Voice Chat & Audio Settings
Configure Ore Factory Squad voice chat devices, machine audio mixer, and co-op communication settings added in demo v1.7.0 and full release.
Why Voice Matters in Ore Factory Squad
Ore Factory Squad splits squads across underground mining, surface factory floors, city warehouse runs, and vehicle routes — often simultaneously. Text chat cannot keep pace when a player is about to detonate dynamite near a shared lift shaft or when a truck needs the loading bay in thirty seconds. Demo v1.7.0 added native voice chat with selectable input and output devices, aligning co-op communication with the scale of four-player industrial operations.
Audio settings also split machine sounds into a dedicated mixer so conveyors and smelters do not drown out callouts. This guide covers device selection, volume balance, co-op etiquette, and fallbacks when voice fails mid-contract.
Pair this page with the co-op multiplayer guide and demo v1.7.0 patch notes for changelog context.
Selecting Input and Output Devices
Open Settings from the pause menu and locate Voice Chat options. Choose your microphone input — USB headsets, wireless dongles, and motherboard line-in all appear if Windows recognizes them. Select output device for voice playback separately from master volume if the game exposes split routing.
Test devices before accepting timed contracts. Push-to-talk versus open mic depends on your squad preference; open mic in noisy factory rooms picks up machine clatter unless you lower the machine audio mixer. Streamers should route voice away from broadcast mix or mute in-game voice when using external OBS capture.
After Steam or driver updates, recheck device lists — Windows sometimes reassigns default comms devices and Ore Factory Squad will not auto-switch until you reopen settings.
Watch Video Guide
Machine Audio Mixer
Demo v1.7.0 moved machine sounds to a separate audio mixer. Lower only industrial noise while keeping UI cues and voice intelligible — essential when smelter rows multiply and belt hum becomes constant. Raise machine volume temporarily if you debug stuck ore by listening for idle machine states.
Balance master, effects, UI, voice, and machine channels once per session when players join or leave. Co-op hosts with surround setups should verify directional machine audio does not mask footsteps near shared lift doors.
See keyboard and mouse controls if you also rebind push-to-talk near sprint or tool keys.
Co-op Callout Standards
Agree on short phrases: "Dynamite three" countdowns, "Lift up" when ascending with cargo, "Bay clear" for truck staging, "Board refresh" when contract terminal updates. Foreman role announces contract acceptance so miners do not over-dig wrong ore tiers.
When voice drops, use emotes at warehouse terminals or stand in line-of-sight at lift exits. External Discord or Steam overlay chat works as backup — match game version after patches before blaming voice on network alone.
v1.0.1 fixed connection issues separate from voice routing — update all clients if only one player loses voice while others hear fine; that pattern often indicates firewall or NAT, not game audio settings.
Accessibility and Solo Play
Solo players benefit from machine mixer adjustments even without voice — reduce fatigue from loud factories during long sessions. Subtitles for UI and contract text remain primary reading channels; voice is optional for solo progression.
Players with hearing differences can rely on visual contract timers, Backpack Full notification animations added in v1.7.0, and map overlays in Redstone City showing friend positions when voice is disabled.
Report persistent voice device bugs on official Discord with OS, headset model, and build date — threeW monitored launch feedback closely when shipping v1.0.1.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was voice chat added?
Input and output device selection for voice chat arrived in demo v1.7.0 (July 12, 2026) and carries into the full release build.
Can I use Discord instead of in-game voice?
Yes. Many squads prefer Discord for push-to-talk discipline. In-game voice reduces app switching for quick lift callouts.
Why can I not hear machines after lowering volume?
You may have lowered machine mixer too far while debugging. Reset audio settings and rebalance machine versus master channels.
Does voice chat work in the demo?
Yes on demo v1.7.0 and later. Update the demo before testing co-op audio with friends.
Did v1.0.1 change voice chat?
v1.0.1 focused on tutorial, crash, and connection fixes. Voice device selection remains as introduced in demo v1.7.0.