots at existing stations (early game)
2. Build production modules at NPC stations (mid game)
3. Construct your own stations (late game)

Automation handles the actual production - your job is designing the supply chains.

See: Automation Basics and Station Building