The processing of materials made me think about how this system could be improved.
I had the idea that items such as the Lumber Stack could be used to automatically refill refineries with materials even while the player is away. However, I also looked at other feedback beforehand, and I completely understand the perspective that mechanics like timers may not belong in this kind of game.
Instead of relying on timers, better refinements could simply be justified through progression: higher-tier refineries would be required to process higher-quality materials. These upgraded refineries could then still be crafted using the basic/raw materials, keeping the progression clear and grounded in the existing resource system.
OR you could use objects like the Lumber Stack to handle the processing of all your materials, by having everything that is stored in something like a Lumber Stack be processed directly.
- I understand why timers are controversial
BUT:
• I understand why timers are controversial
Alternative ideas:
• Remove timers entirely
• Only better refineries can process better materials
• Refineries can be crafted using base/raw materials
• Or automatic material replacement systems (e.g. via Lumber Stack)