Top Tips For Getting Started In Soulmask 1.0: Shifting Sands

Soul Mask has officially launched its 1.0 version, marking the end of its early access period and introducing a significant expansion with the "Shifting Sands" DLC. This new content transports players to an Ancient Egypt-inspired setting, doubling the game's map size and offering a wealth of new systems and challenges. For the first month after the 1.0 update, players who already own the base game can claim the "Shifting Sands" DLC for free. The update brings new features like airship building, more bosses, and a variety of soul masks to experiment with, making it an opportune time for both new and returning players to dive into the game's vast sandbox experience, build their tribes, and explore its extensive offerings. The core mechanic of Soul Masks allows players to transform into powerful deities with unique abilities. Upon starting "Shifting Sands," players receive the Horus soul mask, granting them the ability to sprout wings for aerial exploration and utilize a ground slam attack. The soul mask system is designed to dramatically alter playstyles over time, with each ability being customizable. Masks also enable players to take control of their tribe members, offering endless customization for tribe building. While starting with one mask, it's highly recommended to acquire more by defeating ancient pyramid bosses. Switching between multiple masks significantly expands a player's available abilities. "Shifting Sands" introduces a massive open world that doubles the size of the base game's already large map, featuring Egyptian-themed vistas. While free exploration is encouraged, understanding where to go, the expected enemy levels in different regions, and the locations of key points of interest is crucial. To uncover this information, players should seek out and "deter" scouts found in scout camps. When a scout's health is reduced below 30%, their health bar will glow white, indicating they can be deterred. Pressing the 'E' key will momentarily immobilize them, populating the player's map with vital details. This includes average enemy levels per region, enemy tribe camps and barracks, resource-rich mining locations, and ancient pyramids housing powerful bosses. Given the map's scale, prioritizing the discovery of scout camps in each region is the most efficient way to get oriented. If a scout is accidentally killed before providing map information, leaving and returning to the camp will allow them to respawn. Soul Mask is best experienced with others, but tackling challenges like barbarian barracks, holy ruins, and ancient pyramid bosses doesn't require online play. A key feature of the game is its extensive NPC tribe system, allowing players to recruit enemies to fight alongside them and contribute to the tribe's productivity. NPCs can fulfill various roles, from crafting supplies and repairing boats to engaging in combat. Building a substantial tribe is essential for managing crafting tasks on boats or other structures, as the system allows for specific production assignments to individual tribe members. Furthermore, a crew of NPCs is vital for early-game combat in "Shifting Sands," as enemy factions can be overwhelming in numbers when faced alone. Tribesmen can be equipped with gear assigned by the player and exhibit dynamic combat behaviors based on player preferences. For example, a melee-focused player might equip a tribesman with a bow and arrow to complement their close-quarters assaults. To experience all that "Shifting Sands" has to offer, players need solid gear and experience. The early game is best for acquiring these by assaulting barbarian barracks. These locations are heavily guarded, necessitating ample healing items, decent armor, and a contingent of tribesmen for prolonged engagements. Upon finding a barrack, destroying its signal fire should be a priority, as it conceals all item chests in the area. Progressing through the barracks yields valuable crafting resources, healing items, and useful gear. Each barrack culminates in an elite boss who drops excellent armor and weapons, suitable for the player or their tribesmen. Barbarian barracks also serve as a reliable source for recruiting tough enemies to bolster the player's tribe. While Soul Mask features various hostile wildlife, including boars, wild dogs, and hippos, crocodiles and alligators are particularly fierce. The Sobeek Crocodile, a boss raid located in the ancient pyramid northeast of Baron Sandland, is presented as the most formidable. This crocodile is likely the first major story boss players will encounter in "Shifting Sands" and is crucial for unlocking further map progression. A team of experienced tribesmen is recommended for this hunt. A tactical tip for this fight is to target the crocodile's tail, which can be severed, leaving a stump that serves as a critical damage weak point. The Sobeek Crocodile is a rewarding early-game hunt, providing crafting and cooking materials like prime meat and beast teeth. Defeating it also grants access to the ancient pyramid, where players can obtain a new soul mask and materials required to craft an airship, a feature that revolutionizes world exploration. Thorough preparation is necessary for the Sobeek Crocodile fight, but the rewards are substantial. Airships are a significant addition in "Shifting Sands," allowing players to fly over the landscape, bypassing the limitations of river and sea travel. Building an airship completely opens up the map, offering unprecedented freedom and a new sense of exploration. The airship design system is described as intuitive and manageable, provided sufficient crafting materials are available for components. Alternatively, players can utilize a blueprint system to save and share their designs with the community. Beyond exploration, airships can function as mobile bases, equipped with crafting benches, livestock pens, and campfires for item farming. Players can customize their airships to suit their specific needs. Early in the game, it's advisable to farm lumber from trees, either personally or by assigning a tribesman to the task. This ensures that once the Sobeek Crocodile is defeated and airship materials are acquired, players can immediately begin building a personalized vessel equipped for their tribe's needs. Overcoming obstacles to obtain airship materials is a primary early goal in "Shifting Sands." In conclusion, the "Shifting Sands" update for Soul Mask offers a massive amount of content. Focusing on the six tips provided should equip new players for success as they encounter holy ruins and other ancient pyramid bosses. Soul Mask: Shifting Sands is available on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.