Ore Factory Squad Building & Placement Controls
Place conveyors, machines, and lift modules in Ore Factory Squad with grid snap, rotation, elevation, and co-op build tips.
Entering Build Mode
Press your build mode key from the keyboard and mouse controls page — typically B or Tab — to open the placement palette. Categories include conveyors, machines, Modular Mining Lift modules, lighting, and utility structures. Filter by unlock tier if the UI supports hiding unaffordable pieces.
Build mode freezes tool combat actions — swap back to mining tools before entering shafts or you will swing pickaxes at air while teammates need jackhammer support. Co-op squads announce "build pause" over Patch 7.0 voice when refactoring shared lines.
Placement consumes resources from squad cash or material buffers depending on game rules — confirm affordability before dragging long conveyor spans.
Grid Snap and Rotation
Conveyors snap to orthogonal grids on flat foundations. Rotate segments with Q/E or configured mouse wheel modifiers until arrow indicators align: intake toward ore source, output toward smelter or bin. Mis-rotated one tile stalls entire chains until located — walk belts backward from empty machines.
Some terrains require leveling or foundation tiles before snap works. Prepare ground with shovel clearance near lift exits before inviting the builder to lay main trunk lines.
Advanced elevation uses ramp pieces to climb mezzanines — see conveyor automation for slope limits and throughput impact.
Machine and Lift Module Placement
Machines need power and correct input/output orientation matching conveyor arrows. Smelters pull from one face and eject ingots from another — preview ghosts show valid rotations before confirm click. Modular Mining Lift modules stack vertically in shaft blueprints; place shaft core before surrounding belts connect.
Leave maintenance gaps between smelter rows for co-op player passage and future upgrades. Packing machines tile-tight looks efficient but blocks forklift access to output bins.
Machine stats and footprint sizes are documented on the machines reference page.
Demolition and Relocation
Dismantle tool refunds partial costs depending on building type and patch economy rules. Demolish from output end backward when possible so ore in transit does not vanish inside deleted tiles. Stash active contract goods before deleting staging bins.
Relocating an entire wing costs session time — prefer wide initial spacing on expandable deeds from the property expansion guide over frequent moves.
Bind dismantle away from primary mouse buttons to prevent accidental co-op griefing even when unintended.
Co-op Building Coordination
Assign one lead builder per factory wing to avoid duplicate placement attempts on the same grid tile. Use map ping or voice to mark future expansion zones so miners do not dynamite beneath planned smelter foundations.
Copy or blueprint features — if available in your patch — accelerate repeated smelter rows. Without blueprints, screenshot successful layouts for reference across properties.
Pair placement practice with the automation guide so structures match throughput plans before machines power on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why will my conveyor not snap?
Uneven ground, missing foundations, or obstructing players/crates block snap. Level terrain, clear the tile, and verify you selected the correct conveyor variant for ramps versus flat belts.
Can multiple players build simultaneously?
Yes in co-op. Avoid placing on the same tile simultaneously — conflicts may cancel or waste resources. Coordinate wing assignments.
How do I rotate machines before placing?
Use rotate keys (commonly Q/E) while placement ghost is active. Watch input/output arrows on the preview model.
Does demolition refund full cost?
Typically partial refund — exact percentage depends on building type and patch economy. Do not rely on refunds for routine layout experiments.
Where should I place my first Modular Mining Lift?
Central shaft near surface conveyor trunk and vehicle access. Avoid edges of property boundaries that expansion might consume.