Official guide · Finding Needle in the Stack
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the things players ask most. Each one links to a full guide if you want the details.
Is Finding Needle in the Stack free?
Yes. It is completely free and runs in your web browser. There is nothing to download or install and no account needed.
Can I play on my phone?
Yes. It works in the browser on iPhone, Android phones and tablets with touch controls: a joystick, a look area and a big dig button. See Play on mobile.
Does the game save my progress?
Yes. It saves automatically in your browser every few seconds, including every tunnel you have dug. You can also export a save file from Settings and import it on another device.
How many pieces of hay are in the stack?
Five million. The haystack is a dome about 21 metres across and almost 10 metres tall.
Where is the needle?
Somewhere different in every stack, always buried deep inside solid hay rather than near the surface. A Mk III metal detector or better can tell you when a signal is the needle. Full walkthrough: How to find the needle.
What else is hidden in the hay?
About 650 valuables per stack: rusty nails, bottle caps, old coins, silver spoons, brass keys, pocket watches, silver and gold rings, and very rarely a diamond worth $1,500. Prices are in the guide.
What is the best tool?
The Hay Vacuum 3000 ($25,000) digs fastest by far. The best early buy is the Hay Hook for $150, then the Pitchfork for $900. Compare them on the tools page.
What does the metal detector do?
It beeps faster the closer you are to buried metal. Ranges go from 2 metres (Mk I) to 12 metres (Mk IV), and Mk III and IV can identify the needle. It does not detect diamonds. See the detector guide.
What does an Auto-Sifter do?
It is a machine that tunnels into the stack by itself and automatically sells whatever valuables it finds. If it finds the needle, a beam of light marks its tray. You can run up to six. See Auto-Sifters.
What is Purist mode?
A mode with no upgrades, no detector and no machines. You search the whole haystack with just your gloves. See Classic vs Purist.
What happens after I find the needle?
You see your stats for that stack and can start the next one. Your money, tools, upgrades and machines carry over.
Why can’t I walk into my tunnel?
You can only enter spaces your body fits through. Dig the tunnel taller and clear the floor as well as the walls.
Is this the Roblox needle game?
No. Finding Needle in the Stack is its own free browser game at findingneedleinthestack.com and is not connected to any Roblox experience or other similarly named game. Guides on other sites may describe different games.
Do I need to download anything?
No. It runs in any modern browser such as Chrome, Safari, Edge or Firefox on PC, Mac, iPhone and Android.
Ready to dig?
Free in your browser on PC and mobile. Your progress saves as you play.
Play Finding Needle in the Stack