Accurate handling and cutting mode in Cooking Simulator Cooking Simulator guide, tips
Last update: 04 July 2019
We activate it by holding down the SHIFT key while holding the object, then:
- by moving the mouse, we move the object freely as to place it EXACTLY where we want (the item interacts with other objects);
- by holding the LMB and moving the mouse up \ down, we are able to put the object above and below;
- by holding the Right Mouse Button and moving the mouse, we can rotate the object;
- by pressing Middle Mouse Button, we can put back the item.
Context Actions
Contextual actions are based on the interaction between two objects or an object and a zone. This is the basis for cutting, but also for many other actions that you will perform in the game world.
In this case, however, we will focus on chopping and slicing.
You can activate it by clicking on the LMB on the appropriate zone or the object (sometimes available only when you hold objects that can be interacted with each other, e.g. knife and meat).
Cutting
Thus, we already have components, a board, a knife, and we already know how to "enter" into contextual actions (for example slicing). Then we want to finally put things on the board and prepare everything. How to do it effectively?
- As we have already mentioned: an important proportion does matter (weight), not the form. We always divide them into equal parts, so think about how to cut the ingredient so that all parts are fairly equal in weight. Similarly, remember that 90 % of the ingredients can only be cut 5-6 times.
- At the beginning we do not have the possibility to hold the cut ingredient. It is important to cut in such a way that after each cut of the overturned ingredient you won't have to put it back on the board, rotate it and cut it again at some absurd angles. Usually we have to cut something into 3, 4 or 6 parts and rotate it anyway, but often we can minimize this action by slicing and cutting from the top ends of ingredient - equally, on both sides. Make sure that the center of gravity does its job and helps you in maintaining balance while holding or moving the ingredient.
- The first perk you should buy is called "Steady Hands": it's a real game changer in cutting and the second one should be a "Slow Motion" to win a little more time when working with ingredients. Check more details about skills in the Perks and Abilities chapter of our guide. "Steady Hands" will give you more control over ingredients during cutting and chopping (so as they won't roll or tip over).
- Place things on the cutting board next to each other (as on the screens) so that they can be cut together using the precision manipulation mode (you place the ingredient over the tray where you want, lower and release it). You will save a lot of time and precision.
- By cutting the ingredient in half, you can put the halves "flat", which will allow you to cut them in half again, giving 4 equal parts. This is the easiest, but time-consuming way.
- Practice a lot. There is no other way to be good at it than this: a lot is a matter of intuition here.
Once you've sliced the ingredients and you want the heap of scraps to land smoothly on the plate, make a circle movement with your mouse to select how many items (marked with a yellow backlight) you want to pick up at once.
You accept this with LMB. Remember not to go away and not to turn during such activities.
Microwave and food heating
One of our most important allies in the fight for good ratings, especially at a later stage of the game; [not necessarily] a quiet hero of any kitchen... a microwave.
Yes, we were advised not to use it. Yeah, I hear you won't find one in a good kitchen. Don't make the mistake of listening to this trickery - if you want to survive longer in Career Mode, make good friends with it, because you will often serve hot dishes.
The microwave works simply: you open it, put food in the pot, close it, set the mode with time and turn it on. You open it and the food is warm and heated. Superb, isn't it? Now some valuable information:
- thanks to it we can heat up a dish (prepared a few days earlier) and get maximum score for serving the meal;
- the microwave allows you to get an "ideal temperature" rating;
- unlike real microwaves, in this game you can safely put metal objects in it, for example - a small pot (big will not fit) with a soup;
- the only correct heating mode is MED (average power);
- the heating time is only 30-60 seconds (35-45 seconds is usually enough);
- you will only be able to insert some of the dishes by "precise manipulation".
All tips will allow you to create an effective work-flow scheme. It's going to help you "survive" when your restaurant has already earned a certain reputation and customers will arrive and make a lot of fuss about food and overall atmosphere.