Better to build a flying base or a base on the ground?

[Lou]

I am at that point ingame:
My first base looks like and i want to move (and first build) to a bigger and better base more in the middle of the map.
I want to build a big structure that i have enough space and to plan ahead, but the ground is very limited, i knot that there are some good places, but i want to build my base a bit higher.

Is this a bad idea that i want to build it higher than the ground?
I can no package oil and liquids, so liquid transport to a higher base isnt the problem, or at least it shouldnt be.

[Maehlice]

Better to build a flying base or a base on the ground?

Yes.

...

Ultimately, you should be building vertically anyway. So, every base is a "flying base" in that regard.

It's just a matter of whether you want them all to have a "ground floor" and appear grounded to the planet or if you want some weird looking concrete slab floating overhead.

I prefer to ground every building but to make the first floor high enough that the "ground floor" can be used for transport in/out of the building.

[Vectorspace]

My personal preference is to build elevated factories, on stilts. My initial rationalisation was that way, my factories canot block future train or truck routes

[Brakxel]

Originally posted by Vectorspace:

My personal preference is to build elevated factories, on stilts. My initial rationalisation was that way, my factories canot block future train or truck routes

I started a new game with this goal in mind and it changed my life (for the better).

[Vormina]

When I find an area I want to build in, I put down a very large foundation floor taking into account later expansion and raise it till it just clears all terrain, then build my main floor two floors up so I'll have a two story "basement" for any pipes or extra conveyors.

My main floor I make tall enough for refineries and trains, then a few 3 story floors above for other machines and a 3 story attic where I put all conveyors.

Sometimes I put walls down to the ground, or supports underneath depending on what looks better in that area.

[kLuns]

start on the ground, end up at the top of the space elevator.
If you think you need much space, pick a compact chalenge 5x5 or similar to get yourself using terrain more efficiently

[Tenzek]

Originally posted by Vectorspace:

My personal preference is to build elevated factories, on stilts. My initial rationalisation was that way, my factories canot block future train or truck routes

I feel like making a separate structure to the side of your factory for a train station gives you more freedom to build and expand. Early on it becomes clear that you need an external item conduit to transport things between floors without taking up internal space for your factory. This sort of developed over time from a small tower to a warehouse/train station for me.

Running out of space is less of a problem this way.

[Comedian37]

I like building large flat areas above the ground to permanently block out the sun from all the fireball throwers below.

May they never see the light of day again.

[Lou]

Originally posted by Comedian37:

I like building large flat areas above the ground to permanently block out the sun from all the fireball throwers below.

May they never see the light of day again.

i like that

[nfgman]

6 to 8 meters above ground keeps the land whales off and most shrubbery from respawning inside. Usually I use frame foundations as supports.

It's kind of fun to build a line of smelters or constructors on a stretch of flat ground every now and then.

When building above water, nice to leave enough room for water extractors.

[kLuns]

Originally posted by nfgman:

above water, nice to leave enough room for water extractors.

If the water is deep enough, try to build coal generators under the extractors ;)