Mindustry - Factorio but with tower defence, and all open source

[Halo Cipher]

No Mindustry thread? OK, I'm game.

If you haven’t played Mindustry, it’s an open-source indie game that blends factory automation, resource logistics, and real-time tower defense. Think Factorio’s conveyor logic crossed with classic TD, but faster, leaner, and built for experimentation. It's also free.

A bit of history
Mindustry was created by Anuken as a minimalist automation game that could run on basically anything. Over time it evolved into a surprisingly deep systems game with active modding, multiplayer, and a strong community. Despite its simple visuals, it rewards serious planning and creative problem-solving.

Core mechanics: Mine resources → route them via conveyors/liquids → feed factories

• Use outputs to build defenses, units, and tech
• Protect your core from enemy waves
• Constant trade-offs between expansion, efficiency, and defense

Logistics matter as much as firepower. Bad routing will kill you faster than weak turrets.

Campaign mode

• Structured progression across sectors
• Tech is unlocked gradually
• Forces you to learn logistics, power, ammo types, and enemy behavior step by step
• Very “teach by pressure”... mistakes are survivable early, punished later

Custom / Sandbox / Multiplayer

• You choose the map, rules, starting resources, and tech
• Can be chill co-op survival, brutal wave challenges, PvP, or pure sandbox builds
• Perfect for experimenting with designs
• Easily modded and very tweakable

Available platforms: PC (Windows, Mac, Linux), Mobile (Android, iOS).

Here is a setup I just used to finish sector Intersect on Erekir in the campaign. It looks simple but it took a while to get tanks, ships, and mechs running to fend off waves before destroying the opposition core (off screen, not attached).



Happy playing, hope someone will enjoy this game as much as I do. I don't doomscroll as much and it's become a family favourite here with the quick LAN option. It is easy to set up a public server as well.

Do share thoughts, gripes, designs, etc.

 

[herefortheactualthreads]

https://mindustrygame.github.io/

 

[Kaenbyourin]

looks like one of these games that need a very specific type of autism to get into

 

[Johnny Switchblade]

I've kept it in my Steam favorites since I bought it but I've only played it like three times over the past five years. One day, maybe.

 

[Halo Cipher]

looks like one of these games that need a very specific type of autism to get into

I also thought that until I tried it and 3 hours disappeared in a pleasing array of ducts, factories, mechs, and blasting through enemy territory. Factorio is just keeping the bugs away but at least I feel like I've achieved something with sector captures. I dunno, I think I like it because I can play it on my phone anywhere and it keeps my brain going.