Roadcraft: How To Activate a Quarry

Learn how to activate a quarry in Roadcraft with clear steps on positioning, fuel checks, and mission progress requirements.

 Activate a quarry in Roadcraft (Image via Focus Entertainment)
Activate a quarry in Roadcraft (Image via Focus Entertainment)

Starting a quarry in Roadcraft often leads to confusion. You might reach the site, stand near the marker, press a button, and yet nothing happens. There’s no feedback, no error, not even a hint about what’s missing. The activation process isn’t explained clearly in the game, and small oversights can block progress without warning.

The challenge often lies in how precise your actions need to be. It’s not just about being at the right place or having the right tools. You also need to be at the right stage of the mission, aim at the exact object, and make sure the system has fuel. Even a slight miss in your aim or a half-empty fuel tank can stop the quarry from starting.

This guide breaks it down for you. Let’s look closely at everything you need to know to activate a quarry in Roadcraft.

Where To Stand To Activate a Quarry in Roadcraft?

Find the Console, Not the Marker

You can’t activate a quarry by standing anywhere near it. Your character needs to be right in front of the rectangular control pad. Look for a small box near the base of the structure, not the floating label.

Line Up Your Cursor

Move your camera carefully. The prompt won’t show up unless your crosshair or pointer is directly aimed at the console itself. Hover over the terminal, and a command like “Hold to Activate” should appear. Without this, you are in the wrong place.

Why Isn’t Anything Happening?

You can’t activate a quarry by standing anywhere near it. (Image via Focus Entertainment)
You can’t activate a quarry by standing anywhere near it. (Image via Focus Entertainment)

The Quarry Might Not Be Ready Yet

Some sites only work during specific parts of a mission. If you arrive too early for the task, nothing will trigger. You might have fuel, the perfect angle, and the right spot, but still get no prompt. That usually means the game hasn’t called for the quarry to be used yet.

Fuel Might Be Lower

Even if you added fuel recently, it might be gone now. Head over to the fuel tank and check again. Quarries don’t hold fuel forever, and running other parts of your project can drain them quickly. Make sure the tank is actually full before trying anything else.

How To Aim Correctly on Console To Activate a Quarry in Roadcraft

Use Zoom for Better Control

Console aiming can be more sensitive. Move your camera slowly and zoom in slightly. This helps the cursor find the exact hitbox on the activation pad.

Be Patient With Button Input

On PS5 or Xbox, the button needs to be pressed when the prompt is clearly visible. Move a little closer if it’s not responding. Many players miss this detail and assume the game is bugged, but it’s usually just the angle.

Which Missions in Roadcraft Allow Quarry Use?

Some quarries won’t work unless you have reached the right mission checkpoint. If your current task doesn’t involve building something that needs quarry output, then the console stays inactive. You might need to complete a dialogue or objective before the quarry becomes available. Try backtracking or completing nearby tasks. This often triggers the next step, including quarry activation.

How Can You Tell If You Did It Right?

Some quarries won’t work unless you have reached the right mission checkpoint. (Image via Focus Entertainment)
Some quarries won’t work unless you have reached the right mission checkpoint. (Image via Focus Entertainment)

You will know you are successful if the machinery starts moving and dust begins to rise. No sound, no movement? Then it’s still inactive. Re-check your fuel, your position, and your mission status. Roadcraft won’t hand you a clue—you need to observe carefully.

What Should You Remember?

  • Aim at the console, not the floating marker.
  • Refuel even if you think it’s fine.
  • Stay centered and zoom in on console versions.
  • Don’t expect activation if the mission hasn’t asked for it.

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