Production-chain flowchart

What process does a product go through to become a final product?
X4's production chain is a total brain-buster!

' Hmm... What is a "Quantum Tubes"? How to produce the "Superfluid Coolant" required to make it? ...So, what can I make from "Quantum Tubes"? '

Production is an Important element in the Game, and it is possible to start with a limited budget. It would be a shame to just steer the ship to the end and miss out on other possibilities just because things seem complicated. By strategically considering production, the world of X4 becomes more intricate, Enhancing the overall enjoyment and appeal of the game.

Therefore, I created a Flowchart that is Intuitive and Easy to Understand at a glance.
The chart is divided into 3 sections: Global, Closed-loop, and Terran Economy.

The numbers in the chart indicate the production/consumption per hour per factory.
White numbers show the consumption amount, yellow numbers show the consumption of energy cells. Underlined numbers show the production amount.

P.S. I've only done a quick check, so if you notice any mistakes or have any comments, please feel free to let me know ;)

So is a closed-loop economy very useful?

It certainly seems very simple and attractive, but you should keep in mind that there are limitations to the types of equipment you can create.
Specifically, only Argon and some Teladi equipment are included in the lineup, but destroyer main guns are not included. These limitations may feel like a major restriction in some cases.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is the amount different when using Teladianium? Well...maybe so.
I also made a differential version, so I put it below link.

Those are actually just different in the quantities required for production. You shouldn't need to play while looking at both tables simultaneously. (Unless you're envisioning some rare factory that combines them!)

Chart with Teladianium ver.
https://steamuserimages-a.akamaihd.net/ugc/2287332779822059843/51D69272B45E4864C4BCDA14C332F9E0BE4D9504/

Support-Wares refer to the actual wages Paid to Workers in the station Habitation modules.
If there are enough workers, the manufacturing station receives a production bonus ranging from approximately +25% ~ +53% (varies by Ware) (+9% ~ for Terran stations).
These Bonuses enhance production quantities without altering the consumption of production materials, resulting in an Improved Efficiency Rate.

This chart is divided into sections color-coded by race. The indicated values represent the amount required by Habitation, supporting a population of 1000 people per hour.

So ice is the only raw material needed for workers?

Yes, that's right. All food and medical-supplies are derived from ice.
Simple, isn't it? Now, let's set up the habitats and factories!

Teladianium serves as an alternative to Refined Metals, with factories in Teladi's production technology opting for Teladianium over Refined Metals. While the production chain remains similar, but the product characteristics are slightly different. Let's take a look at the slight differences here.

Broadly speaking, Teladianium is more efficiently 'compressed' compared to Refined Metals, boasting approximately 1.2 times the transport efficiency. Consequently, Teladianium is considered relatively superior.

However, when selecting Teladianium, one must consider that it requires approximately 6% more of the relatively challenging-to-source Ore instead of some Energy Cells. Moreover, the factories producing Teladianium are solely owned by the Teladi faction, and there is limited demand from other factions, restricting potential buyers.

Considering these factors, both options have their respective advantages and drawbacks. Yet, if a player chooses to use Teladianium exclusively, it may appear more appealing than Refined Metals. This is particularly true in sectors abundant in Ore but lacking in solar energy.
Ultimately, the choice between the two depends entirely on the player's preference.

Is the original color inconvenient for printing? You’re probably right.
Well, I quickly put this together. I’m not entirely sure if it’ll print well, but at least it has a white background now!

Production-chain flowchart [White ver.]
https://steamuserimages-a.akamaihd.net/ugc/31062434562734955/D918CA721D0FD82BF247789B7FC54ED8208C9B84/

Production-chain flowchart with Teladianium [White ver.]
https://steamuserimages-a.akamaihd.net/ugc/31062434562879563/6BD53E913FE0E821F1FF7B7A544D0071A53B27A3/

Support-Wares flowchart [White ver.]
https://steamuserimages-a.akamaihd.net/ugc/31062434562734948/A1E52F1560E4B4886C3E3B923B85D00A3296F4CE/

2025/01/16 Added Instant White Background ver.
2024/01/25 Added Support-Wares chart.
2024/01/20 Added Teladianium version.
2024/01/10 Added the number required for production to the chart.
Fixed incorrect Scanning Arrays connection.

A differential version that won't make sleepy. (No numbers indicated.)
https://steamuserimages-a.akamaihd.net/ugc/2287332145955432262/C155CDFD97EB923CB21FFF55502C8D32E2AAF000/