Start with the Chain Overview
Use the production overview to identify every producer, input, output, deposit, and fertile area required by the selected resource. Start there instead of placing buildings from memory.
Inputs, Outputs, and Ratios
Each production building consumes its listed inputs and generates its listed output at the displayed rate and ratio. A building can stop when input storage is empty or when output storage has no room, even if its workers are assigned.
Assign Fetchers per Route
Every one-way transport route needs its own Fetcher. Assign the Fetcher from the consumer's input resource to the source building, then confirm that the route and link icon appear in the building panel.
Diagnose a Stalled Building
Check the building in this order: workers, connection to the pirate haven, input storage, output storage, source production, and Fetcher assignment. A red hourglass on a link indicates that the route is waiting on supply; inspect the upstream source before rebuilding the consumer.
Route Efficiency and Layout
Use the route colors as a diagnostic signal: green indicates high efficiency, yellow medium, and red low under the official guide's default display. Click the link icon to highlight the route before changing roads, bridges, cliff paths, or ladders.
Safe Expansion Order
Stabilize the source and its transport route first, then add the consumer and assign its Fetcher. Leave storage room for the output and keep enough workers and upkeep production to operate the expanded chain.