Before You Read
The Mound launches July 15, 2026, so these tips are based on the official gameplay showcase, trailers, and developer comments. We'll lock everything down with hands-on testing at launch — but this is the right mindset to walk in with.
The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu is not a game you brute-force. It's a slow, paranoid co-op horror where the wrong instinct — charging in, splitting up, looting one room too many — gets the whole crew killed. If it's your first descent, internalize these ten things and you'll last a lot longer than the explorers who don't.
1. It's co-op first — bring a squad
This is a purely co-operative game for 1–4 players, and it's balanced around a full team. Solo play exists, but it's brutal. The good news: crossplay works across PS5, Xbox, and PC, so round up friends regardless of platform. Three coordinated friends beat four random strangers every time.
2. Prep properly on the galleon
Every expedition starts aboard your ship, where you choose weapons and equipment before setting off. Don't rush this. Decide as a group who carries the light, who's hauling capacity, and who's on defense. A balanced loadout beats four people grabbing the same gun. Our equipment database breaks down the options.
3. Know your contract before you leave
A figure called El Capitán hands your crew contracts — gather treasure, find missing explorers, locate an ancient fort, and ideally get home in one piece. Read the objective and agree on a plan before you descend. Wandering in without a goal wastes the precious time you have before the dark turns hostile.
4. Sanity is your real enemy
The creatures will kill you, but your own mind will betray you first. As sanity drops, the world starts to deceive you — and it does so differently for each player. This is the core of the game. Treat your sanity bar with the same respect you'd give your health.
5. Keep voice chat open at all times
Because hallucinations hit each player individually, talking is how you stay grounded. "Is there really a door here?" "That's me, don't shoot!" Voice chat stops being banter and becomes a survival mechanic. A quiet squad is a dead squad.
6. Avoid fights when you can
The basic weapons — muskets, sabres, axes — are built to encourage defense and evasion, not aggression. Ammo and openings are limited, and a loud fight draws more attention. Sneaking past a threat is almost always smarter than trying to win the fight.
7. Watch the clock — the deep gets deadlier
The longer an expedition runs, the more numerous and dangerous the creatures become. That's deliberate pressure: every extra minute spent looting raises the odds of a wipe. Greed is the most common cause of death in games like this. Set a "we leave at X" rule and stick to it.
8. Learn each creature's behavior
This isn't a wave shooter — every creature has its own triggers and patterns. Some react to light, some to sound, some to movement. Learning what sets each one off is far more useful than raw firepower. Study our bestiary and the confirmed creatures preview before you go.
9. Respect the darkness — and your light
Light keeps you sane and lets you see, but it also makes you visible to things that hunt by sight. Managing when to burn light and when to go dark is a constant trade-off. Assign a dedicated light-bearer and don't let the group drift apart in the black.
10. Extraction beats greed
A successful run is one you walk away from. It's tempting to push for one more relic, but the rewards mean nothing if you don't extract. Bank what you've got, learn the map, and come back stronger. Surviving to fight another expedition is the win condition.
FAQ
What's the most important beginner tip for The Mound?
Stick together and keep voice chat open. The sanity system is built to isolate and confuse you, and an unbroken line of communication is your single best defense.
Can a beginner play The Mound solo?
You can, but it's the hardest way to learn. The game is balanced for a squad, so start with friends if you can — crossplay makes that easy.
Do I need to know the lore to play?
No, but it adds a lot. If you're curious, our lore explainer covers the world without spoiling the game.
Ready for more? Dig into the full survival guides, plan your loadout with the expedition planner, and study what's hunting you in the bestiary.