Aloft Beginner Guide, Tips & Tricks for New Players!

Aloft is a survival game that pits you against the challenge of reclaiming abandoned islands from the clutches of deteriorating ecosystems and battling against the mysterious mushroom threat. It blends survival elements with exploration, ecosystem management, and crafting in a unique way. If you’re just starting out, this guide will break down essential tips, items, and recipes to help you get a head start on your journey.

Aloft offers a different survival experience compared to games like Sons of the Forest or Valheim. The island environment, ecosystems, and crafting systems bring something new to the table. Here are some key things to keep in mind as you dive into the game.

1. Food and Water Mechanics

Unlike many survival games, Aloft doesn’t require food or water for basic survival. However, both can give you useful buffs:

• Food: Provides buffs to help you in combat or provide other advantages, but it’s not essential for survival.
• Water: Boosts your attack speed, so it’s wise to stay hydrated for better combat performance.

2. Key Materials You Should Always Collect

• Charcoal: Vital for filtering water and drawing in your sketchbook. Find it by cutting down burnt tree stumps or digging up old bonfires. You can’t craft charcoal, so keep an eye out for it wherever you explore.
• Paper: While you’ll be able to craft paper later in the game, it’s useful to gather as much as you can early. Paper is crucial for sketching items in your Sketchbook.

3. The Importance of the Field Guide

The Field Guide is an essential item you should always keep with you. Equip it and right-click to open it. The open pages will provide you with valuable information about what the island needs to restore its ecosystem, including plants, critters, and other objects required for balance.

4. The Sketchbook

Your Sketchbook allows you to document and learn how to craft new items. By using one piece of paper and one piece of charcoal, you can draw nearly any item you haven’t learned to craft yet, unlocking new crafting recipes.

5. Collecting Bugs for Ecosystem Health

Bugs play an important role in maintaining the island’s ecosystem. Look for blue and red ladybugs around tree stumps on the starting island and catch them. These insects will help restore the balance of the environment when released.

6. Mastering Combos

When using tools, be sure to press the left-click when the moving line hits the yellow area. This allows you to perform a combo and hit multiple items at once, making your work more efficient.

7. Cooking and Crafting Mini-Games

When cooking or crafting, you’ll encounter a mini-game where you need to press F to speed up the process. While pressing F isn’t required for completion, doing so will decrease the time it takes to finish the task.

In Aloft, you’ll need a solid balance of exploration, crafting, and ecosystem restoration to survive and thrive. Whether it’s crafting essential tools, fixing ecosystems, or building a sailing island, the game offers a refreshing take on survival mechanics. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering the islands and restoring their natural beauty!