The desktop version on Steam, itch.io and the official site is entirely free and open-source under GPL-3.0, with no purchases or advertising. The iOS and Android store listings are paid, which is the only place money changes hands.

Is Mindustry like Factorio?

The core loop is very similar — conveyor logistics, resource chains and throughput optimisation. The differences are that Mindustry is top-down 2D, uses bounded maps rather than one endless world, and makes combat central rather than incidental. Sessions are much shorter as a result.

Does Mindustry have multiplayer?

Yes, both co-op and competitive PvP, on free public servers or your own. Multiplayer costs nothing and requires no account.

How big is Mindustry?

Around 250 MB, which makes it one of the smaller games in the catalog. It runs comfortably on old laptops and low-end hardware.

Is Mindustry good for beginners to automation games?

It is one of the better entry points. Bounded maps and a guided campaign introduce concepts gradually, and a failed sector costs you an evening rather than a month of progress.

Yes. There is a built-in mod browser with a large community library covering maps, schematics, new content and full overhauls, installable without leaving the game.

Mindustry — Free Tower Defense

250 MB

Releases

GitHub Release9/13/2026

v8 Build 160.3

The target dummy bugs continue. - Fixed dummy block crashing or disconnecting clients when configured in multiplayer - Fixed dummy block being overdriveable - Fixed requiredPlanets not working in data patches - Fixed data patch maps sometimes crashing after adding items

GitHub Release9/12/2026

v8 Build 160.2

- Reverted fix to logic setblock rouding; coordinates are no longer rounded - Made data patch sounds only use streaming when above 100kb - Fixed weather appearing twice in rules dialog - Fixed unbinding a key not saving - Fixed category icon mouse position being offset at high UI scales - Fixed objective markers remaining after sector capture - Fixed team-specific infinite resources rule not making blocks show up as buildable in the build menu - Fixed some logic layout issues in portrait mode

GitHub Release9/11/2026

v8 Build 160.1

- Fixed modded particle effects being double the size - Fixed crash caused by API changes with some mods - Fixed some audio-related crashes - Fixed target dummy unit being spawn-able - Fixed target dummy being placeable into payloads - Limited target dummy hitbox size & other values

GitHub Release9/11/2026

v8 Build 160

- Added a system for plugins to display custom UI on clients (see https://mindustrygame.github.io/wiki/serverUiBuilder/) - Added support for servers sending dynamic textures to clients via `Vars.netServer.sendTexture` - Added server remote methods for bulk-filling tiles - Added button to restore automatically disabled mods - Added version selection for mods that are reinstalled - Added support for viewing items in bridge conveyors - Added descriptions for more settings - Added a button to the server browser to sort by player count - Added a target dummy block for measuring DPS - Added

GitHub Release7/19/2026

v8 Build 159.7

- Fixed conveyors not appearing in schematic previews under certain conditions - Fixed Android file browser not exporting with correct extension - Fixed data audio view file name going out of bounds - Fixed logic editor being laggy on mobile devices - Fixed "unit can't build" text staying in the build menu in certain situations - Made modded sector presets generate outlines by default - Added internal rule for block placement limits per-type (no UI yet, only usable by servers/console edits; this can be used for things like limiting number of processors in a map to reduce lag) - Added su