Where are my keys? is an indie casual simulation game for PC in which players search for lost car keys buried in outdoor locations using a metal detector and shovel. The core premise places the player in everyday settings that turn into treasure hunts after a perfect day out ends with empty pockets and no way home. Gameplay centers on scanning the ground for signals, digging up items, and managing finds to progress toward locating the keys.
Gameplay
The main loop involves exploring two primary areas at launch. The Beach offers a seaside cove filled with sunbathers, beach huts, an ice cream van, and a lighthouse on the headland. Pine Loop Trail provides a woodland setting complete with a creek, pond, lookout, campsite, and hikers, along with the presence of bears. Players sweep a metal detector across the terrain to locate buried objects, then use a shovel to unearth them. Found items range from junk to more valuable pieces that can be sold to a character known as the Fence, who accepts the haul without questions. Proceeds from sales fund better equipment and upgrades to improve detection range or digging efficiency. The shared inventory system in multiplayer means all participants contribute to one collective bag, wallet, and set of upgrades.
Exploration rewards careful scanning and patience, as signals guide players to potential key locations amid the scattered items. Upgrades obtained through sales directly enhance search capabilities, creating a steady progression loop even without time pressure. The simulation elements emphasize realistic tool use and environmental interaction rather than combat or complex puzzles.
Game Modes
Three distinct modes shape the experience so far. Find Your Keys removes any clock, allowing unrestricted digging, selling, and upgrading until the keys surface. Tsunami imposes a 15-minute limit on the beach map, requiring players to locate the keys and exit before the wave arrives. Bear mode sets a 10-minute window on the woodland trail before the animal emerges from the trees. These options cater to different paces, from relaxed single sessions to focused challenges that heighten tension through the countdown.
Online co-op supports up to four players in either public or friends-only sessions using a join code. All participants work toward the shared goal of recovering the keys, with everyone benefiting from collective progress on upgrades and sales. Future plans include player-versus-player elements, though these remain in development.
Locations and Progression
Each map contains distinct landmarks that influence search patterns. Beach features open sands and structures that may hide signals near huts or the lighthouse area. The trail incorporates natural elements like the creek and pond, where dense foliage or campsites could conceal finds. A new map is scheduled for addition after launch, expanding the available environments. Progression ties directly to repeated searches and sales, as better tools allow faster coverage of larger areas and higher-value recoveries.
Single-player sessions suit those preferring independent pacing, while co-op encourages coordination in scanning and digging tasks. The casual simulation focus keeps mechanics straightforward, centered on tool handling and item management without additional layers such as crafting or combat systems.
Is It Worth Playing?
This title appeals to players who enjoy methodical exploration and light resource management in a relaxed or time-constrained format. The co-op structure works well for groups seeking a shared objective without competitive pressure at launch. With no time limit in one mode and escalating challenges in others, it accommodates varied play styles from casual sessions to quicker attempts. As an upcoming release planned for November 2026, it currently lacks player reviews or widespread feedback, so expectations should align with its indie casual simulation roots. Those interested in metal detector mechanics and cooperative treasure hunting will find the verified systems a solid match for short to medium play sessions. The planned addition of a new map and future PVP features suggest ongoing development beyond the initial launch.
