Hey everyone, Divu here! If you’ve been looking for a fresh automation game with a cozy medieval twist, Alchemy Factory just hit Steam Early Access on December 12, 2025, and it’s already hooked me hard. No massive planetary factories—just tight, vertical plots, voxel-style builds, and a satisfying progression from manual grinding to fully automated potion production.
In this guide (based on my Episode 1 playthrough), I walk you through the early game step-by-step: smashing main quests, optimizing ratios for wood, gears, mortars, linen rope, and iron, unlocking Healing Potions, and finally getting the game-changing Auto Cashier. Whether you’re new to automation games or just starting Alchemy Factory, this guide will help you get from an empty shop to Level 3 smoothly.
Quick Game Stats (Dec 21, 2025 Patch)
- Release Date: December 12, 2025 (Steam Early Access)
- Price: $16.19 (10% launch discount until Dec 25)
- Reviews: 93% positive (450+ reviews)
- Current Players: ~6k peak
- Demo: Free on Steam – highly recommended!
- Subreddit: r/AlchemyFactory (tons of tips, blueprints, and community builds)
Episode 1 Goals: Main Quests & Key Unlocks
Here’s what we’re aiming for in the first episode:
| Quest Level | Main Quest Goal | Key Reward |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 20 Large Wooden Gears | Flax seeds |
| Level 2 | Linen Rope | Iron Ore + Sage seeds |
| Level 3 | 100 Healing Potions | Red Currants, Portal Sigil, Auto Cashier |
Side Quests: Carpenter (Planks), Random (Gears, Mortars, Nails) – great for extra cash.
Pro Tip: Manual stocking is painful at first, but once you unlock catapults and hoppers, everything becomes automated and beautiful.
Early Upgrade Priority (First 5 Points)
- Money Generation Lv2 – Buy materials faster
- Fuel Efficiency Lv2 – Essential for charcoal loops
- Belt Speed Lv1 – Keeps ratios stable
Avoid Production Speed early—it breaks ratios until you’re more advanced.
Blueprint #1: Wood → Planks → Gears (Level 1 – 60/min Line)
Starting Materials: Buy logs from the merchant. Research Table Saw, Box, Grinder, Belt (100g each, 5s).
Chain & Ratios (Belt speed = 60/min):
- Table Saw ×2 → Planks (30/min each)
- Grinder ×1 → Large Gears (10/min)
- Assembler ×3 → Small Gears (5 → 15/min each)
Build Steps:
- Place two tables side-by-side.
- Logs → Table Saws (position 1) → Belts (position 2, rotate with T).
- Split planks: 50% to storage box, 50% to Grinder → Assemblers → Boxes.
- Collect 20 Large Gears for the quest → Level 1 complete!
Sales Tip: Don’t sell large gears—turn them into small gears for better profit (5g → 24g value).
Blueprint #2: Stone → Mortars (Level 2 Money Printer – 20/min)
Materials: Buy stone (expensive but profitable). Research Stone Crusher and Mortar recipe.
Chain:
- Stone Crusher → Limestone (20/min)
- Processor → Mortars
Ratios:
- Crusher ×2 → 40 stone/min
- Processor ×2 → Mortars (split to boxes)
Build: Place on a table with storage boxes. Sell mortars (stack 6 per shelf). This is your early-game cash cow—funds everything else.
Seed Plots: Build 4 plots (8 stone each). Plant flax seeds → manual harvest after 6:40.
Blueprint #3: Flax → Linen Rope (Level 2 Quest – 20/min)
Chain:
- Flax → Grinder → Fiber (20/min)
- Processor → Linen Thread (20/min)
- Processor ×2 → Rope (10/min each)
Ratios: Perfect match for belt speed—1:1:2 ratio.
Build: Move to a dedicated table. Bulk stack leftovers. Complete the quest → unlock Level 3 (iron ore + sage seeds).
Blueprint #4: Iron Ingots → Nails & Hoppers (Fuel Fix)
Chain:
- Furnace (planks fuel) + Smelter → Iron Ingots (10/min)
- Assembler ×2 → Nails (5 ingots → 15 nails)
Fuel Tip: Planks burn twice as long as wood. Fuel Efficiency Lv2 is mandatory for self-sustaining loops.
Hoppers: Unlock with nails—perfect for catching catapult throws from windows.
Blueprint #5: Healing Potions (Level 3 Unlock – Vertical Build)
Materials: Plant 4 flax + 2 sage plots (1:40 grow time).
Chain:
- Grinder → Powder/Fiber
- Assembler → Healing Potions (10/min per assembler)
Ratios (Vertical with Lab Stands):
- Grinder ×6 (3 flax + 3 sage)
- Assembler ×2
Build:
- Ground level: Plots → Boxes → Belts.
- Table level: Lab Stands for vertical stacking.
- Use conveyor lifts (T-drag up/down) and catapults to send potions to shelves.
- Collect 100 potions → Level 3 complete!
Auto Cashier Unlock – Game-Changer
Place the Auto Cashier at the counter (holds 5,000 coins).
Money Loop Hack: Sales coins → Boxes → Catapults → Sigil/land buyers → Back to shop.
Filter silver ASAP (mixes ruin everything).
Now sales are fully AFK—huge time saver!
Common Early-Game Pitfalls & Fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Fuel running out | Use planks, get Fuel Efficiency Lv2 |
| Belt jams | 3-tile buffers, T-config swaps |
| Reputation drop | Stock all researched goods |
| Space too tight | Build vertical with lab stands & lifts |
Final Thoughts: You’re Now Ready for Fertilizer Farms
By the end of Episode 1, you’ve gone from a bare shop to a semi-automated alchemy factory with Healing Potions flowing and the Auto Cashier printing money. Next episode: Advanced Fertilizer, glass production, and mega-farms.
If you enjoyed this guide, drop a comment with your favorite build or any tips you’ve discovered! Join the r/AlchemyFactory subreddit and Steam Discord for blueprint sharing. Hit subscribe for Episode 2.
Alchemy Factory Links:
- Steam Store (Free Demo): store.steampowered.com/app/3669570
- Current Price: $16.19 (10% off until Dec 25, 2025)
Stay effective, alchemists—see you next time!
