- Primary keyword: This ore factory squad factory guide focuses on optimizing your resource-to-contract pipeline.
- Resource Loop: Dig raw materials like coal and clay, process them into blocks or glass, and fulfill contracts for XP.
- Automation: Unlock the Warehouse Automation License at Level 5 to hire staff like James the Handler.
- Excavation Tip: Use the Metal Detector to find deep-layer resources like Limestone and Iron before digging blindly.
- Contract Priority: Focus on high-XP orders (300-400 XP) to reach Level 7 and unlock powerful dynamite upgrades.
Core Mechanics of the Ore Factory Squad Factory Guide
Establishing a functional base is the first hurdle in your industrial journey. The game revolves around a tight loop of extraction, processing, and logistics. In the early stages, you will spend most of your time in the pit, manually extracting coal, sandstone, and clay. However, as you level up, the focus shifts from manual labor to managing a complex factory floor where machines do the heavy lifting.
Video Highlights:
- Resource Gathering: Manual digging techniques using the pickaxe and shovel.
- Processing Basics: How to use the Crusher for coal and the Forming Press for clay blocks.
- Contract Fulfillment: Navigating the menu to turn processed goods into money and XP.
- Explosives: A demonstration of the dynamite mechanic and its impact on resource yield.
To succeed, you must understand that every resource has a specific processing path. For instance, raw coal is rarely sold in its base form; instead, it is fed into a Crusher to create Crushed Coal, which is a staple for many mid-tier contracts. Managing your inventory is equally critical, as your backpack has limited capacity. Utilize the lift and transport boxes to move bulk materials from the mine to the warehouse efficiently.
| Resource Type | Acquisition Method | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| Coal | Surface/Mid Layer Digging | Crushed Coal, Fuel |
| Clay | Scanning & Digging | Clay Blocks, Bricks |
| Sandstone | Mid Layer Excavation | Sand, Glass Production |
| Limestone | Deep Layer Digging | Cement, Concrete |
| Stone | General Excavation | Gravestones, Building Mats |
Always keep your machines running. Even if you don't have an active contract for Crushed Coal, having a pallet ready will allow you to complete future orders instantly, keeping your XP flow consistent.
Essential Machinery and Processing Units
Your factory's heart consists of specialized machinery that transforms raw ores into high-value products. In Ore Factory Squad, the transition from Level 1 to Level 5 unlocks the most critical tools for your warehouse. Each machine requires a specific license or level requirement to operate effectively.
The Forming Press is perhaps the most versatile early-game machine. It handles everything from compacting sand into usable units to molding clay into construction blocks. As you progress, you will need to manage the "Product Pile" mechanic—if you don't remove finished goods from the machine's output tray, it will eventually jam and stop production.
| Machine Name | Unlock Level | Primary Output | Processing Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crusher | Level 1 | Crushed Coal, Sand | Low Stamina |
| Forming Press | Level 3 | Clay Blocks, Sand Pallets | Moderate |
| Kiln/Furnace | Level 4 | Foam Glass, Cement | High Fuel |
| Fabrication Station | Level 5 | Metal Parts, Tools | Very High |
| Pallet Dispenser | Level 5 | Storage Units | 1500 Credits |
The Crusher
- Usage: Essential for early-game coal processing.
- Strategy: Set to "Infinite" mode if you have a massive surplus of raw coal to build stock.
The Forming Press
- Usage: Creates Clay Blocks and Sand units for high-value contracts.
- Strategy: Always keep a pallet underneath to catch output and prevent jams.
Machines can overflow. If the flashing lights on your Forming Press turn red, it means the output area is full. Use the Forklift to move completed pallets to the loading dock immediately.
Contract Management and XP Scaling
Progressing through the levels requires a strategic approach to contracts. Contracts are the primary source of XP and currency (Credits). While selling raw materials on the marketplace is an option, it provides significantly less XP than fulfilling specific orders. For example, a bulk sale might net you 40 XP, whereas a complex "Gravestones and Foam Glass" contract can reward over 400 XP.
When viewing the contract board, look for orders that align with your current inventory. If you have been digging in a clay-rich area, prioritize "Clay Block" contracts. This reduces the time spent switching between different mining zones.
| Contract Item | Required Quantity | Typical XP Reward | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed Coal | 40 Units | 150 XP | Easy |
| Clay Blocks | 25 Units | 300 XP | Medium |
| Foam Glass | 5 Units | 480 XP | Hard |
| Gravestones | 15 Units | 400 XP | Medium |
| Iron Ingots | 10 Units | 600 XP | Very Hard |
Scan and Mine
Use the Metal Detector to locate the specific materials required for your active contract. Dig until your backpack and transport boxes are full.
Bulk Processing
Load your raw materials into the appropriate machines. Use the "Max" button on the machine interface to process everything in one go.
Palletizing
Organize your processed goods onto pallets. Ensure you have the correct count (e.g., 15 Gravestones) before moving to the loading zone.
Loading and Shipping
Use the Forklift or manual carrying to place the pallets into the back of the delivery truck. Hit the "Send" button to claim your rewards.
Contracts often refresh. If you see an order for Iron Ingots but don't have the Metal Processing License yet, ignore it and wait for a Sand or Coal contract to appear. Don't let high-tier orders clog your queue.
Advanced Automation and Staffing
Once you hit Level 5, the game shifts from a solo simulator to a management game. The ore factory squad factory guide recommends investing in the Warehouse Automation License as soon as possible. This allows you to hire staff members like James, who can handle the movement of goods within the warehouse.
Hiring a "Handler" costs a daily wage (typically around 60 Credits), but the efficiency gain is massive. While you are down in the pit digging for limestone, your staff can move processed pallets to the loading dock or clear machine outputs. This prevents the "Machine Jam" issue mentioned earlier.
| Staff Role | Daily Wage | Primary Benefit | Unlock Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handler | 60 Credits | Moves pallets/boxes | Level 5 + License |
| Miner | 120 Credits | Automates digging | Level 8 |
| Technician | 90 Credits | Faster processing | Level 10 |
Staff members like James have a "Status" indicator. If they are listed as "Working" but appear stationary, check if the path to the pallets is blocked. Clear any clutter from the warehouse floor to ensure their AI can navigate correctly.
In addition to staff, you should look into property expansion. You can only own one mining site at a time. If your current site is depleted of surface-level coal, you may need to "Remove" your current property and purchase a new one with better mid-layer or deep-layer resource density.
Excavation Tactics and Physics Mastery
The physics engine in Ore Factory Squad allows for some creative, albeit risky, excavation strategies. A popular method among veteran players is the "Avalanche" or "Hollow Out" technique. By digging out the base and sides of a large landmass, you can theoretically cause the entire section to collapse, instantly turning it into collectable scrap and resources.
However, be aware that certain objects, like electrical pipes or structural anchors, can keep landmasses floating even if the base is removed. This can be frustrating when trying to clear a site for a "Thumbnail-worthy" clean look.
Mining Preparation Checklist:
- Check stamina levels before starting a deep dig
- Ensure transport boxes are empty and positioned near the lift
- Scan for hidden scrap (Alloy Wheels, Antiques) to sell for extra cash
- Equip the upgraded Pickaxe (Level 2) for faster digging speed
- Keep 500 Credits in reserve for emergency Dynamite purchases
Dynamite costs 50 Credits per stick and actually reduces the total yield of the resources it destroys. Use it sparingly to clear "trash" stone or to reach deep layers quickly, but never use it on high-value ore veins like Iron or Coal if you want maximum profit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I unlock the Metal Processing License?
The Metal Processing License becomes available at Level 5. It costs 2,000 Credits and allows you to smelt raw ores into usable metal ingots for advanced contracts.
Q: Why isn't my staff member (James) moving anything?
Staff AI requires clear paths. Ensure there are no loose boxes or equipment blocking the route between your machines and the loading dock. Also, check that he is assigned to the correct task in the management menu.
Q: What is the best way to gain XP fast in Ore Factory Squad?
Focus exclusively on contracts. Selling raw materials to the marketplace gives very little XP. High-tier items like Foam Glass and Gravestones provide the best XP-to-time ratio.
Q: Can I use dynamite to mine faster?
Yes, but it's expensive and reduces your resource yield. It's best used for clearing large areas of worthless stone rather than harvesting valuable ores.