Empty Plate

## Overview

**Empty Plate** is a level that's unlocked after completing the Tutorial, along with the Copper Infection and Gravel Infection levels. It's one of the simplest levels in the game, with a standard 7x7 plot size and no terrain or gimmicks whatsoever. Overall it's fairly easy to complete and doesn't take much brainpower to do.

## Description/Features

The level is just a 7x7 dirt plot. No other terrain or features are present.

## Tips

**Note: These tips are more directed at general gameplay than specific tips for this level, since the level is really generic anyways (and we don't really have a dedicated place for these)**

* A majority of the machines in the game have specific gimmicks that make them harder to use. Be sure to read the descriptions of each machine so you can use them to their full potential.
	+ Practically all of the ores in the game, aside from Iron, also utilize mechanics that require certain strategies to use them. A simple example is Copper, which can zap and upgrade nearby ores when given an electric multiplier.
	+ Even the levels in the game have unique themes and mechanics associated with them. Some levels are cramped and require you to use your space efficiently, while others introduce terrain features that can be exploited for your benefit. Tailor your strategy to make the most of each level's features.
* One thing to keep an eye out for is synergy between certain machines. For example, the Flamethrower sets ores on fire, while the Thawer requires burning ores in order to function. These synergies aren't always obvious, so again, read the machine descriptions and make connections between them.
* The order in which your ores move through upgraders is also important. Machines that burn ores, for example, should be placed near the end of your setup, since burning ores take damage and may not make it to the Furnace if they burn up too quickly.
* Just because an upgrader doesn't give much multiplier or is too complicated to use doesn't mean that it's completely useless. The Zapper, for example, gives a really low multiplier on its own but is valuable because 1. it uses the electric element, which is useful in triggering certain ores' properties such as Copper, and 2. they're obtained in bundles of 5, meaning that they can be chained to reliably trigger said ore properties.
	+ Likewise, just because a machine inflicts harmful effects on your ores doesn't mean they should be avoided at all costs. Although the Combustor is a dangerous upgrader that reduces ores' toughness and stability and can even make them explode, the multiplier and base value it gives far outweighs these downsides, given that your ores are strong enough and that you don't chain too many together.
	+ On the other hand, don't grab handfuls of an upgrader just because it's supposedly overpowered. Although I was praising Combustor's performance in the previous point, chaining too many will eradicate your ores before they can reach the end. Be smart in how you balance your setup.
* Although it's good to have a specific strategy in mind when playing through a level, there are times where you'll have to deviate from it in order to accommodate an unexpected challenge or lack of critical buildings. For example, if your setup relies on abusing tough ores and stacking them with strong multipliers but there aren't any reliable ores around, you might have to consider using a different set of machines instead.
	+ On the other hand, getting a mishmash of assorted machines isn't always reliable either, unless you can efficiently arrange them so that they all synergize with each other nicely.
* Above all, be patient! Although the goal of each level is to complete it as soon as possible, eventually you'll have to play the waiting game while you wait for your cash to build up. Alternatively, you can rearrange your setup to be more efficient, but more often than not that takes more time than if you just sat back and relaxed.