I know this game is still alpha and more in a sandbox mode right now and I don't know whats on the roadmap but here is idea how progression could work:
We have a wonderful first concept of the weapon tech tree and I really like it, but doing something similar to the parts is repetitiv and boring.
Instead it would be interesting if your drone core is able only to support a specific amount of components.
Lets call them slots i.e. weapon slots, propulsion slots, supply slots (fuel/energy/ore)
With a diminishing return mechanic you could easily get a lot of parts early on but in the same time nerf the ability to build monster drones from the get go.
Or just downloading them from the workshop... those are more likely to break your part limit
Specialized parts like the factory would need to be bought directly,
a interesting mechanic would be to heat up your core if you go with the spawned parts over your limit. 😉
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