Factorio's final major update, patch 2.1, is out now
Over 14 years after development began, the final major update for the factory-building game Factorio has been released, PC Gamer reports. Developer Wube Software previously announced in May that update 2.1 would conclude the game's active development, stating the game had "reached a good place" to stop.
The patch is not a massive content drop but is described as a "big collection" of quality-of-life changes, polish, and features the team didn't have time to include in last year's 2.0 update and Space Age expansion. According to Wube, it isn't about adding new planets, enemies, or research trees.
Many of the changes focus on refining the space logistics introduced in the Space Age expansion. Rockets can now carry multiple different item types at once, making it easier to build space platforms. Platforms themselves can transfer items between each other in orbit and auto-import from available locations. Wube also added a constructible unloading bay for landing pads, letting inserters place items directly onto belts or trains.
Outside of space systems, the update includes an overhaul to the game's hostile Biters. Their expansion grouping now scales with evolution to provide a "meaningful challenge," and they will build new nests in more "natural locations" regardless of when players explore. The patch also reintroduces fluid mixing prevention, tweaks the Quality system, adds new graphics for several buildings, and implements a new rendering system to make connecting fluid pumps to rail wagons easier.
Wube has indicated future patches will be minor, if any. The studio is reportedly working on new prototypes, but per PC Gamer, it said not to expect any news on that front for a long time.
