Paving the Way Walkthrough

Meet with Andre at the Core AIC Area

After beating the first boss, the next quest is Paving the Way, head to the Core AIC Area and find Andre. A cutscene will trigger automatically as you approach him.

AIC Factory Plan Unlocked

This conversation unlocks the AIC Factory Plan. This is a massive part of your progression, so check out the tutorial carefully to understand how to manage your factory tech.

Go to the Protocol Datalogger

Next, head over to the Protocol Datalogger. Talk to Pocus near the device to move to the next step.

Collect AIC Index From the Protocol Datalogger

Research Mining II

Open the AIC Factory Plan menu and use your new points to research Mining II.

Complete the Electric Mining Rig Simulation

Researching the tech will prompt you to enter a simulation. Follow the on-screen instructions to learn how the Electric Mining Rig works, then exit to return to the Hub Base.

Deploy Electric Mining Rigs at the Originium Vein

Head to the Originium Ore nodes. Switch from Exploration Mode to Factory Mode to place two Electric Mining Rigs and an Electric Pylon to power them.

Store the Portable Mining Rig First

You cannot place an Electric Mining Rig if a Portable Mining Rig is already occupying the node. Interact with the Portable Mining Rig and select Stash to store the old rig.

Place Electric Mining Rigs at the Amethyst Vein

Go to the Amethyst Ore nodes and repeat the process. You will need to set up 6 Electric Mining Rigs and 2 Electric Pylons to finish this objective.

Add Collected Ores to Your Backpack

Your rigs automatically send ore to the Depot. Wait until you have 50 of each type, then transfer them into your backpack.

Deliver the Ores to Andre

After collecting the ores, return to Andre and hand them over.

Talk to Vannikov

Andre will point you toward Vannikov. Head over and start a conversation to move into manufacturing.

Research Gearing Tech

Open the AIC Factory Plan again and research Gearing Tech to unlock more advanced equipment options.

Complete the Gearing Unit Simulation

Enter the Gearing Unit simulation and follow the steps to learn how to process Amethyst Components.

Unlock Top-Down View and Blueprints

Back in the Core AIC Area, you'll unlock the Top-Down View and Blueprints. These tools make building complex factories much easier, and a tutorial will begin automatically, just follow the on‑screen instructions.

Deploy a Gearing Unit for Amethyst Components

Use your Blueprints to place a fully functioning Gearing Unit line. This will start producing Amethyst Components automatically.

Assemble Miner Overalls

Once you have 20 Amethyst Components, open the Gear Assembly menu. Assemble 4 sets of Miner Overalls. You will need some Stock Bills to complete the assembly.

Deliver the Miner Overalls to Vannikov

Head back to Vannikov and hand over the Miner Overalls to progress.

Research Parts Fitting

Next, you’ll need to produce Amethyst Parts. Open the AIC Factory Plan and research Component Manufacturing.

Complete the Meds Production Simulation

Proceed to the Meds Production simulation and complete the instructions to learn more about Shredding Units and how to create a Buckflower Powder production line.

Complete the Fitting Unit Simulation

Next, finish the Fitting Unit simulation to learn how to create Amethys Parts and unlock a Fitting Unit Blueprint.

Produce Amethyst Parts with Fitting Unit Blueprint

Deploy a Fitting Unit line in the Core AIC Area using your Blueprints. Collect 10 Amethyst Parts from the Depot once they are ready and move them to your backpack.

Give Andre the Completed Parts

Finally, bring the parts to Andre. After the conversation, Paving the Way will be complete.