Link: https://old.reddit.com/r/factorio/comments/1vpi2z3/i_feel_stupid_for_not_realizing_efficiency/

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The original was posted on /r/factorio by /u/Alblaka on 2026-08-16 00:03:19+00:00.

So, for 2.1 started a Deathworld with the ambition of doing without a Bus, instead jumping straight to trains. Hit a roadblock around Blue Science due to the immense upfront cost and terrain clearing needed to build a massive rail grid right out of the gate. Realizing I would run out of iron for ammo, and no longer being able to clear nests (evolution clearly outpaced me),

I did a new Deathworld run (throwing the 'Train Bus only' idea into the bin) and also read up on pollution mechanics (yet again) to maybe optimize my earlygame more. Of course I read 'Slot efficiency modules into your mines to reduce pollution' for the upteenth times, but never bothered with it, because why would I care for prioritizing a reduction in power usage, if I'm running of pollution-free solar power anyways.

Cue my expression when I by chance noticed that efficiency modules do not just decrease power consumption (and thus indirectly reduce pollution) but also indeed directly reduce pollution generated, with no explicit mention of that in the tooltip.

I feel stupid now for not having dismissed the go-to advice as 'guide's probably outdated, don't need that'.