Groundwork Simulator Wiki

Open-World Heavy Machinery Simulator

Master excavation, heavy machinery, gold mining, terrain shaping, wash plant setups, and four-player co-op with practical Groundwork Simulator guides.

Release Date: Oct 22, 20264-Player Co-op1 Playable Map3–6 Months Early Access

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Your Groundwork Simulator Journey

1

Beginner Guide

Play the guided story tutorial, learn hydraulic bucket control, and prepare a safe first dig before committing equipment.

2

Progression Guide

Build cash and reputation in the right order, upgrade the machine you own, and avoid oversized early purchases.

3

Gold Mining Guide

Test deposits in a grid, strip overburden, cut paydirt, and keep tested material moving to the wash plant.

4

Co-op Roles

Assign digging, hauling, water, and wash-plant duties before the first bucket to keep a shared site productive.

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Groundwork Simulator Beginner Guide: Excavator, Gold, and Terrain Tips

New to Groundwork Simulator? This beginner guide covers excavator controls, machine roles, gold digging, terrain reshaping, and early mistakes to avoid.

Groundwork Simulator Digging Guide: Test Deposits, Move Dirt, and Recover More Gold

A practical Groundwork Simulator digging guide: test deposits, run excavators and loaders efficiently, haul material, wash it, and recover more gold.

Groundwork Simulator Gameplay Guide: Dig, Haul, and Strike Gold in Early Access

A practical Groundwork Simulator gameplay guide covering digging technique, wash plant setup, hauling, co-op roles, and performance tips.

Groundwork Simulator Gold Mining Guide: Dig, Haul, Wash, and Recover Gold

Master the Groundwork Simulator gold mining guide: test ground, run excavators, set up wash plants, and recover gold faster in solo or 4-player co-op.

Groundwork Simulator How to Make Money: 7 Gold Recovery Habits That Pay

Groundwork Simulator how to make money: test holes, wash plant setup, water routing, hauling, and co-op tactics that grow your gold recovery.

Groundwork Simulator Mining Setup Guide: From Test Hole to Gold Recovery

Build a reliable Groundwork Simulator mining setup with smart deposit testing, wash-plant placement, water routing, and hauling tips.

Groundwork Simulator Progression Guide: First Contract to Endgame

A practical Groundwork Simulator progression guide: phase-by-phase priorities, upgrade order, contract picks, and the mistakes that stall your run.

Groundwork Simulator Tips and Tricks: Master Digging, Dozing, and Mud Recovery

Practical Groundwork Simulator tips and tricks for cleaner trenches, better grading, fewer stuck machines, and a faster path from dirt to gold.

Groundwork Simulator Digging Mechanics: How Excavation, Hydraulics, and Terrain Work

A hands-on breakdown of Groundwork Simulator digging mechanics, from hydraulic bucket control and soil physics to trench planning and gold recovery.

Groundwork Simulator Flooded Claim: Drain, Rebuild, and Keep Digging

A Groundwork Simulator flooded claim stalls your dig. Learn how water pools, how to drain a pit, machine tactics for wet ground, and prevention tips.

Groundwork Simulator Gold Washing: Full Guide to Paydirt Recovery

Master Groundwork Simulator gold washing: test deposits, dig and haul paydirt, feed the wash plant, and recover clean gold in solo or online co-op.

Groundwork Simulator Heavy Machinery Guide: Master Excavation, Hauling, and Gold Recovery

A practical Groundwork Simulator heavy machinery guide covering excavation physics, hauling, wash plant setup, co-op roles, and performance tips.

Groundwork Simulator Mining Equipment: Excavators, Wash Plants, and Hauling Tips

A practical guide to Groundwork Simulator mining equipment — excavators, haul trucks, wash plants, water systems, and co-op role splits that keep gold moving.

Groundwork Simulator Vehicle Physics: Digging, Traction, and Load Handling

How Groundwork Simulator vehicle physics shapes every scoop, slope, and haul — excavation feedback, terrain deformation, traction tips, and system specs.

Groundwork Simulator Multiplayer: How Online Co-Op Works in 2026

Groundwork Simulator multiplayer guide: how online co-op works, how to split digging, hauling, and washing roles, plus setup tips for Early Access.

Groundwork Simulator Open World Guide: Sandbox Digging, Gold, and Co-op

Is Groundwork Simulator open world? See how its deformable sandbox map, gold prospecting, water systems, and online co-op play out in Early Access.

Groundwork Simulator Sandbox Mode: Build Your Own Gold Mine From Scratch

Groundwork Simulator sandbox mode explained: prospecting, deformable terrain, machine roles, co-op jobs, and Early Access tips for building a gold mine.

Groundwork Simulator Console: Is the Excavation Sim Coming to PS5 and Xbox?

Is there a Groundwork Simulator console version? Here's the current platform status, why a PS5 or Xbox port is tricky, and how to track news.

Groundwork Simulator PC: Specs, Steam Early Access, and Co-Op Guide

Groundwork Simulator PC specs, Early Access details, co-op play, and performance tips for Windows and Mac. What to know before you dig in.

Groundwork Simulator PS5: Is the Gold-Mining Sim Coming to PlayStation?

Is Groundwork Simulator on PS5? Here's what we know about a PlayStation version, plus PC and Mac Early Access details, requirements, and how to play now.

Groundwork Simulator Steam Guide: Price, Co-op, and System Requirements

Groundwork Simulator on Steam is out in Early Access. Here's the price, co-op details, system requirements, and practical tips for digging gold.

Groundwork Simulator System Requirements: PC, Mac, and Steam Deck

Full Groundwork Simulator system requirements for Windows and macOS, plus CPU, RAM, and VRAM tips to keep the soil physics running smoothly.

Groundwork Simulator Xbox: Is the Heavy Machinery Mining Sim Coming to Console?

Groundwork Simulator Xbox release status: what we know about a console version, PC features, co-op details, and what Xbox players can do right now.

Groundwork Simulator Early Access: Release Date, Price, and What to Expect

Groundwork Simulator early access is live on Steam. Get the release date, $19.99 launch discount, system requirements, roadmap, and what's playable now.

Groundwork Simulator Release Date: Early Access Launch, Price, and Roadmap

Groundwork Simulator release date is here: the digging sim hit Early Access on October 22, 2026. Price, roadmap, specs, and co-op.

Groundwork Simulator Release: Early Access Launch Date, Price, and What to Expect

Groundwork Simulator release details: Early Access launch on October 22, 2026, the $19.99 introductory price, PC requirements, and what's planned next.

Groundwork Simulator Roadmap: Early Access Plans, Full Release Window, and What's Next

Groundwork Simulator roadmap explained: Early Access length, planned maps and vehicles, pricing, co-op, and what the full 1.0 release may bring.

Groundwork Simulator Update: Early Access Launch Details, Price, and Roadmap

The first Groundwork Simulator update is live in Early Access. Here's what's included, launch pricing, the 3–6 month roadmap, and system requirements.

Groundwork Simulator Discord: How to Join, Share Feedback, and Shape the Game

Learn how the Groundwork Simulator Discord works, where to find the official invite, and how to give feedback that actually shapes this Early Access mining sim.

Groundwork Simulator Reddit: What Players Are Saying After the Early Access Launch

Groundwork Simulator Reddit guide: what players discuss after the Early Access launch, how to vet advice, and where the best community tips live.

Groundwork Simulator Steam Community: Feedback, Co-op, and Early Access Guide

A practical guide to the Groundwork Simulator Steam community: where to post feedback, how Early Access updates work, and how to find reliable co-op partners.

Groundwork Simulator Developer Devlog: Early Access Roadmap, Updates, and What's Next

A practical guide to the Groundwork Simulator developer devlog: Early Access roadmap, patch priorities, co-op plans, and how to read progress updates.

Groundwork Simulator Gameplay Explained: Dig, Haul, and Strike Gold in Early Access

A hands-on look at Groundwork Simulator gameplay: excavation physics, gold washing, co-op, hauling, and system requirements for the Early Access launch.

Groundwork Simulator Official Trailer Breakdown: Digging, Gold and Co-op Explained

Groundwork Simulator official trailer breakdown: excavation physics, gold washing, water systems, co-op, Early Access plans and PC requirements.

Groundwork Simulator Review: Digging Into the 2026 Early Access Gold Rush

Our Groundwork Simulator review covers dig physics, gold recovery, co-op, system requirements, price, and whether this Early Access sim is worth your $19.99.

Groundwork Simulator Beginner Guide: Excavator, Gold, and Terrain Tips

New to Groundwork Simulator? This beginner guide covers excavator controls, machine roles, gold digging, terrain reshaping, and early mistakes to avoid.

Groundwork Simulator Digging Guide: Test Deposits, Move Dirt, and Recover More Gold

A practical Groundwork Simulator digging guide: test deposits, run excavators and loaders efficiently, haul material, wash it, and recover more gold.

Groundwork Simulator Gameplay Guide: Dig, Haul, and Strike Gold in Early Access

A practical Groundwork Simulator gameplay guide covering digging technique, wash plant setup, hauling, co-op roles, and performance tips.

Groundwork Simulator Gold Mining Guide: Dig, Haul, Wash, and Recover Gold

Master the Groundwork Simulator gold mining guide: test ground, run excavators, set up wash plants, and recover gold faster in solo or 4-player co-op.

Groundwork Simulator How to Make Money: 7 Gold Recovery Habits That Pay

Groundwork Simulator how to make money: test holes, wash plant setup, water routing, hauling, and co-op tactics that grow your gold recovery.

Groundwork Simulator Mining Setup Guide: From Test Hole to Gold Recovery

Build a reliable Groundwork Simulator mining setup with smart deposit testing, wash-plant placement, water routing, and hauling tips.

Groundwork Simulator Progression Guide: First Contract to Endgame

A practical Groundwork Simulator progression guide: phase-by-phase priorities, upgrade order, contract picks, and the mistakes that stall your run.

Groundwork Simulator Tips and Tricks: Master Digging, Dozing, and Mud Recovery

Practical Groundwork Simulator tips and tricks for cleaner trenches, better grading, fewer stuck machines, and a faster path from dirt to gold.

Groundwork Simulator Digging Mechanics: How Excavation, Hydraulics, and Terrain Work

A hands-on breakdown of Groundwork Simulator digging mechanics, from hydraulic bucket control and soil physics to trench planning and gold recovery.

Groundwork Simulator Flooded Claim: Drain, Rebuild, and Keep Digging

A Groundwork Simulator flooded claim stalls your dig. Learn how water pools, how to drain a pit, machine tactics for wet ground, and prevention tips.

Groundwork Simulator Gold Washing: Full Guide to Paydirt Recovery

Master Groundwork Simulator gold washing: test deposits, dig and haul paydirt, feed the wash plant, and recover clean gold in solo or online co-op.

Groundwork Simulator Heavy Machinery Guide: Master Excavation, Hauling, and Gold Recovery

A practical Groundwork Simulator heavy machinery guide covering excavation physics, hauling, wash plant setup, co-op roles, and performance tips.

Groundwork Simulator Mining Equipment: Excavators, Wash Plants, and Hauling Tips

A practical guide to Groundwork Simulator mining equipment — excavators, haul trucks, wash plants, water systems, and co-op role splits that keep gold moving.

Groundwork Simulator Vehicle Physics: Digging, Traction, and Load Handling

How Groundwork Simulator vehicle physics shapes every scoop, slope, and haul — excavation feedback, terrain deformation, traction tips, and system specs.

Groundwork Simulator Multiplayer: How Online Co-Op Works in 2026

Groundwork Simulator multiplayer guide: how online co-op works, how to split digging, hauling, and washing roles, plus setup tips for Early Access.

Groundwork Simulator Open World Guide: Sandbox Digging, Gold, and Co-op

Is Groundwork Simulator open world? See how its deformable sandbox map, gold prospecting, water systems, and online co-op play out in Early Access.

Groundwork Simulator Sandbox Mode: Build Your Own Gold Mine From Scratch

Groundwork Simulator sandbox mode explained: prospecting, deformable terrain, machine roles, co-op jobs, and Early Access tips for building a gold mine.

Groundwork Simulator Console: Is the Excavation Sim Coming to PS5 and Xbox?

Is there a Groundwork Simulator console version? Here's the current platform status, why a PS5 or Xbox port is tricky, and how to track news.

Groundwork Simulator PC: Specs, Steam Early Access, and Co-Op Guide

Groundwork Simulator PC specs, Early Access details, co-op play, and performance tips for Windows and Mac. What to know before you dig in.

Groundwork Simulator PS5: Is the Gold-Mining Sim Coming to PlayStation?

Is Groundwork Simulator on PS5? Here's what we know about a PlayStation version, plus PC and Mac Early Access details, requirements, and how to play now.

Groundwork Simulator Steam Guide: Price, Co-op, and System Requirements

Groundwork Simulator on Steam is out in Early Access. Here's the price, co-op details, system requirements, and practical tips for digging gold.

Groundwork Simulator System Requirements: PC, Mac, and Steam Deck

Full Groundwork Simulator system requirements for Windows and macOS, plus CPU, RAM, and VRAM tips to keep the soil physics running smoothly.

Groundwork Simulator Xbox: Is the Heavy Machinery Mining Sim Coming to Console?

Groundwork Simulator Xbox release status: what we know about a console version, PC features, co-op details, and what Xbox players can do right now.

Groundwork Simulator Early Access: Release Date, Price, and What to Expect

Groundwork Simulator early access is live on Steam. Get the release date, $19.99 launch discount, system requirements, roadmap, and what's playable now.

Groundwork Simulator Release Date: Early Access Launch, Price, and Roadmap

Groundwork Simulator release date is here: the digging sim hit Early Access on October 22, 2026. Price, roadmap, specs, and co-op.

Groundwork Simulator Release: Early Access Launch Date, Price, and What to Expect

Groundwork Simulator release details: Early Access launch on October 22, 2026, the $19.99 introductory price, PC requirements, and what's planned next.

Groundwork Simulator Roadmap: Early Access Plans, Full Release Window, and What's Next

Groundwork Simulator roadmap explained: Early Access length, planned maps and vehicles, pricing, co-op, and what the full 1.0 release may bring.

Groundwork Simulator Update: Early Access Launch Details, Price, and Roadmap

The first Groundwork Simulator update is live in Early Access. Here's what's included, launch pricing, the 3–6 month roadmap, and system requirements.

Groundwork Simulator Discord: How to Join, Share Feedback, and Shape the Game

Learn how the Groundwork Simulator Discord works, where to find the official invite, and how to give feedback that actually shapes this Early Access mining sim.

Groundwork Simulator Reddit: What Players Are Saying After the Early Access Launch

Groundwork Simulator Reddit guide: what players discuss after the Early Access launch, how to vet advice, and where the best community tips live.

Groundwork Simulator Steam Community: Feedback, Co-op, and Early Access Guide

A practical guide to the Groundwork Simulator Steam community: where to post feedback, how Early Access updates work, and how to find reliable co-op partners.

Groundwork Simulator Developer Devlog: Early Access Roadmap, Updates, and What's Next

A practical guide to the Groundwork Simulator developer devlog: Early Access roadmap, patch priorities, co-op plans, and how to read progress updates.

Groundwork Simulator Gameplay Explained: Dig, Haul, and Strike Gold in Early Access

A hands-on look at Groundwork Simulator gameplay: excavation physics, gold washing, co-op, hauling, and system requirements for the Early Access launch.

Groundwork Simulator Official Trailer Breakdown: Digging, Gold and Co-op Explained

Groundwork Simulator official trailer breakdown: excavation physics, gold washing, water systems, co-op, Early Access plans and PC requirements.

Groundwork Simulator Review: Digging Into the 2026 Early Access Gold Rush

Our Groundwork Simulator review covers dig physics, gold recovery, co-op, system requirements, price, and whether this Early Access sim is worth your $19.99.

What is Groundwork Simulator?

Groundwork Simulator is an open-world heavy machinery game built around excavation, earthmoving, gold prospecting, and gold recovery. You operate excavators, wheel loaders, bulldozers, haul trucks, and trailers across a persistent worksite where every bucket changes the terrain.

The core loop runs from testing a deposit to stripping overburden, cutting paydirt, hauling material, and washing it through sluice boxes and a shaking table. Pumps and hoses keep the plant supplied, while story mode teaches the controls and online co-op lets players split the work.

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Platform

Windows / macOS (Steam)

Genre

Heavy Machinery Simulation

Release Date

Oct 22, 2026

Online Co-op

Yes

Playable Maps

1

Planned Early Access

3–6 Months

Base Price

$24.99

Explore Groundwork Simulator Wiki

Practical Groundwork Simulator guides for the full mining chain: beginner controls, gold prospecting, machinery, co-op roles, water systems, PC requirements, and the Early Access roadmap.

Groundwork Simulator Beginner Guide

Learn the essential gameplay loop, from exploring terrain and drilling for gold deposits to excavating soil, transporting materials, and recovering gold. Build a safe first worksite with the tutorial and basic machinery.

1Finish story mode and read the control list before accepting a large job.
2Lower camera and arm sensitivity, then dig a flat test patch in open ground.
3Scout the site and plan the cut, stockpile, and haul route before moving machines.
4Cut in shallow layers and watch hydraulic feedback instead of forcing a full bucket.
5Load the truck evenly, lift before swinging, and keep the working face clear.
6Test deposits before scaling up and keep the wash plant fed at a steady rate.
Read Full Guide

Groundwork Simulator Gold Mining Guide

Locate promising deposits, test the ground, excavate gold-bearing material, and process it through the washing system. Connect the digging face, haul route, pumps, hoses, sluice boxes, and shaking table into one repeatable workflow.

1Test possible dig areas and confirm there is room for digging, loading, hauling, and processing.
2Clear overburden and level a work platform before committing the excavator.
3Cut the paydirt cleanly and keep the digging face reachable without constant repositioning.
4Haul tested material along a short, clear route and avoid overloading one truck.
5Feed the wash plant at a steady rate so the sluice boxes can separate the heavier fraction.
6Finish the concentrate on the shaking table and keep the recovery stage clear between batches.
Read Full Guide

Groundwork Simulator Vehicles Guide

Understand the practical roles of excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, and haul trucks. Use this early-game priority ranking to match each machine to digging, access work, stockpile handling, and transport.

S Tier

Excavator — Cuts paydirt, trenches, and loads haulers with hydraulic bucket control.

A Tier

Bulldozer — Strips overburden, opens access, and grades stable work pads.

B Tier

Wheel loader — Builds buffer piles and keeps the wash plant hopper fed.

C Tier

Haul truck — Moves bulk material and pulls the trailer between worksites.

Read Full Guide

Groundwork Simulator Multiplayer Guide

Approach solo operations and online co-op by splitting the mining chain into clear roles. Coordinate excavation, haulage, testing, water supply, and wash-plant operation so the crew never duplicates work.

DiggerRuns the excavator, cuts trenches, and loads material without pausing the paydirt flow.
HaulerMoves tested material between the dig face and wash plant with a truck or wheel loader.
WashOperates the sluice boxes and shaking table at a steady feed rate.
WaterPositions pumps and hoses so the wash plant never runs dry.
TestingSamples ground before the crew commits machines to barren dirt.
Read Full Guide

Groundwork Simulator Controls and Excavation Tips

Cover the fundamentals of excavator operation, including bucket angles, hydraulic feedback, digging approaches, and terrain management. Apply practical habits for mud, slopes, and uneven ground.

BoomRaise and lower the boom smoothly, keeping the loaded bucket close for heavy lifts.
ArmUse the arm for reach and leverage, then retract it when the bucket stalls.
BucketFlatten the bucket to grade; angle it carefully to bite without overloading.
SwingLift before swinging and slow the arc with a full bucket to avoid spillage.
TracksFace uphill or bench the ground before digging on a side slope.
Read Full Guide

Groundwork Simulator Water System Guide

Supply the gold washing operation with a reliable pump and hose layout. Run a small test batch, watch sluice flow, and correct water problems before committing to continuous digging.

1Place the wash plant on level ground before routing water or building stockpiles.
2Position the pump with a clear intake and a short, inspectable hose run.
3Keep hoses out of haul lanes and check connections for kinks or long runs.
4Run a small test batch and watch how material moves through the sluice boxes.
5Reduce the feed rate if material backs up, then restore water flow before continuing.
6Clean the shaking table between batches and keep each recovery step separate.
Read Full Guide

Groundwork Simulator System Requirements

Check the official Windows and macOS minimum and recommended specifications for Groundwork Simulator. Plan for the CPU and memory load created by detailed soil and water simulation.

Win MinWindows 10, Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600, 16 GB RAM, GTX 1070 8 GB, DirectX 12.
Win RecWindows 11, Intel Core i5-12400 or AMD Ryzen 5 5600, 24 GB RAM, RTX 3060 or RX 6600 8 GB.
Mac MinmacOS Tahoe or newer, Apple M4, 16 GB unified memory, and the M4 integrated GPU.
Mac RecmacOS Tahoe or newer, Apple M5 Pro, 24 GB unified memory, and the M5 Pro integrated GPU.
Storage10 GB of available space on Windows; plan for the same footprint on Mac.
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Groundwork Simulator Updates and Roadmap

Follow the official Early Access plan, development announcements, and planned content. Track the current one-map build, the expanding vehicle roster, and the feedback channels used for future updates.

RoadmapEarly Access is estimated at roughly three to six months, subject to development progress.
MapsThe launch build has one playable map; more maps are planned during Early Access.
VehiclesThe machinery roster will expand with additional vehicles during Early Access.
FeedbackSteam discussions and the official Discord are the named channels for reports and suggestions.
PricingThe base price is $24.99, with no planned change when the full version launches.
Read Full Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the most common questions about Groundwork Simulator.

Ready to Master Groundwork Simulator?

From your first excavation to gold mining and automated wash plants, our community wiki has free, up-to-date guides for every stage of your build.