Casual · FREE BROWSER GAME
Gold Miner
About Gold Miner
Gold Miner is a free hook-and-grab arcade game you can play in your browser. A crane's claw swings above an underground field of gold nuggets, rocks and treasure bags. Time a tap or mouse click to send it along its current angle, then watch it haul the catch back to the surface. A clear path to valuable gold is useful; a rock in that path can turn the same shot into a slow, low-paying haul.
Each level starts with 60 seconds. In this version, Level 1 has a $670 target, and later levels set higher goals. Your money is shown at the upper left, with the target and remaining time at the upper right. Build the displayed total to at least the target before the clock reaches zero. Successful rounds lead to a shop between levels, giving you a chance to buy supplies before returning to the mine.
- Controls
- Tap or click to launch the claw
- Time
- 60 seconds per level
- First target
- $670 in Level 1
How to play Gold Miner
- Use the play buttons on the loading screen and main menu, then tap TAP TO PLAY to begin the level. Check the target and timer before your first grab.
- Wait for the swinging claw to point toward a piece of treasure. Tap and release on the playfield, or click and release with the mouse, to launch it along that angle.
- The claw catches an object and reels back automatically. Wait for the haul to finish before launching again. Money is added when the catch reaches the surface, not when the claw first touches it.
- Compare your money at the upper left with the target beside the bullseye at the upper right. The star shows your level, and the hourglass shows the seconds remaining.
- Have at least the target amount when the timer reaches zero to pass the round. Reaching the target early does not immediately end the level, so you can keep collecting. If you fall short at the end, the run is over.
Claw timing and treasure-picking tips
Trace the whole path before releasing
Imagine a straight line extending from the claw in the direction it is pointing. Check for a rock or another object between the claw and your intended nugget. Tapping over a piece of gold does not aim at it; the swing angle determines the shot.
Leave time for the biggest hauls
Large nuggets can be valuable, but heavy catches return slowly. Consider a clear shot at a large nugget early in the round, when you have time for the full trip down and back. A smaller nearby nugget may be the better choice if the large one is blocked.
Treat rocks as obstacles in your aim
Rocks usually offer little money for the time spent pulling them up. Wait for a clear angle around one instead of releasing as soon as the claw points generally toward the gold behind it. An avoidable rock can cost you another useful grab.
Switch to short trips near the deadline
As the timer gets low, compare the amount still needed with the reachable treasure. Favor a nearby catch that can return in time. A deep or heavy object still on the rope has not yet added money to your total.
Gold Miner FAQ
Is Gold Miner free to play?
Yes. Play it in your browser without a download or sign-up.
How do I aim and release the claw?
The claw swings automatically. Tap and release on a touch screen, or click and release with the mouse, when it points toward your target. It extends along that angle and returns automatically after a catch or a miss.
What is the first level's target?
This version starts Level 1 with a $670 target and 60 seconds. Later levels have higher targets, so check the number beside the bullseye at the start of each round.
Does the level end as soon as I reach the target?
No. The result is checked when the timer reaches zero. You can keep collecting after reaching the target; have at least the required amount in your displayed total when time runs out.
Why do some catches reel in slowly?
Retrieval speed varies with the size of the catch. Large, heavy objects take longer to pull back, which makes the return trip part of your timing decision.
Are rocks worth collecting?
They add money, but generally pay much less than gold for a slow haul. Prefer a clear shot at useful treasure when one is available.
What do the star and hourglass mean?
The star at the upper left shows the current level. The hourglass at the upper right shows the remaining seconds; the bullseye above it marks the money target.
What happens after I pass a round?
After a successful round, a shop lets you buy supplies before the next level. Check the new target when you return to the mine, because the goal increases as you progress.