Factorio 2.0: How to Fix the Pipeline Overextended Error

The launch of the Factorio Space Age Expansion brought various changes to the game, including a new error message. Although it brought some confusion in the game’s community, this new message isn’t a bug and won’t require a complete rebuild. The error message in question says “Pipeline Overextended,” and we’re here to help you solve this issue.

How to Solve Pipeline Overextended in Factorio

On September 27, Factorio’s developers posted an update for Version 2.0, which included information about pipeline extents. In particular, updating the game to the new version creates a new 250x250-tile limit to pipelines. Attempting to exceed this limit results in the “Pipeline Overextended” error message. The fix is to add pumps in your pipeline setup. Remember, adding pumps to pipelines in Factorio 2.0 is crucial for proper functionality, with pumps needed every 200 to 300 blocks. Note that a maximum of 320 blocks can be in a pipeline before needing a pump. Also, you must verify pumps to be facing the correct direction to avoid issues. It’s ideal to start and end pipelines with a pump for best results.

Pipeline Changes in Factorio 2.0

Apart from the new pipeline limit, developer Wube Software LTD also made tweaks to the game’s fluid system’s algorithm and balance. First, let’s talk about algorithm tweaks, which have been made to adjust fluid flow operations. With Update 2.0, the output rate is now determined by the sink's fullness ratio, with a limit of 100 fluid per flow operation. The input rate limit applies to all fluid flow operations except for fluid wagons, creating a more balanced distribution of fluid among machines. This new output rate limit adjusts the flow as the pipeline fills, creating a more realistic fluid dynamic. Also, machines now share fluid more evenly, reducing the impact of build orders on flow rate. As for the balance changes, these include pumps now operating at 1200/s, which is a 10x decrease but can be boosted with quality. Fluid wagons now hold 50,000, which is double the previous value. Additionally, water now expands to ten steam in boilers and heat exchangers. These adjustments provide a more reasonable pumping rate of 3600/s per wagon, making fluid trains a competitive option for large pipelines.