Monorails are one of the most useful and complex structures you can build in Mars First Logistics. They allow you to connect distant outposts, transport goods automatically, and improve your overall logistics network on Mars.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know — from the building basics and monorail construction process to example builds and extra buildable structures you can unlock later in the game.
Building in Mars First Logistics can feel confusing at first. The tools are flexible, but their controls and build conditions aren’t immediately intuitive.
This guide covers:
- The fundamentals of building
- A step-by-step monorail construction example
- Key controls, tips, and troubleshooting advice
- Additional buildables you can unlock later
If you spot any missing info or have new discoveries, feel free to share them with the community.
Building Basics
Before you can construct anything, you’ll need the Build Tool, which is unlocked after completing the tutorial. This tool initially allows you to create radio towers, extending your operational range.
Unlocking Build Options
Continue progressing through the main missions to unlock more buildable structures. You don’t need to complete every side mission — they continuously regenerate, so you’ll never run out.
General Building Rules
- Proximity Requirement:
Items must be placed within approximately 0.1 KM of your rover. - Deconstruction & Refunds:
All placed items can be fully refunded (100%). Aim your build laser at the object and select the Deconstruct option to recover your materials instantly.
Monorails
Unlocking Monorails
Monorails become available after progressing past the Umbrella, Trophy, and Beach Ball missions.
Once you complete the Transport Explosive mission, you’ll unlock:
- The ability to mine minerals
- The blueprint for Monorail components
These resources are essential for building and maintaining your rail system.
Mining Requirements
To start construction, mine raw minerals and switch your build tool selection to Monorail mode.
Use the A/D keys while in the build menu to cycle through buildable items until the monorail appears.
How Monorails Work
Once you finish the mission introducing monorails, side missions will start generating that ask you to connect different points on the map. You can build rail lines freely between any stations, even without an active mission.
After completing a route, you can remove the entire line or just sections of it if you want to reuse materials or rebuild for optimization.
Building a Monorail Step-by-Step
1. Identify the Station
To begin, position yourself near a Monorail Station — easily recognized by the circular base with a line extending outward.
Select the Monorail tool and left-click to build from the nearest connection point toward your desired direction.
2. Control & Adjustment
Use:
- A / D – Rotate the monorail left or right
- W / S – Curve the track upward or downward
These controls help you maneuver around terrain and align your track precisely.
Tip: Always face the connection point you want to build from. This ensures you’re attaching segments in the correct direction and prevents misaligned rails.
Example Build – Connecting Two Offset Stations
Let’s say you’re connecting a Southern station to a Northern one, but their exits don’t face each other directly. Here’s how to handle it:
Step 1: Create a Smooth Curve
Start building from the Southern station at a 45° angle, moving roughly 0.5 KM outward.
This allows you to form a gentle 90° curve.
Step 2: Extend the Curve
Repeat the process with the new endpoint to create a 180° turn.
You’ve now redirected the rail to face your target direction.
Step 3: Extend the Line
Build outward from your current endpoint toward the Northern station. Segment length doesn’t matter — cost scales by total distance, not by the number of pieces used.
Step 4: Connect the Stations
When close enough, build outward from the Northern station instead of trying to connect directly.
Once the segments are aligned, aim near the base of your existing section. The blueprint should snap into place, finalizing the connection.
Monorail Operations
Once both stations are linked, you can ride the train between them.
Using Stations
- Elevator Controls:
Use the red buttons on the platform to raise or lower the elevator.
If it’s already elevated, press the opposite button to bring it down. - Summon Train:
Press the Summon Train button to call it to your station. Any cargo currently onboard will stay in place. - Departure Timing:
Trains take 30 seconds to load before leaving. Estimate travel time by removing load time and dividing by two if you just missed it.
Service Delays
If your HUD says “Service Delayed”, something is blocking the rail.
Remove any structures or objects intersecting the track to restore normal service.
Other Buildables
As you continue through the main missions, you’ll unlock additional structures.
Notable Unlocks:
- Pipes: Can be traversed using magnetic wheels.
- Radio Towers: Extend range and connectivity for your operations.
- Other Buildables: Serve both logistical and traversal functions.
Tip: You can grapple onto any buildable structure if you’re equipped with a grappling hook. Use this to climb, navigate, or recover from missteps during complex builds.
Additional Notes
- Always build outward from an existing node to ensure stable snapping.
- Cost scales with distance, not segment count — build freely.
- Avoid cluttering rails near stations; even small collisions can block train movement.
- You can safely delete and rebuild rails anytime without penalty.
Monorails in Mars First Logistics are more than just transportation — they’re the foundation of a planet-wide delivery system. Once you master curving, snapping, and managing train routes, your colonies will become drastically more efficient.
Keep experimenting with builds, combine rail networks with other structures, and don’t hesitate to modify your layout as your operations expand.