A remaining-needle counter and a hay counter answer different questions. Preserve your save and document the state before assuming that clearing the pile guarantees completion.
What is confirmed, and what is not
The game’s official description includes manual detection and automated searching. It does not provide a complete published table of detection ranges, needle probabilities or final-release spawn rules.
A Steam discussion reports 5/6 needles with zero hay. We can verify that this report exists; we cannot verify a universal cause or a guaranteed recovery method from the material reviewed. Do not treat six as a confirmed needle total for every version.
Trace the search path
These are proposed diagnostic checks. They help separate material routing from completion state without claiming an undocumented scanner recipe.
- Read the scanner’s current description and accepted input in your installed build. Record its version and any displayed status.
- Observe whether material actually reaches the scanning stage. Trace any branches that avoid it rather than assuming the whole factory follows the same path.
- Check its power and operating state and then observe material leaving the stage.
- Inspect the objective counter and any visible pickup separately. Record which one changes during the test.
- Keep screenshots of the scanner, the surrounding route and your objective counters before changing the layout.
When the pile is empty but the counter is not
Do not start a new run, delete a save directory or install an unknown “fix” as your first step. A preserved copy of the affected state is more useful for both diagnosis and recovery.
After backing up, compare your installed build and mod status with the discussion and developer announcements. Check visible loose material or pickups without asserting that either must contain the last needle. A reload is a reversible experiment only after a separate backup is safe; it is not a verified fix.
Why the calculator does not predict needle discovery
The production calculator estimates how long a quantity of hay would take to process at your observed rate. It does not model hidden objective state, detection chance, needle location or an ending trigger. An estimate of zero remaining processing time is not proof of completion.
Questions before you continue
Are there always six needles?
We have a player report showing 5/6, not a universal version-independent total. Use the objective counter in your own build.
Can a calculator tell me where the last needle is?
No. The tools on this site use numbers you enter. They do not read save files, game memory or hidden locations.
See the game in motion
