THE IDEA
About Haystack Hunt
Someone dropped a needle in a haystack. Naturally, the sensible response is to remove the entire haystack, one handful at a time. Walk through a golden field, clear the straw around you, and turn the hay you collect into stronger tools and little vacuum helpers. Three stages grow from 50,000 to 500,000 to 5,000,000 pieces of hay. The needle stays hidden until enough of its field has been cleared, so steady work matters more than sharp eyesight. There is no time limit, and your progress saves in this browser. This independent adaptation is inspired by Needle in a Haystack.
How to Play
Move with WASD or the arrow keys, aim with the pointer, and hold the mouse button or Space to clear hay. Adjust the zoom to see more of the field. On a phone, use the two sticks to move and work. Inspect your Field kit from anywhere, then return to the blue camp to spend collected hay on stronger fists, spoons, hooks, faster movement, and vacuum followers. The needle is discovered automatically once you have cleared enough hay. Choose the next field or keep digging. Your run saves automatically when browser storage is available.
GOOD TO KNOW
FAQ
- Do I need to clear every piece of hay?
- No. Each field has a hidden clearing threshold. Once you reach it, the game automatically finds the needle and offers the next stage or the option to keep digging.
- What can I buy in my Field kit?
- Collected hay pays for stronger fists, spoons and hooks, movement speed, and vacuum followers. You can inspect your Field kit anywhere, but purchases require returning to the blue camp in the middle of the field.
- Does my progress save?
- Yes. Your stage, cleared hay, collected currency, and upgrades save locally when browser storage is available. You can leave and return later. There is no account or time limit.
- Can I play on a phone?
- Yes. Two touch sticks handle movement and clearing. You can change the zoom and open your Field kit from the on-screen controls.
An independent adaptation inspired by Needle in a Haystack (opens in a new tab).