Frequently asked
Does Pike Pole need the internet?
No. Every winter, tool and almanac page plays fully offline. Nothing is ever downloaded after you install the app.
I lost my progress after updating — what happened?
Progress is saved on your device only. Deleting the app, or restoring a device from a backup that predates your last season, will remove it. There is no cloud backup to restore from.
Why does the app ask for the camera or my photos?
Only for one feature: putting the foreman's portrait on a harvest certificate at the end of a season. You can skip this entirely and keep playing — it never affects the harvest itself.
Is the ice-thickness advice in the app real?
No. Pike Pole is a historical game, and its rules about ice belong to the game. It is not, and is not meant to be, guidance about whether real ice is safe to walk or work on.
Can I turn off the music or sound effects?
Yes — open Settings from the Pond screen for separate toggles for music, sound effects and haptics. Your choice is remembered between sessions.