Factorio developers reveal major terrain overhaul for upcoming expansion

In their latest Friday Facts blog post, the developers of the popular factory-building game Factorio have unveiled a significant overhaul to the game's terrain generation system. The changes, which will be introduced in the game's upcoming expansion, are set to bring a host of new features and improvements to the game's starting planet, Nauvis.

The overhaul, which has been a solo side project for one of the developers, was initially sparked by a desire to improve the game's sand dunes and cliff generation. However, as the project progressed, it quickly evolved into a complete rework of the game's terrain generation system.

One of the most significant changes is the introduction of new terrain types, including mesas and canyons. These new terrain features are generated using a complex system of noise expressions and elevation data, which allows for greater control over their placement and distribution.

The developers have also made significant changes to the game's decorative object placement system. By remapping the distribution of objects such as trees and rocks, they have been able to create more varied and characterful environments.

Perhaps the most exciting change, however, is the introduction of natural paths. By combining data from the game's new terrain features, such as land bridges and cliff edges, the developers have been able to create a system of natural paths that wind through the game's forests and canyons. These paths make exploration and navigation of the game's world much more intuitive and enjoyable.

The developers have stressed that these changes are still undergoing testing and that there may be further tweaks and improvements to come. However, they are confident that the new terrain system will provide players with a more engaging and immersive experience when the expansion launches.

You can read full blog here.