How to fix Pipeline Overextended in Factorio

Factorio: Space Age is the latest expansion for Factorio, adding a slew of new features and some long-needed updates. However, the update also adds some changes that may confuse you with the way pipelines work in the game. 

Here’s how to fix the Pipeline Overextended issue in Factorio.

Why does Pipeline Overextended happen in Factorio?

Factorio: Space Age changes how fluids move around and are transported through pipes. Before the expansion, you could build pipes of almost infinite lengths at the expense of the fluids getting thinner and traveling less efficiently. However, with the update, fluids travel entirely throughout your pipe system at the expense of the limited number of tiles you can place them on.

The Pipeline overextended issue occurs when you try to extend pipes beyond their capabilities. It specifically occurs when you try to extend your pipeline beyond 320 tiles. Any such pipeline tiles will trigger this error, and you won’t be able to continue. You can check the length of your pipeline by hovering over your pipes to avoid the problem.

How to fix Pipeline Overextended in Factorio

To fix the issue, you can add pumps to your pipeline or use a Fluid Wagon to extend your pipelines. Pumps are the easiest and most direct way to extend your pipelines. Fluid Wagons, on the other hand, take some extra effort.

To build a pump, you’ll need to research Fluid Handling. To do this, you need two prerequisite researches: Engine and Automation 2. After researching these, you need 50 Red Automation Science Packs and 50 Green Logistic Science Packs. Each pump will also require one Pipe, one Steel Plate, and one Engine Unit to craft.

You only need to add a pump every 200-300 blocks along your pipeline, depending on its length. Pipelines can also only be a maximum of 320 blocks before another pump has to be added, and it is best to add a pump at the start of your pipeline. As such, the best way to extend your pipeline is to start it with a pump and add a pipeline every 320 blocks until you’re finished.

Additionally, the game displays a visualization to show whenever the Pipeline is broken and generates an alert at the locations where you need to place pumps. Each pump you add must also be powered. To do this, you’ll need to run power lines across the pipeline until the end.

Lastly, you can also use Fluid Wagons to extend your pipeline. To do this, you must research Fluid Handling and Railways. After doing this, you’ll then have to research Fluid Wagon, which costs 200 Green Logistic Science Packs and 200 Red Automation Science Packs. Crafting each Fluid Wagon will also cost eight pipes, 10 Iron Gear Wheels, 16 Steel Plates, and one Storage Tank. To use a Fluid Wagon to extend your pipeline, you only need to create your railway, attach it to your train, and attach pumps at the loading and unloading stations.

Should you use trains or pipelines in Factorio?

In comparison to pipes, trains are faster and more effective in transporting fluids. This is because setting up a railway system, while it takes some effort, is much simpler, as you only need to extend it later down the line without any restrictions on how long you can make it. Furthermore, the system allows you to transport fluids and items over longer distances, and trains can be automated to go between several stops. This makes them the most efficient method of transporting fluids.

Following the Factorio: Space Age expansion’s launch, Fluid Wagons now hold 50,000 units, which is double the previous value of the base game. This makes them an excellent method of extending pipelines.