Tobspr Games is back with the sequel to its 2020 factory simulation game, Shapez 2. Created by Tobias Springer, the goal is to create a factory, as big as your heart’s content, while also achieving delivery goals. This sequel, launching in Early Access, has received a massive upgrade, which not only makes it different from the first instalment but also makes it addictive, challenging and fun.
When you start your game, you get to choose between 4 levels which can be changed anytime. Also, due to the game taking place in a space-like environment, players can change the seeds on which their game is generated. This is good as once you progress, your factory can collect resources that are located further away from the main starting area. So it’s best to find a seed that you think might be very efficient for your futuristic factory. Or just come in blind and challenge yourself with a random environment.
One major difference that’s seen when you enter the game is gone are the days of the blueprint-like aesthetic. You’re now in space and have various technological equipment to meet your goals. While at first glance, it may look overwhelming, the game slowly eases you in with the basics before you do the more complex builds. While not many people like getting their hands held when playing games, Shapez 2 can do it subtly through its various tasks and goals. This is done through the side tasks as it’s designed like a progression tree. It tells you to do a certain shape, then it adds to the design as you continue through the game. It took a long time for me to realise that this game was slowly teaching me how to do certain things and execute complex design builds and that it was worth starting over from scratch just to utilise its teachings fully.
What makes Shapez 2 different from other factory-building sims is that there is no cost to build things. Whether you made a mistake and want to start over, or you want to copy some layouts or even expand your world, it’s not going to cost the player anything. There is also no need to worry about resources as the game provides an infinite amount. The only thing players have to worry about is figuring out how to get shapes from point A to B, and sometimes to points C and D.
The best strategy when playing Shapez 2 is organisation. And thanks to the game’s newest art design, figuring out which shape is which is much easier. This also helps as you need to start planning on how to fully optimize your factory. Sure, you can wait endless minutes for certain tasks to be completed. Or, you can go all out, use that out-of-the-box thinking, and find ways to make your factory efficient so you can move shapes around faster. This is the type of game that would make you wipe everything clean to create something that increases productivity and it doesn’t punish you for it (unless you’re playing at a harder level).
According to its Steam page, Shapez 2 will have two versions – the Base Game and the Supporter edition. What makes the supporter edition different from the base game is that it also includes more modes of shape transport through the use of trains and the rail system, adding more variety to the game. These will once again test your factory-building puzzle skills and the only limit is your imagination.
In addition, The Supporter edition adds more music, as well as access to the soundtrack. The music matches the theme of this new factory location setting as it is very futuristic and well-composed. To me, it didn’t sound jarring and didn’t feel like I had to put the game on mute if I wanted to continue.
Shapez 2 is launching in Early Access, but based on what’s seen so far, it’s a solid experience. With so much going on in your factory, you’d think your computer would crash or lag, especially due to the game being designed in 3D, as well as the music it provides. But it’s able to hold itself together, regardless of how much bustling activity is happening on screen.
Not to mention, Shapez 2 has been in development for a year, as the alpha build started back in April 2023. It even got the German Government to help fund it through the Computerspielförderung des Bundes (Federal Funding for Computer Games). It seems the government’s investment has paid off, and now Shapez 2 is definitely worth playing, especially if you’re a fan of the previous title or just factory-building sims in general.
It will be interesting to see how Shapez 2 evolves during its Early Access journey.
About the Author
Erielle Sudario
If she's not podcasting, Erielle Sudario is seen either playing Baldurs Gate 3, The Sims, or a really cute cozy indie game that she found either in conventions or on TikTok. Outside of gaming, she's either embracing her inner Swiftie, building keyboards, or watching shows/films in theatres or streaming platforms.
