Needle in a Haystack FAQ
Quick answers about the free find-the-needle game. New to the game? Read How to Play first.
The game
What is Needle in a Haystack?
A free 3D browser game about the old saying. You stand on a sunny farm next to a giant haystack, dig through it straw by straw, sell the hay, upgrade your tools and search for the one needle hidden inside.
Is the game free?
Yes. You can play the whole game for free in your browser, with no download and no ads. Coins and diamonds are game money only and have no real money value.
Which devices and browsers work?
Any PC, laptop, phone or tablet with an up-to-date browser such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari. The game uses WebGL for its 3D farm. On a PC you play with keyboard and mouse, on a phone or tablet with touch controls.
Is it an idle or incremental game?
It is an incremental digging game: you dig the hay yourself, and every tool and upgrade makes you faster, so each haystack goes quicker than the last. The Hay Drone helps out by digging some hay for you while you play.
Finding the needle
Does the needle move?
No. Each haystack has exactly one needle, and it stays where it is. When you dig close to it, it shines.
How do I find the needle faster?
- Sell often and spend your coins in the Hay Shop: a bigger bag and a stronger grip save many trips.
- Buy the next tool as soon as it unlocks. Wide tools clear the surface, the Core Drill digs deep tunnels.
- Fill the Contracts in the Field Book for bonus coins.
- After a find, prestige and spend your Renown on upgrades you keep forever.
How many stages are there?
The campaign has 12 stages. Every needle you find lets you prestige to a new, bigger haystack. Beat all 12 stages to become a Needle Champion and unlock the Champion Frame.
What is Renown?
Renown is what you earn when you prestige. It buys upgrades that stay with you on every later haystack.
What are diamonds for?
You get diamonds from rare hay (from Soggy up to the very rare Starlight), from new stages and from the daily reward. Spend them in the Store on looks, boosts and the Hay Drone.
Playing with others
Can I play online or with friends?
Yes. In a race everyone digs in the same haystack, and the first player to grab the needle wins. Race bots, join a Quick Match with up to 4 players, or create a room and share its code with your friends. Races are still in beta.
What is the Daily Event?
A new needle hunt every day. Find the needle within 10 minutes to win that day's limited prize.
Accounts and saves
Do I need an account?
No. You can play as a guest right away. An account is optional and free: sign up with your email or with Google. You must be 13 or older to make one (see the Terms).
Will I lose my progress?
The game saves on its own. As a guest your farm is saved only in this browser, so clearing your browser data or switching devices can lose it. With an account your farm is saved in the cloud too, and you can pick it up on another device.
What else does an account do?
Your race wins count on the leaderboards, you can add friends, and Daily Event prizes stay with your account.
Help
The game does not load. What can I do?
Update your browser and reload the page. If the game says your browser cannot show the 3D farm, turn on hardware acceleration in the browser settings or try another browser.
How do I report a bug or ask a question?
Use the contact form or write to support@needleinahaystack.io.