u/CuteNiko

Hello everyone! Ive been a huge fan of factory management games for a while now and a little while ago i decided to download Factorio since it seems to be the most beloved out of the genera. I seem to be approaching the "endgame" of the basegame (final science, i doubt its the end). I had a few questions i was looking to get answered.

1. How exactly does Space Age work? Is it a full on rework of the game or just extra content? Can i enable it and keep playing on the same save or will i need a new playthrough to experience what ive been told is the "definitive" version?

2. Is there any point in switching to nuclear power? I have solar panels automated at a pretty fast pace and despite not having enough energy storage to keep things up throughout the night it seems easier to scale and way less complicated compared to the nuclear power setups ive seen online.

3. Is it bad to be over-reliant on logistic drones? I have noticed that they dont deliver things as fast as conveyor belts but chalked it up to me using the system incorrectly. My factory is already enough of a spaghetti as is, especially the earlygame parts. I started using them as soon as i unlocked them but am considering mainly using conveyors especially once i unlock blue ones.

4. Defence. I have none. Is it required to build any? Personally ive been enjoying keeping my pollution low by slapping efficiency modules on everything and manually destroying any nearby biter nests but it does seem like they are getting stronger. Does this strategy keep working in the end game or does it fail once you start putting speed modules on everything?