Mining Company – A Survival Horror Sim That’s Janky, But Fun

In a world where indie horror games are taking unexpected turns—be it underwater, in the woods, or inside clown-filled VHS nightmares—Mining Company asks a different question: What if capitalism was the real monster all along?

Developed by SoG, this scrappy online co-op horror game throws 1–4 players into space with one objective: pay off your company’s brand-new spaceship before the intergalactic debt collectors (and actual monsters) come calling. It’s a weird blend of survival horror, resource trading, and multiplayer mining chaos, and while it’s far from polished, it hits just enough absurd notes to make it a co-op gem—if you bring the right crew.

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💰 The Loop: Hustle or Die

At its core, Mining Company is a high-stress survival sim wrapped in a mining and trading loop. Here’s how a typical session goes:

• Land on an asteroid
• Rush into cave networks to mine colored gems (green, blue, gold, etc.)
• Watch market values change every second and sell smart
• Buy fuel, supplies, and upgrades
• Escape the asteroid before nightfall—or be devoured by its residents

You’ll do this repeatedly across different asteroids, each with escalating danger levels and steeper financial stakes. The twist? You’re constantly on the edge of bankruptcy or death, and sometimes both.

This isn’t just about digging up shiny rocks—it’s about timing, teamwork, and making sure nobody dies before cashing in the loot.

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🧠 Strategy Meets Panic in Space

Mining Company might wear the skin of a sci-fi resource game, but underneath it’s a janky economy-based horror experience. It pulls elements from games like Lethal Company, Deep Rock Galactic, and even a bit of DayZ—just with more pickaxes and financial anxiety.

Key systems include:

• Real-time gem market: Prices change by the second, so players constantly weigh whether to keep mining or sell quickly. One misstep and a full load of gems could be worth pennies.
• Survival mechanics: Stamina, fuel, inventory management, and nightfall all pressure players to move fast—but smart.
• Proximity voice chat and walkies: Crucial for coordination, but hilariously broken at times. Expect moments of panic like, “IS ANYONE OUTSIDE? WHY DID YOU LOCK THE SHIP?!”

The horror element kicks in at nightfall. Whatever’s out there—giant spiders, mechanical sentinels, space worms—comes alive after dark. You don’t get to fight back. You get to run, scream, and hope the ship’s still fueled.

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🚀 Co-Op Chaos Done Right (Mostly)

The game is clearly designed for multiplayer first, and it’s where it shines:

• Coordination is key: One player manages the gem haul, another keeps watch, someone tracks market prices, and another preps fuel for escape.
• Emergent storytelling: Every mission feels like a micro drama. Players get lost in tunnels, scream through staticky radios, or sacrifice themselves so the rest can make quota.
• Social disaster: Expect a lot of blaming your friends for abandoning you—or laughing at their screams when they do.

But the cracks show quickly if you try to go it alone.

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🧍‍♂️ Solo Players Beware: This Game Is Not For You

Solo runs are brutally punishing. The game doesn’t scale to single-player in any meaningful way. You still need to:

• Mine fast
• Sell at the right market time
• Fuel the ship
• Defend yourself (you can’t)
• Escape solo before the creatures swarm

Without teammates, it becomes less of a challenge and more of an exercise in frustration. If you’re not part of a crew, this game might feel impossible.

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⚙️ Gear, Market, and Progression

Progression in Mining Company is built on financial survival and gear upgrades. Here’s what you’ll be managing:

• Ship payments: The game doesn’t let you forget your debt. Miss a payment and your progress gets reset or locked.
• Tools & supplies: You can upgrade your pickaxe, movement speed, torch strength, fuel tanks, and stamina.
• Asteroids: As you pay off debt, more dangerous asteroids unlock. They’re harder, darker, and offer higher-value gems.

That said, there’s no deep narrative, no major character development, and no long-term save state. It’s a rinse-and-repeat economy loop that’s fun—but could use more milestones to feel truly rewarding over time.

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👾 Enemies, Environments & Emerging Horror

Enemies range from giant spiders and mechs to weird shape-shifting nightmares that change based on location or time of day. Some:

• Lurk in shadows and ambush
• Camp exits and bait players
• Can even sneak onto the ship if you’re not careful

The creatures don’t just add challenge—they raise the stakes. Suddenly, a gem run becomes a race against time and terror, where one misstep means everyone dies or the ship leaves without you.

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🔧 Technical Issues & Jank

For a $5 indie title, jank is expected, but it’s still worth noting:

• Buggy mic settings: Voice chat settings often reset every time you launch
• Inventory UI: Not intuitive, sometimes unresponsive
• Market bugs: Prices occasionally glitch or freeze, ruining entire runs
• Softlocks: Getting stuck with no fuel or no sellable gems is a game-breaking issue
• Glitchy character animations: Clipping, floating teammates, and moonwalking astronauts are all common

Despite these, the game’s sense of chaotic fun often makes them feel more humorous than harmful—especially if you’re with friends.

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🪓 Pros & Cons of Space Mining Survival

🚀 Bright Spots Among the Asteroids

• Chaotic and fun multiplayer gameplay
• Unique blend of horror, resource management, and real-time trading
• Atmospheric lighting and minimal UI create real tension
• Affordable entry price and decent replay value
• Unscripted co-op moments feel memorable and dynamic

💥 Asteroids in the Path

• Unforgiving for solo players
• Buggy systems and inconsistent UI
• Progression feels limited without deeper goals or story
• Tutorial and onboarding are weak to nonexistent
• Too much jank for those who prefer polish