- Ore factory squad controls focus on a hybrid of first-person movement and complex terminal management for automation.
- Interaction keys are vital for switching between manual mining tools like the Shovel and operating Warehouse Terminals.
- Automation management requires precise placement of Conveyor Belts and configuring Warehouse Robot routes via UI menus.
- Vehicle controls include specialized handling for Forklifts and Cargo Trucks used for contract deliveries.
- Multiplayer coordination is enhanced through built-in voice chat and shared terminal access for up to four players.
Core Movement and Interaction Mechanics
The foundation of mastering ore factory squad controls begins with understanding the fluid transition between physical labor and industrial management. As a simulation that blends first-person exploration with deep factory logistics, the control scheme is designed to handle everything from swinging a pickaxe in a deep cave to navigating complex economy menus.
Players primarily navigate the world using standard movement keys, but the depth of the game lies in the context-sensitive interactions. Whether you are at your starter warehouse or deep within the Forest dig site, your ability to quickly interact with objects determines your hourly profit.
| Action | Control (Default) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | WASD | Standard directional movement for the player character. |
| Interact / Pick Up | E | Primary key for using machines, picking up ores, and opening doors. |
| Drop Item | G | Drops the currently held resource or tool on the ground. |
| Sprint | Left Shift | Increases movement speed; essential for long hauling routes. |
| Inventory / Tablet | Tab | Opens the management menu for contracts and upgrades. |
| Flashlight / Headlamp | L | Toggles light source; critical for deep mining layers. |
| Contextual Menu | Right Click | Used for detailed machine settings or rotating objects. |
When moving large quantities of raw resources manually, use the Sprint key in short bursts to manage your stamina while navigating the narrow tunnels of your first property.
Precision Movement
- Crouching helps in low-ceiling caves
- Better visibility for floor-level ores
- Necessary for placing low-profile conveyors
Quick Interaction
- Double-tap E to quickly load machines
- Hold E for continuous mining actions
- Instant terminal access for fast selling
Object Rotation
- Use R while holding an object
- Align machines with conveyor inputs
- Essential for tight warehouse layouts
The 2026 release of Ore Factory Squad features improved "sticky" interaction prompts, making it easier to select specific buttons on a crowded production line without misclicking.
Mining Tools and Excavation Controls
Mining is the heartbeat of your industrial empire. The ore factory squad controls for excavation evolve as you upgrade from basic hand tools to powered machinery. Each tool has a specific "feel" and timing that players must master to maximize resource extraction per minute.
When you transition from the Shovel to the Jackhammer, the control feedback changes from a rhythmic click to a sustained hold. Understanding these nuances prevents equipment wear and speeds up the discovery of rare deposits like Gold and Diamond.
| Tool | Primary Control | Secondary Control | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shovel | Left Click (Dig) | Right Click (Level) | Soft soil and surface-level clearing. |
| Pickaxe | Left Click (Swing) | R (Change Angle) | Harder rock layers and precision tunneling. |
| Jackhammer | Hold Left Click | Q (Toggle Mode) | Large-scale excavation in the Quarry property. |
| Dynamite | E (Place) | Remote Detonator | Clearing cave entrances or massive obstructions. |
| Mining Lift | E (Operate) | Scroll Wheel (Depth) | Vertical transport between deep layers and surface. |
When using Dynamite, ensure all squad members are outside the blast radius. The explosion physics in the Forest and Construction sites can cause falling debris that damages players.
Video Highlights:
- Demonstrating the transition from manual digging to automated extraction.
- How to use the Mining Lift controls to move 50+ resources at once.
- Expert tips on placing Dynamite for maximum cave exposure.
You can cycle through your equipped tools using the Number Keys (1-5). Keeping your Jackhammer on slot 1 and Lights on slot 4 is a common pro-player setup for deep-layer exploration.
Factory Automation and Logistics Controls
Once resources reach the surface, the ore factory squad controls shift toward logistics and production. Managing a factory requires a bird's-eye view of your layout and precise control over machine settings. The game uses a "Build Mode" interface that allows for the snapping and rotation of complex components like Conveyor Belts and Palletizers.
Setting up a Warehouse Robot is the pinnacle of automation, requiring players to interact with digital "nodes" to define movement paths.
Enter Build Mode
Press B to open the construction overlay. This changes your UI to show valid snap points for machines and belts.
Select and Rotate
Use the Scroll Wheel to cycle through unlocked production licenses. Press R to rotate the machine 90 degrees to align inputs with your resource drop zones.
Link Conveyors
Click the output port of Machine A and drag to the input port of Machine B. The ore factory squad controls will automatically calculate the shortest valid belt path.
Configure Robots
Access the Robot Terminal. Click and drag on the warehouse floor to draw a path from the Palletizer to the Staging Area.
| Automation Component | Primary Interaction | Control Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Conveyor Belt | Click and Drag | Create a continuous flow from mine to machine. |
| Palletizer | E (Open Menu) | Set the quantity per pallet (e.g., 20 units). |
| Drop Zone | Right Click | Assign a specific resource type to that zone. |
| Warehouse Robot | Robot Terminal | Define routes and charging station priority. |
Use the Left Alt key while placing conveyors to disable the "auto-snap" feature. This allows for more creative, compact layouts in the smaller Suburban Backyard property.
Vehicle Handling and Delivery Controls
Transporting finished goods to fulfill Company Contracts requires mastering the game's vehicle physics. Whether you are driving a small utility vehicle through the city or operating a Forklift in a cramped warehouse, the controls are designed to be deliberate and physics-based.
Loading a truck for a $40,000 contract is a high-stakes task where one wrong move can topple a pallet of expensive processed ore.
| Vehicle | Acceleration | Steering | Special Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utility Car | W | AD | Space (Handbrake) for tight city turns. |
| Forklift | W/S | AD | F/V (Raise/Lower Forks) for pallet handling. |
| Cargo Truck | W | AD | E (Open Rear Doors) for loading pallets. |
| Mining Vehicle | W | AD | Left Click (Activate Drill/Bucket). |
When loading the Cargo Truck, use the Forklift to place pallets as far forward as possible. This prevents weight distribution issues that can make the truck difficult to handle on the snowy roads near the Quarry.
Pre-Delivery Control Checklist:
- Verify all pallets are securely placed in the truck bed
- Close the rear cargo doors using the E key
- Check the Tablet (Tab) to confirm contract requirements
- Ensure the vehicle has enough fuel for the trip to the city
- Clear the warehouse exit of any stray Warehouse Robots
Multiplayer Squad Controls and Roles
In co-op mode, ore factory squad controls expand to include team management features. Effective squads divide labor based on these specialized control tasks. While one player focuses on the high-precision Jackhammer controls underground, another manages the Warehouse Terminal and logistics.
The game includes a positional voice chat system that is essential for coordinating large-scale operations in areas like the Construction Site.
| Squad Role | Primary Control Focus | Key Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Miner | Excavation Tools / Lifts | Discovering and extracting raw deposits. |
| Logistics Officer | Forklifts / Robots | Moving material from mine to factory. |
| Factory Manager | Build Mode / Terminals | Optimizing production lines and recipes. |
| Contract Agent | Tablet / Negotiation | Accepting orders and handling city deliveries. |
Using the Middle Mouse Button allows you to "Ping" objects for your teammates. This is the fastest way to alert your squad to a newly discovered Gold vein or a bottleneck in the conveyor system.
Q: How do I change the sensitivity for ore factory squad controls?
You can adjust both mouse and controller sensitivity in the 'Settings' menu under the 'Input' tab. This is particularly helpful for precision tasks like Forklift operation.
Q: Can I rebind the keys for the Warehouse Robot terminal?
Most movement and interaction keys are rebindable. However, specific UI shortcuts within the Warehouse Robot and Automation terminals are currently fixed to ensure compatibility with the logic grid.
Q: What are the best controls for operating the Mining Lift?
The Mining Lift uses E to enter the operator station, and the W/S keys (or Scroll Wheel) to control vertical movement. Ensure the platform is fully stopped before attempting to unload resources.
Q: Is there a shortcut to check contract progress quickly?
Yes, pressing the Tab key opens your industrial tablet, where the 'Active Contracts' tab shows real-time production numbers and delivery deadlines.