[justicezyx]

Full autonomy attained in 2 hours 55 minutes 58 seconds

The strategy seems to heavily rely on investment, that seems not to my liking.

I'd want to see purchase item to fully automate all sub-games to make the late game less tedious.

One thing I think might be helpful: Make sure there is unsold inventory once you want to deposit to the stock market, to avoid stuck money generation and crushed stock market killing you...

[Tuna-Fish]

Just to make sure it's clear: Full autonomy attained is not where the game ends, it's just where the first stage ends.

[steveklabnik]

The above seems like a pretty usual time for Full Autonomy; I've only beaten the full game once so far, and it took 7 hours 58 minutes and 10 seconds to beat completely.

I've heard some people can do the whole thing in four hours; I'm far along in my second playthrough right now, we'll see!

[opdahl]

I actually finished my first playthrough in 3 hours and 45 minutes. Think I just got lucky with my strategy, but I guess one's focus should be one always upgrading paperclip production until you start having excess materials, and try to keep a balance so input = output as much as possible. But of course, all of this goes out the window on the last stage of the game.

[steveklabnik]

Nice! Yeah, I always found the last stage to be very counterintutive; it's unclear how all of the various things interact and what they should do.

[justicezyx]

Silly me... I should try it again.

[cocoflunchy]

Just reopen the tab and it will pick up where you left it

[Smaug123]

That seems pretty realistic. The easiest path to taking over the world could well involve accruing vast amounts of money.

[smilekzs]

I think the game subtly guides the players towards a investment-heavy strategy.

Also, there is a built-in safety net that saves you from crashes... Won't spoil it completely but you can most easily achieve it right after you start the game from blank slate.