- Refining Core: Master the ore factory squad refining ore mechanics to transform raw materials into high-value contract items.
- Ore Detection: Use the handheld detector to track specific underground deposits like coal, limestone, and sandstone.
- Automated Lines: Chain sorting outputs directly to machine inputs using conveyor belts for hands-free processing.
- Contract Strategy: Always negotiate contract payouts up to 15% higher than the default offer to maximize profits.
- Time Management: Keep digging and refining through the night, but remember that market transactions only occur during the day.
Exploration and Mining Basics
Starting a mining operation requires securing land and mastering subsurface exploration. Before extracting any resources, purchase active real estate through the computer terminal in the warehouse. Negotiating with land sellers is highly recommended; submitting a counter-offer below the asking price can save hundreds of dollars in startup capital.
Once on-site, use the handheld Ore Detector to identify underground deposits. Pressing the target selection key cycles through detectable materials, including stone, clay, limestone, sandstone, and coal. The detector emits audio cues that increase in frequency as the scanner approaches a deposit, while the on-screen density indicator measures concentration.
Video Highlights:
- Equipment Customization: Configure safety gear and clothing before starting operations.
- Property Bidding: Negotiate land prices on the terminal to save critical startup cash.
- Detector Mechanics: Cycle target ores and monitor the density meter to pinpoint deposits.
- Extraction Techniques: Dig safe, sloped pathways to avoid trapping vehicles or characters.
When digging, avoid tunneling straight down. Creating sloped paths ensures easy entry and exit for transporting heavy loads. Excavated materials can be packed directly into the backpack or loaded into crates for streamlined transport back to the primary warehouse.
| Ore Type | Scan Sound | Depth Profile | Base Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coal | High Pitch | Deep | $8.00 |
| Limestone | Medium Pitch | Mid-Level | $6.00 |
| Sandstone | Low Pitch | Shallow | $5.00 |
| Stone | Static Buzz | Surface | $2.00 |
Keep the flashlight active during deep excavations. Underground pockets can become completely dark, making it difficult to distinguish between high-value sandstone and standard stone layers.
Refining Setup and Production Lines
Scaling up operations requires transitioning from manual extraction to automated processing. The core of your warehouse efficiency relies on the ore factory squad refining ore workflow. After delivering raw materials to the cargo bay, transfer them directly into the Sorting Station to separate usable minerals from raw dirt.
To build a streamlined refining line, purchase processing machinery from the marketplace terminal. Unpack the equipment and position the machines within the warehouse grid. Connecting the sorting outputs to refining inputs using conveyor belts establishes a hybrid production setup. This configuration allows raw resources to flow continuously through the processing phases without manual intervention.
| Input Material | Process Machine | Output Product | Process Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limestone | Sorting Station | Limestone Block | 12 Seconds |
| Sandstone | Sorting Station | Sand | 8 Seconds |
| Stone | Sorting Station | Stone Brick | 10 Seconds |
| Clay | Sorting Station | Clay Tile | 15 Seconds |
Conveyor loops will stall if output storage pallets reach maximum capacity. Regularly clear processed pallets or route them to automated palletizing zones to keep the assembly lines running.
Automated Warehouse Management
Efficient logistics separate profitable factories from failing operations. Pallets are the primary unit of storage and transport within the warehouse. Using the forklift, operators can move loaded pallets between active production zones, long-term storage, and delivery bays.
Managing space requires dedicated organization. Grouping similar products together prevents processing errors and speeds up contract fulfillment.
Storage Zones
Keep raw materials near the sorting inputs to minimize forklift travel times during high-volume processing runs.
Active Production
Leave clear lanes around conveyor belts to ensure the forklift can access sorting outputs without hitting machinery.
Delivery Bays
Stack completed red delivery pallets near the main garage doors for rapid loading when contracts are active.
| Pallet Type | Max Capacity | Color Code | Transport Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storage Pallet | 60 Units | Yellow/Blue | Forklift Only |
| Delivery Pallet | 20 Units | Red | Forklift / Truck |
| Loose Cargo | 10 Units | Wooden | Manual Carry |
The forklift has realistic physics. Carrying overloaded pallets at high speeds around tight corners can tip the vehicle, spilling valuable refined goods across the warehouse floor.
Step-by-Step Contract Fulfillment
While selling surplus stock directly to the market provides quick cash, high-value contracts are the most effective way to grow your business. Every morning, the contract board updates with specific requests from commercial clients. These orders require precise quantities of refined materials and must be completed within strict time limits.
Accept the Contract
Review active listings on the terminal. Check the required materials, deadlines, and payouts. Negotiate the final price upward before accepting to secure a higher profit margin.
Gather Raw Materials
Travel to your purchased properties. Use the ore detector to target the required raw minerals, excavate the necessary volume, and transport them back to the warehouse.
Refine and Package
Load the raw materials into the refining line. Once processed, transport the finished pallets to the Large Packaging Machine to convert standard storage pallets into red delivery pallets.
Execute the Delivery
Load the red delivery pallets onto the transport truck. Drive to the designated delivery drop-off point and submit the cargo before the timer expires to secure speed bonuses.
Completing deliveries well ahead of the contract deadline awards a Fast Delivery Bonus, which can increase the total payout by up to 15%.
Daily Cycle and Growth Checklist
Time management is a critical factor in maintaining a profitable factory. The game operates on a continuous day/night cycle, and each phase dictates what actions are available. While physical labor like digging and refining can continue through the night, financial transactions are restricted during dark hours.
At the end of each day, use the "End Day" application on the computer to advance to the next morning. Skipping days triggers financial deductions, including daily loan payments and employee wages. Planning your production schedule around these daily expenses is vital to avoiding bankruptcy.
End-of-Day Checklist:
- Verify all active contract timers have more than 1 day remaining before sleeping
- Clear all sorting outputs and stack finished pallets in organized storage zones
- Park the forklift and transport truck in their designated charging bays
- Ensure your bank balance can cover the upcoming daily loan and employee wage deductions
| Expense Type | Cost Frequency | Cost Amount | Impact on Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Loan | Every Morning | $100.00 | Automatic Deduction |
| Wages | Every Morning | $50.00 | Deducted per Worker |
| Property Tax | Weekly | $150.00 | Deducted on Day 7 |
During the night, property markets, contract offers, and material deliveries are completely paused. Use this quiet period to stockpile raw ores and keep production lines running.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I optimize the ore factory squad refining ore process?
To optimize refining, set up direct conveyor belt connections between the Sorting Station and the refining machines. This automates the flow of raw ore to finished products, eliminating manual forklift transfers.
Q: What happens if a contract deadline expires?
If you fail to deliver the required materials before the contract timer hits zero, the contract is canceled, and a financial penalty is deducted from your company account.
Q: Can I buy properties or complete sales during the night?
No. All market transactions, property negotiations, and contract deliveries are locked during the night. You must use the End Day application to advance to morning to resume financial activities.
Q: Why won't the delivery system accept my finished pallets?
The delivery system only accepts red delivery pallets. You must run your standard yellow storage pallets through the Large Packaging Machine to convert them before loading.
With a solid understanding of mining, refining, and automation, you are ready to scale your factory. Keep upgrading your equipment, purchasing high-density real estate, and maximizing your daily production!