People Playground is a 2D physics sandbox by mestiez, published by Studio Minus and on Steam since 23 July 2019. Every object carries its own weight, sharpness, conductivity and heat capacity, and every ragdoll has bones, organs, blood and a nervous system rather than a health bar. There is no score and no win condition, only firearms, machinery, syringes, wires and a Steam Workshop full of extra parts.
People Playground features distinct areas with increasing difficulty. This guide covers every major location in progression order: what to do, what to get, and when to move on. For the step-by-step path, see our walkthrough.
Area Progression Order
| Order | Location | Difficulty | Key Rewards | Recommended Build |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Default | Any session | Clean baseline physics, no environmental interference | Weapons tester |
| 2 | Void | Any session | Zero clutter, automatic debris removal | Weapons tester |
| 3 | Sea | Intermediate | Boat and submarine testing, drowning and conductivity results | Contraption builder |
| 4 | Lava | Intermediate | Heat transfer tests, ignition and melting behaviour | Contraption builder |
| 5 | Humongous | Advanced | Long range weapon tests, large vehicles, multi part contraptions | Contraption builder |
Default: Starting Area
The mid sized map everyone starts on, a flat floor and a plain backdrop with nothing that interferes with the simulation. Almost every tutorial and Workshop showcase is filmed here for exactly that reason.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Any session |
| Key Rewards | Clean baseline physics, no environmental interference |
| Recommended Build | Weapons tester |
| Key Equipment | Atom Bomb |
What to Do Here
- Learn the basics of Ragdoll anatomy and vitals. This is where you practice without heavy punishment.
- Collect starting resources and your first equipment upgrade.
- Clear all main content before moving to Void.
- If you're struggling, read our beginner's guide.
Void: Early Game
Added in version 1.2.7, an unlit map with no floor at all. Objects fall until they cross the boundary and then despawn, so the scene cleans itself.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Any session |
| Key Rewards | Zero clutter, automatic debris removal |
| Recommended Build | Weapons tester |
| Key Equipment | Atom Bomb |
What to Do Here
- Focus on mastering Heat and temperature transfer. It's critical from this point on.
- Farm for Atom Bomb if you don't have it yet.
- Complete all objectives for maximum rewards.
- Prepare for the difficulty spike in Sea.
Sea: Mid Game
A water map where the liquid drags objects, quenches fire, conducts current and drowns anything that cannot breathe. Three separate systems act on your test at once.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Key Rewards | Boat and submarine testing, drowning and conductivity results |
| Recommended Build | Contraption builder |
| Key Equipment | Atom Bomb |
What to Do Here
- This is the main skill check. Bring an optimized build.
- 9mm Pistol becomes accessible here. Prioritize getting it.
- Master Electricity propagation for the boss encounters.
- Check our boss guide if you get stuck.
Lava: Late Game
A map floored with lava that transfers heat into whatever touches it. Useful precisely because it gives you an infinite heat source you do not have to build.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Key Rewards | Heat transfer tests, ignition and melting behaviour |
| Recommended Build | Contraption builder |
| Key Equipment | 9mm Pistol |
What to Do Here
- Full build optimization is expected by this point.
- 9mm Pistol should be your primary, fully upgraded.
- Steam Workshop items mastery starts mattering here.
- Farm resources for the push into Humongous.
Humongous: Endgame
A far wider arena than Default with room to run a vehicle up to speed or fire down a long sightline before anything hits a wall.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Key Rewards | Long range weapon tests, large vehicles, multi part contraptions |
| Recommended Build | Contraption builder |
| Key Equipment | 9mm Pistol |
What to Do Here
- This is endgame. Best-in-slot gear and a perfected build are mandatory.
- See our boss guide for endgame fight strategies.
- The reward loop: clear content → upgrade → push harder content.
- Experiment with Demolition tester for variety once you've mastered the meta.
Exploration Tips
- Clear areas in order: Default → Void → Sea → Lava → Humongous. Skipping areas means missing resources you'll need later.
- Check every corner: Hidden caches and secrets are often in non-obvious locations.
- Match your equipment: Some areas favor different equipment types.
- Read the walkthrough: Our walkthrough provides exact progression milestones for each area.
- Don't rush: Clearing an area fully gives more resources than speedrunning two areas.
More People Playground Guides
- People Playground People Playground Overview
- People Playground Best Builds
- People Playground Tier List
- People Playground Walkthrough
- People Playground Beginner's Guide
- People Playground Tips & Tricks
- People Playground Weapons Guide
- People Playground Combat Guide
- People Playground Boss Guide
- People Playground Crafting Guide
- People Playground Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy People Playground, check out these related guides:
- Terraria Maps & Locations: sandbox game with similar mechanics
- VRChat Maps & Locations: sandbox game with similar mechanics
- Garry's Mod Maps & Locations: sandbox game with similar mechanics
