How do I create a refinery in Palworld?

Creating a refinery in Palworld is a crucial step in advancing your gameplay, as it allows you to process raw materials into more valuable resources. The refinery is used to convert ores like copper, iron, and coal into ingots, which are essential for crafting advanced tools, weapons, and structures. Below is a detailed guide on how to create and use a refinery effectively.

To begin, you need to unlock the refinery in the technology tree. This requires reaching a certain level and spending technology points. Once unlocked, you can craft the refinery at a crafting bench. The materials needed typically include wood, stone, and metal ingots. Make sure you have gathered enough resources before attempting to build it. Wood and stone can be collected by chopping trees and mining rocks, while metal ingots require smelting ores in a primitive furnace, which is an earlier crafting station.

After crafting the refinery, you need to place it in your base. Choose a location that is easily accessible and close to your storage areas to minimize travel time when transporting materials. The refinery requires fuel to operate, so ensure you have a steady supply of coal or other burnable resources. Coal can be mined from specific nodes in the world or obtained by defeating certain Pals. Assigning a Pal with fire abilities to the refinery can help automate the fueling process, as they can keep the fire burning without manual input.

Once the refinery is set up, you can start processing ores. Place the raw ores into the refinery's input slot and add fuel to the fuel slot. The refinery will begin smelting the ores into ingots. The process takes time, so plan accordingly. You can speed up production by assigning Pals with high work speed stats to the refinery. Pals like Foxparks or Rooby are excellent choices for this task due to their fire-related abilities and efficiency.

One important tip is to always keep an eye on your fuel levels. Running out of fuel mid-process will halt production, wasting time and resources. To avoid this, stockpile coal or other burnable materials and regularly check the refinery's fuel gauge. Additionally, upgrading your refinery or using higher-tier fuel sources can improve efficiency and reduce processing time.

A common mistake players make is neglecting to automate the refinery process. While it is possible to manually manage the refinery, automating it with Pals can save you a lot of time and effort. Assigning the right Pals to the refinery and ensuring they are well-fed and happy will keep the production running smoothly. Another mistake is placing the refinery too far from resource storage or mining areas, leading to inefficiencies in material transport. Always plan your base layout with resource flow in mind.

Advanced techniques involve optimizing your base layout and Pal assignments for maximum efficiency. For example, placing multiple refineries close to each other and assigning multiple Pals to manage them can significantly increase your ingot production. Additionally, using conveyor belts or other automation systems to transport materials between storage, mining areas, and refineries can further streamline the process. These systems require advanced technology and resources but are worth the investment for long-term efficiency.

Related features and systems include the primitive furnace, which is used for basic smelting before unlocking the refinery, and the electric furnace, which is a more advanced version of the refinery. The electric furnace requires electricity to operate, which can be generated using power generators or renewable energy sources like wind turbines. Upgrading to an electric furnace can further increase your production speed and efficiency.

In summary, creating and using a refinery in Palworld involves unlocking it in the technology tree, gathering the necessary materials, placing it in an optimal location, and managing fuel and Pals effectively. Automating the process with Pals and optimizing your base layout are key strategies for maximizing efficiency. Avoid common mistakes like running out of fuel or poor base planning, and consider advanced techniques like using multiple refineries and automation systems. By mastering the refinery system, you can significantly enhance your resource processing capabilities and progress further in the game.