Late Game: Automated Production (Limited)

[O Negative]

I think it would be interesting to give the "industrial" tech level an industrial feel by having production benches that automatically carried out time-consuming tasks like cutting stone blocks from stone chunks and smelting metal from slag. Things that don't have quality associated with them are the best candidates.

The "bench" would require materials to be brought to it, obviously. And, a substantial amount of electricity/power would be necessary to run the "bench" for balance purposes. A research requirement should be necessary.

As a gameplay element, I think the automation of certain tasks in games like this offers players a sense of real progression. It could also take away from the fear of not getting things done while your people are out of town for trade, raids, or just general quests and exploration.

[BetaSpectre]

Makes sense IRL rock crushers are a thing.

However, IRL most machines need operators and repairmen all the time. Working 9 to 5 making sure the machines don't break.

Though some feeding mechanism would be nice, like if slag and rock chunks could stack.

[O Negative]

As far as maintenance is concerned, there's always a risk that the stuff will break down just like any other thing that requires components (wind turbines, fueled generators, etc.) If something breaks down while you're not there to tend to it, you're out of luck You can always opt to keep a maintenance person around just in case, too.

The fact that slag and chunks don't stack is a problem I didn't initially think about. But, I think something similar to the nutrient paste dispenser's feeding mechanism could still work.