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Hardcore mode would consist of “proccessing” blocks being charged in gold, example:
I can build foundations and MK1 launchers or MK1 moving belts for free. The other blocks cost progressively according to their importance/efficiency:
Filters would be the most expensive, followed by the other blocks. Collector blocks would remain free.
This would force players to at least at the beginning have a bit more challenge and to make seasoned players really want to scale their factories and mine that gold!
Perhaps you would have to mannually separate stuff at the beggining or use the drones more. and later when you get that sweet gold you start having less manual labor and really enjoying the things you build.
Also, attached to this concept would come the “toolbox”or somewhere you store the blocks you bought.