Graveyard Keeper 2: Factory Automation Setup Guide

To set up factory automation in Graveyard Keeper 2, you need to unlock the Automation skill tree, build the relevant crafting stations, and then connect them using conveyor belts and logic gates so that resources flow from one machine to the next without manual intervention. This guide explains the prerequisites, the step-by-step process, and common pitfalls so you can automate everything from simple stone processing to complex multi-stage production lines.

Background: What Automation Means in Graveyard Keeper 2

Automation in Graveyard Keeper 2 is a mid-to-late game feature that lets you link crafting stations together. Instead of standing at a furnace and manually feeding it ore, you can set up a system where a quarry drops stone into a crusher, which feeds a furnace, which outputs bars into a storage crate. The game uses a visual system of conveyor belts and logic gates (similar to redstone in Minecraft, but simpler) to control the flow of items. Automation is essential for producing large quantities of goods like glass, metal parts, and advanced components that are needed for the main story and for building upgrades.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before You Start

Before you can automate, you must unlock the relevant tech. Automation is not available from the start; it requires progression through the Tech Tree. Here’s what you need:

• Tech Points: You need a significant number of Blue, Green, and Red Tech Points. Automation nodes are usually in the later tiers of the crafting tree.
• Materials: Conveyor belts require basic materials like wood, stone, and sometimes iron. Logic gates require more advanced materials like bronze or steel.
• Stations: You need at least two stations that can input and output items. For example, a Stone Cutter (outputs stone blocks) and a Stone Crate (input storage).
• Power (if applicable): Some stations require power (e.g., electricity) to run automatically. Make sure you have a power source like a windmill or steam generator connected.

How to Set Up Basic Automation: Step-by-Step

Here is the general process for setting up a simple automated production line. The exact menu names may vary slightly depending on your platform, but the logic is the same.

1. Unlock the Automation skill: Open your Tech Tree (usually the “Crafting” tab) and find the “Automation” node. It may require a certain number of tech points and possibly a prerequisite like “Advanced Crafting.” Unlock it.
2. Build a Conveyor Belt: Go to your build menu (usually the hammer icon) and find the “Automation” section. Select “Conveyor Belt” and place it on the ground. You can place it in a straight line or use corners.
3. Place your stations: Build the stations you want to automate (e.g., a Stone Cutter and a Stone Crate). Position them so that the conveyor belt touches the output side of the first station and the input side of the second station.
4. Connect the belt: In many cases, the belt will automatically snap to adjacent stations. If not, you may need to use a “Connector” item or simply ensure the belt is adjacent to the station’s input/output port.
5. Set the filter (optional): If you want to control what goes on the belt, you can use a “Filter” item. Place it on the belt and set it to only allow certain items (e.g., only Stone Blocks). This is useful for multi-item lines.
6. Power up: If your stations require power, connect them to a power source. This might involve placing a windmill and running a power line (or using a wireless power system if unlocked).
7. Test the line: Manually add a few items to the first station’s input (e.g., raw stone). If everything is connected, the station will process it and the output will automatically move along the belt to the next station or into the crate.

Choosing the Right Stations to Automate

Not all stations are equally useful for automation. Here’s a guide to what works well and what doesn’t:

• Good for automation: Quarries, Stone Cutters, Furnaces, Glass Furnaces, Kilns, and any station that takes raw materials and produces a single output. Also, storage crates (as a final destination) and crafting stations like the Anvil or Workbench (if you set up a multi-stage line).
• Bad for automation: Stations that require multiple different inputs (like the Kitchen, which needs flour, water, etc.) are harder to automate because you need multiple belts and filters. Also, stations that produce multiple outputs (like a Sawmill that produces planks and sawdust) can be tricky; you’ll need to filter the outputs.
• Multi-stage lines: You can chain stations together. For example: Quarry -> Stone Cutter -> Furnace (to make glass) -> Storage Crate. Just make sure each belt is connected correctly and that the input of the next station is on the same line.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Automation can be finicky. Here are the most common issues players encounter:

• Items not moving: Check that the conveyor belt is actually connected to the station. Look for a small arrow or indicator showing the direction of flow. If the belt is facing the wrong way, pick it up and rotate it (usually with the R key or by right-clicking).
• Stations not working automatically: Some stations need to be set to “Auto” mode. Click on the station and look for a toggle that says “Manual” or “Auto.” Switch it to Auto.
• Items getting stuck: If a station’s output is full, items will back up on the belt. Use a filter or a “Splitter” to divert items to a different storage if needed. Also, ensure the receiving station has enough space.
• Power issues: If a station requires power but isn’t getting it, you’ll see a warning icon. Make sure your power source is connected and has enough capacity. You may need to build multiple windmills or a steam engine.
• Filters not working: Filters are very specific. If you set a filter to only allow “Stone Block,” it will not allow “Stone” (raw). Make sure you select the exact item name.

Advanced Automation: Logic Gates and Splitters

Once you master basic belts, you can use logic gates to create more complex systems. For example, you can use a “Memory Gate” to only activate a station when a certain condition is met (like when a storage crate is empty). You can also use splitters to divide a single belt into two, sending half the items to one place and half to another. These are advanced features that are not necessary for the main story but are useful for optimizing your base.

Costs and Efficiency Considerations

Automation is not free. Each conveyor belt costs a small amount of wood and stone. Logic gates cost more, often requiring bronze or steel. The real cost is in the tech points and the time spent setting up. However, the efficiency gain is huge: once automated, you can leave the game running (or just afk) and come back to a full stock of resources. For example, an automated glass production line can produce hundreds of glass bottles while you work on other tasks.

Safety and Maintenance

There is no physical danger in automation, but there is a risk of losing items if you make a mistake. Always double-check your connections before leaving the game running. Also, note that some stations will break down over time and need repairs. Keep a stock of repair kits or the necessary materials on hand. It’s also a good idea to have a buffer of storage so that if one part of the line breaks, you don’t lose items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to unlock a specific skill to automate?

Yes, you need to unlock the “Automation” skill in the Tech Tree. It is usually found in the “Crafting” or “Engineering” branch and requires a good amount of tech points. Without it, you cannot build conveyor belts or logic gates.

Can I automate the Kitchen?

Yes, but it’s complicated. The Kitchen requires multiple inputs (flour, water, etc.). You would need to set up multiple belts with filters, each bringing a different ingredient. It’s possible but not recommended for beginners. Start with simpler lines like stone or glass.

Why are my items not moving on the belt?

Check the direction of the belt. You can rotate it by picking it up and pressing the rotate key (usually R). Also, make sure the belt is actually connected to the station’s input/output. Sometimes there is a small gap that needs to be filled with another belt piece.

How do I set a filter on a belt?

You need to craft a “Filter” item (unlocked in the Automation skill tree). Place it on a belt segment, then right-click on it to open its menu. You can then select which items are allowed to pass. You can also set it to “blacklist” mode to block specific items.

Can I automate without power?

Some stations, like manual crafting benches, do not require power. But most automated stations (like furnaces, crushers) require power. You can generate power with windmills (solar is later). Without power, the station will not process items automatically.

What is the best first automation setup?

The best first setup is a simple stone block production line: a Quarry (or a Stone Cutter with raw stone input) connected to a Stone Crate. This gives you a steady supply of stone blocks for building, and it’s easy to set up and troubleshoot.

Related

• Mortal Shell 2: Getting & Using the Makeshift Projectile
• Async Work Norms & When to Meet
• Insta Account Hack: What It Really Takes