Automation & Machines Guide

Solarpunk's automation focuses on reducing manual labor through machines and drones — not factory assembly lines

How Automation Works in Solarpunk

Solarpunk is a peaceful survival-crafting game, not an industrial factory simulator. Automation means reducing repetitive manual tasks — letting machines and drones handle resource gathering, watering, and transport so you can focus on exploration, building, and airship travel.

The key to efficient automation is the energy system. Every automated machine requires power to operate. Your solar panels, windmills, and batteries form the backbone that makes automation possible. Build your power infrastructure first, then add machines that remove friction from your daily routine.

Automation Machines

Transport Drone

Transports resources between islands. Set pickup and delivery points — drones automatically ferry items across your island network. Each drone requires naming before deployment.

Unlock: Drone Technology research

Sprinkler

Automatically waters nearby crop fields by pumping water from the ground. Eliminates manual watering for adjacent farmland plots. Wireless Sprinkler variant available with advanced research.

Unlock: Irrigation research

Forester

Automatically produces wood over time. Place it in a suitable location and it will generate a steady supply of wood without manual tree chopping.

Unlock: Forestry research

Magnetic Fisher

Retrieves resources from water bodies automatically. Can sometimes pull non-magnetic items as well. Place near ponds or water sources for passive resource collection.

Unlock: Fishing Technology research

Automatic Drill

Automated resource extraction for mining. Place on resource deposits to gather ores and minerals without manual mining.

Unlock: Mining Automation research

Logic Block

Energy logic device used with sensors to create automated switching. For example: connect lights to a power source with a Daytime Sensor in the middle to automatically turn lights on at night and off during the day.

Unlock: Power Logic research

Daytime Sensor

Energy sensor for time-based switching. Opens or closes energy circuits based on day/night cycle. Can invert signal to trigger at opposite times.

Unlock: Sensor research

Recycler

Decomposes crafted items back into their component parts. Useful for reclaiming materials from obsolete equipment.

Unlock: Recycling research

Automation Progression Path

Early Game: Manual to Semi-Automated

Start with a Sprinkler for your first farm. It eliminates daily manual watering. Then add a Magnetic Fisher near water for passive resource income. These two machines dramatically reduce early-game busywork.

Mid Game: Passive Resource Generation

Unlock the Forester for automatic wood production and Automatic Drill for mining. Set up Transport Drones to move resources between your islands. Connect Logic Blocks with Daytime Sensors to automate lighting and power switching.

Late Game: Island Networks

Build specialized production islands connected by Transport Drone routes. One island for farming, another for mining, a third for animal husbandry. Use Logic Blocks to automate power distribution across your island network.