After years in early access, survival crafting game fans can now experience Soul Mask in its full glory with the 1.0 launch. Alongside this definitive version comes the game’s most ambitious update yet, the Shifting Sands DLC. This Ancient Egypt-inspired expansion doubles the map size, introduces airship building, and adds a variety of new bosses, resources, and mechanics. For the next month, anyone who owns the base game can download the DLC for free, making it an opportune time for newcomers and veterans alike to dive into the action.

If you’re new to Soul Mask or entering Shifting Sands for the first time, the game’s massive open world and deep systems might feel overwhelming. Here are six essential tips to help you build your tribe, master the soul mask system, and explore every corner of the desert.

1. Understand the power of the Horus soul mask

Soul masks are central to Soul Mask’s gameplay, acting as transformative tools that imbue players with supernatural abilities. In Shifting Sands, you start with the Horus soul mask, which is perfect for first-time explorers. Horus allows you to sprout wings, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the expansive Egyptian landscape. The mask also has a ground-slam ability, ideal for dealing with enemies clustered below. Early game strategies should focus on mastering the Horus mask’s movement and combat advantages.

As you progress, aim to collect additional masks by defeating ancient pyramid bosses. Each soul mask offers unique powers, and switching between them lets you adapt your abilities to different situations. For optimal gameplay, experiment with the masks to create a versatile arsenal of tools. Tribe management also ties into these powers, as some masks allow you to direct NPCs to gather resources or perform tasks.

2. Scout camps unlock vital map information

The Shifting Sands DLC doubles the map size, turning an already sprawling world into an even more colossal expanse. While it’s tempting to wander aimlessly, knowing where to go can save you time and resources. Key locations like crafting resource zones, enemy levels, and boss lairs are revealed by deterred scouts.

To deter a scout, lower their health to below 30% during combat. Once their health bar turns white, press the interaction key to immobilize them momentarily. This action populates your map with essential markers, including enemy tribe locations and crafting hotspots like mines. If you accidentally kill a scout, don’t panic—scouts respawn after some time, allowing you another chance to extract information.

3. Build and utilize your tribe

Soul Mask shines as a game that merges survivalcraft with advanced NPC systems. Your tribe can be your greatest asset, providing crafting support, engaging in battles, and carrying out specialized tasks. To deal with the formidable enemies in Shifting Sands, recruit capable members and assign each a specific role. For example, tailor your tribe composition to suit your combat style by balancing melee fighters and ranged units.

In the early stages of the DLC, focusing tribe efforts on crafting and resource gathering is essential. Assign NPCs to repetitive tasks like gathering lumber or fixing boats, freeing you to focus on exploration and combat. Later, tribe synergy plays a significant role in taking down bosses, so make sure your recruits are well-equipped and leveled up.

4. Tackle barbarian barracks for gear and levels

The road to survival in Shifting Sands often begins with upgrading your gear and gaining experience. Barbarian barracks serve both purposes. These fortified camps house enemies, crafting materials, and rare loot. To maximize your spoils:

• Prepare thoroughly with healing items and reliable armor before tackling a barrack.
• Destroy the signal fire quickly to reveal item chests sprinkled throughout the area.
• Take down the elite boss lurking at the end—these enemies drop some of the game’s best weapons and armor, essential for your progression.

In addition to being a resource trove, barracks are an excellent recruitment spot for building your tribe. The enemies within these camps can be deterred and converted into powerful allies, ensuring your tribe keeps growing stronger with each raid.

5. Master battle preparation for boss fights

No survival game is complete without epic boss battles, and Shifting Sands does not disappoint. The first major boss encounter, the Sobek Crocodile, looms in the pyramid northeast of the Baron Sandland. This powerful adversary is likely your first step toward unlocking new areas of the map and acquiring advanced crafting materials.

To defeat the Sobek Crocodile:

• Focus on targeting its tail, which can be severed to create a critical damage point.
• Take an experienced tribe along for the fight, balancing roles like ranged support and melee tanking.
• Use the high-quality loot from the fight—including crafting materials and a new soul mask—to set the stage for future exploration.

6. Build an airship for limitless exploration

Perhaps the most exciting feature in Shifting Sands is the ability to craft airships, a game-changing addition that redefines navigation. Airships allow players to traverse the map with unprecedented freedom while serving as mobile bases for crafting and farming.

Constructing an airship requires solid preparation. Focus early efforts on gathering lumber and other core resources—assign tribesmen to handle these repetitive tasks for efficiency. While designing airships can be challenging for some players, the game supports a blueprint system that simplifies the process. You can save your designs or download community-created ones to suit your needs.

Once airborne, your ship isn't just for travel. Set up crafting benches, livestock pens, and other equipment aboard your airship to create a floating hub for all your tribe’s needs. Whether you prefer building from scratch or relying on templates, the airship is an essential tool for conquering the vast expanses of Shifting Sands.

The journey ahead

With its expanded map, intricate systems, and cooperative mechanics, Soul Mask: Shifting Sands elevates the survival crafting genre. Whether you're recruiting allies, hunting bosses, or designing airships, the game offers countless hours of gameplay for those ready to dive in. And with a free month of DLC access for base game owners, there’s no better time to start exploring.

Soul Mask: Shifting Sands is available now on Steam and the Epic Games Store. Start your journey and see what stories the sands of Ancient Egypt have waiting for you.