Exotic Production Modules

There could be an interesting selection of modules for production blocks that go beyond simple speed or efficiency upgrades.

Some standard modules could be craftable (for example in the Gearforge), but the really exciting part would be exotic modules. These would provide very strong, very specific bonuses and could only be obtained through late-game encounters, exploration, or by buying them from NPC factions after reaching very high reputation.

Some examples (with fun names):

• Ferrum Overdrive Core – massively increases yield when smelting iron-based components.
• Auric Ascension Matrix – more yield for gold and platinum.
• Nanotech Logic Accelerator – high-tech components might take a very long time to make, this module can speed up by 10x or more manufacturing of certain component(s).
• Overlord Magnetron – massively increases yield when making certain ammo types.

The most powerful modules would be extremely rare, so when you finally find one, it feels like a real achievement. Getting one naturally pushes you to rethink your setup: instead of general-purpose production, you now want to build a specialized production line around that module.

To reinforce this, once an exotic module is installed, it cannot be removed without destroying the whole block. So you’re no juggling modules in and out — you’re building purpose-built factories.

This leads to more interesting gameplay:

• You start designing dedicated production lines, instead of rows of identical refineries or smelters. Build bigger or more bases.
• Even a single exotic module gives you a strong advantage in a specific area, encouraging specialization and trade, engage more with NPCs and other players.
• Modules themselves are very valuable items — worth exploring dangerous areas, you can always sell them for some good money, swap for another or sell to other players for potentially even more money.
• Industrial espionage, stealing of technologies. Your refinery is not the same as mine now.
• Campaign missions designed around their importance, also teaching new players about their existence and value. It can be in lore of some NPC factions, explaining their dominance in certain area.

Some modules might only be found in specific sectors or encounters, while others could be purchased from NPC factions. The faction ones could be weaker but predictably obtained, letting players plan their specialization early based on the economy and pick a specific sector / modules combo.

To better support this concept, production blocks should also scale with power input. Each block could have a max power input slider:

• Low power → slow but functional production even if you have limited power options
• High power → much faster production, hi scale production

This gives a real reason to build large reactors on your bases to scale up production instead of building dozens of universal production blocks. You get more output by building smarter, not just bigger.

Overall, this system:

• Rewards exploration
• Encourages specialization and trade
• Reduces production block spam
• Reduces PCU usage
• Makes production deeper and more interesting

Without:

• Adding any new blocks
• Adding any new components/ore
• Complicating base production chain
• Changing basically anything

You can completely ignore this system and still enjoy the normal production gameplay with standard modules.

Or you can hunt for exotic modules or engage with NPC factions to obtain powerful bonuses for late-game, large-scale, specialized factories — a lighter take on Factorio / Satisfactory-style gameplay many of us.

The concept is relatively easy to implement and add more modules in future. Remember one of those rare skin weekend hunts in SE1, now imagine rare or exclusive modules weekend hunt :)

And ofc it would be very easy to create your own modded modules.

Thx for reading