They made some UI tweaks to make it work well on the Steam Deck. https://factorio.com/blog/post/fff-370

I haven't tried it but I've heard that it is completely playable, although I'm sure not as convenient as using a mouse and keyboard.

I haven't played Factorio (yet...), but the trackpads work surprisingly well for other mouse based games such as Planet Coaster, FTL, point and click games etc.

While I wouldn't play RTS games on it, the pads combined with the fantastic steam input that lets you rebind any button to any keypress (or a macro of presses) makes it so you can be fairly sure you can play most mouse keyboard+mouse games on it.

Initially with a custom input map, took a little customization and getting used to, but was very natural afterwards.

Now with the controller support added to the PC version of the game from the Switch release.

Probably because you can pick up and play anywhere at any time.

Playing on a PC vs the Deck (or other similar portable) is like the difference between being an addict and the dealer using their own product.

It has native controller support as well, evidenced by the fact that it is also available on switch.

I’m personally not a fan, but lots of folks report that factorio works fine on the deck.

Custom input map with extensive radial menus and layers.