Factorio Challenger Modulus Unveils Voxel Production Lines in Latest Demo

Factory production lines might have a reputation for being dull, but they can be surprisingly captivating. When turned into games like Satisfactory, Shapez 2, and Factorio, they become engrossing, addictive, and sometimes even relaxing. Enter Modulus, the latest contender in the factory game genre, which appears to have nailed the art of keeping players engaged. With its first-ever demo just released on Steam, this game invites you to explore its intriguing voxel-based production lines.

Modulus has been in development for a while and has undergone several playtests. Now, with this debut demo, it’s opening its doors wider. At first glance, the game checks all the boxes for a compelling factory-building experience. The layouts and visuals are both satisfying, and the interconnected conveyor belts offer ample room for creating sprawling setups. But what sets Modulus apart is its fresh take on construction and production.

At the core of Modulus is a voxel-based system, where you create various modules using cubes—these are your building blocks. Unlike other games, there’s no recipe system here, where you allocate specific materials for constructing particular buildings or machines. Instead, the focus is on producing the right shapes and quantities of blocks, then sending them via conveyor belts to the construction site.

Watching the blocks arrive and get added to your structures in real time is incredibly satisfying. And I must say, the typical Modulus landscape is a sight to behold. The multi-level factories give it an almost city-like appearance, with conveyor belts weaving through the skyline, reminiscent of Cities Skylines.

As you advance in the game, you’ll unlock a variety of module configurations and skills through a Tech Tree. The primary goal, aside from enjoying a relaxing experience, is to construct Monuments—massive and intricate structures that demand a complex web of factory networks. Modulus doesn’t confine you to a single map, either. It offers multiple islands to unlock, each progressively larger with more rare resources to discover.

Initially, in-game currency was supposed to be a significant element, encouraging careful spending and preventing runaway factory growth. However, after listening to feedback from playtests, developer Happy Volcano has opted to remove this mechanic entirely. This change is evident in the new demo.

“It was unbalanced and led to frustrating waits for more money, which players didn’t enjoy,” explains game director David Prinsmel in a dev log. “After some thought, we decided to remove it. It wasn’t benefiting the game. Since our focus is on relaxation and creativity without pressure, it feels like a better design. You can build and place whatever you want at any time.”

Prinsmel adds that the demo offers a basic introduction to the game’s features, including a paint system for adding color, describing it as “just the tip of the iceberg.”

“I estimate we show only 5% of the early access content in the demo. Our early access scope covers only 66% of the full game. This should give you an idea of what’s still to come,” he promises.

The Modulus demo is available now on Steam. To dive in or learn more about this highly adaptable building game, visit its store page.

After exploring Modulus, you might want to check out other amazing sandbox games. If its relaxing vibe appeals to you, we’ve also picked out some of our favorite soothing games.

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