Laser IO

Maybe adding a mechanical essence to the recipe or at leat making the energy cards more expensive

I think its okey not being nerfed or gated. Not everything need to be locked under grind.

not under grind but under one of the essences could be ok
chapter 3? chapter4?

Hmm, maybe the regular essence would be better for the chips, but adding the advanced one to the wrench would be an option. That way you can still use it for automation, but its locked until start of chapter 3.