🆕 Updated for Eco 14 — “Garbage & Recycling” — this server and these numbers now reflect the new version. What changed →
  • Byproducts: nearly every recipe now leaves waste behind, so recipe pages list byproducts alongside ingredients.
  • Garbage & recycling: waste sorts from mixed garbage down to pure materials, and can be recycled back into stock.
  • Pollution has four kinds: acid rain, chemical, soil and heavy mineral, each settling into the ground differently. Pollution guide →
  • Modules reworked: upgrades are now Basic / Advanced / Modern / Specialty, one per slot, driving the same bonus system as talents. Module guide →
  • Fresh water: machines need it — water drawn from the ocean has to be desalinated first.

The character calculator has been updated for these changes. Read the garbage & recycling guide →

Food and Shelter

Food and Shelter

Setting up a source of food and shelter is a first priority.

While a functioning society is necessary to stop the meteor, each individual must have their own needs met, starting with food and shelter.

Choosing a Settlement

When choosing a location to settle in, you'll want to consider the following factors:

Proximity to Resources
Natural food sources and building supplies nearby will greatly speed up initial progress.

Proximity to Others
Setting up near other settlements offers a distinct advantage, as you can then trade with others to gain progress faster. However, an overcrowded area may also have limited options for expansion and natural food in the vicinity. You'll want to find a balance based on personal preference.

Claiming Your Plot

Once you've selected a place to build your first settlement, you'll want to claim Property around it. When placing your starting tent this will automatically occur, and further property can be claimed with land papers. Property you claim will be protected from other citizens, unless you give them access.

Food

Finding a food supply is critical to having the calories you need to work. Additionally, the Nutrition of the food you eat impacts how fast you gain experience, so you'll want to eat the best food available for the fastest gains. When settling in the wilderness, look for food sources nearby you can take from, or plan to setup a Farm. When settling near an existing village, have a look at the local economy to see what you can Trade in order to get food.