Don’t sprint to the rare crystals first. Easy rock funds the upgrades that make rare runs safer later. The Stone Miner is a calm harvesting game. You read the terrain, choose routes, cut stone deposits with steady tool control, and upgrade your workshop so each day becomes smoother. It’s not about chaos—it’s about turning a messy quarry into an efficient site you understand. What you do in the game Each “day” or session: Check the map for ore/stone nodes (granite, basalt, crystal seams). Plan a loop that gets you home before fuel runs low. Cut deposits with the right angle and speed. Collect fragments and sort by grade. Upgrade tools, storage, and refinery modules. Review your report: yield, fuel economy, tool wear. Controls Desktop Click to move/drive and select nodes Hold/drag to operate cutter/drill direction Adjust tool settings (speed/pressure) with sliders Click workshop upgrades and refinery modules Mobile Tap to move/select nodes Drag to aim tools Tap sliders for speed/pressure Tap upgrades and module placement How you progress Progress comes from: cleaner cuts (less waste, better grades) safer routes (fewer hazards) smart upgrades (cooling, belts, storage bins) contracts asking for purity thresholds or mixed pallets It’s satisfying because your site improves in visible ways. Hazards and safety-style mechanics (kid-friendly) Hairline cracks suggest slabs could slip—place supports before finishing a cut. Gassy vents may require a short fan cycle. Rain can create runoff—trenches can prevent flooding your path. Nothing scary—just “think like a careful worker.” Tips to play better (specific quarry habits) Approach deposits at a slight angle to reduce tool bounce. Set cutter speed just below chatter. Too fast creates ragged cuts and wastes fuel. Sweep in overlapping arcs. It prevents slivers and improves grade. Bank easy outcrops first to fund core upgrades. Carry spare bits. Dull tools eat fuel and time. Upgrade cooling early. Overheating pauses your flow more than you think. Use belt extenders to reduce manual hauling and speed sorting. Separate grades in bins immediately. Mixed bins cause slow refining later. Mark promising veins so you can find them again in low light. Use traction upgrades if terrain is slippery (wet clay, scree). Tip: Smooth cut. Clean pile. If you keep running out of fuel, shorten your loop and cut closer nodes until upgrades improve efficiency. Real moment: you’ll feel tempted to “just grab one more seam” before returning. That’s how fuel fails happen. Return with fuel in the tank. Refinery tips (simple and powerful) The refinery is a puzzle: align crushers/screens/washers so the slowest stage doesn’t block everything tune shaker amplitude to reduce fine-loss add a magnetic separator when iron contamination starts showing up Common problems & quick fixes Tools overheat constantly: Upgrade cooling and reduce cutter speed slightly. Grades are low: Use steadier arcs and avoid rushing the last part of a cut. Inventory is messy: Add bins and sort immediately. Lag: Close other tabs/apps and refresh. Sound too loud: Lower effects; tool cues still help. Full screen issues: Exit and re-enter full screen; rotate mobile. Parent tip The Stone Miner supports planning, patience, and cause-and-effect thinking. It’s soothing and great for short sessions with breaks. Quick info Platform: Browser (HTML5) Genre: Mining / crafting / upgrade sim Age fit: 7–13 Session length: 10–25 minutes Controls: Tap/click to move, drag to cut, sliders for tool settings FAQ Q1: What upgrade should I buy first? A: Cooling lines and basic storage bins—these reduce downtime and mess. Q2: Why are my cuts jagged? A: Speed is too high. Lower it until the tool feels steady. Q3: How do I save fuel? A: Plan shorter loops, avoid backtracking, and keep tools sharp. Q4: What’s the point of sorting grades? A: Refining is faster and earns more when grades are separated. Q5: How do I handle cracked slabs? A: Place supports before finishing the cut to prevent slips. Q6: Are contracts required? A: Usually optional, but they give goals and unlock useful modules.