Kenshi: Top Starting Tips

Embarking on a new adventure in Kenshi, the complex and immersive RPG strategy game developed by Lo-Fi Games, can be both exciting and daunting. With a deep system of mechanics and a vast open world to explore, getting started can feel overwhelming. Here, we've gathered essential starting tips to help you navigate the early hours of this captivating game.

First and foremost, understand that Kenshi is not your typical RPG. It's a sandbox game that encourages player freedom and experimentation. You don't have a predefined character class or ability trees; instead, you build your character's skills through actions and choices. Embrace this flexibility and tailor your playstyle to your preferences.

Character Creation and Early Gameplay

Kenshi's character creation is open-ended, allowing you to create practically any character you wish. Start by deciding the origin, appearance, and core attributes of your character. Remember, you can't change these later, so choose wisely.

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Once created, your character begins in the vast world of Kenshi, with nothing but clothes and a pair of hands. Your initial goal is to survive and make a life for yourself. Focus on gathering resources, learning basic skills, and finding your first shelter. The early game is all about exploration, experimentation, and survival.

Learning the Basics

Kenshi uses a dynamic skill system where you learn new abilities by performing actions. To learn, for instance, how to forage for food, you must forage in-game. This system encourages a playstyle that aligns with your in-game activities, making each character unique.

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To keep track of your progress, open the skills menu (default: K). Here, you'll see a grid of squares representing skills. As you perform actions, these squares will light up, indicating you've learned that skill. Fill these squares to increase your skill level and unlock new abilities.

Survival and Early Settlement

Your character has basic needs like food, water, and sleep. Neglecting these will result in debuffs that can lead to death. Gather resources like food, water, and wood to ensure your survival. You can cook food for better nourishment, find shelters to rest, and create basic structures using crafted items.

As you explore, you'll stumble upon other characters and NPC settlements. These can provide safety, quests, and crafting opportunities. Engage with them, learn their ways, and consider settling down for a while to establish a foothold in the world.

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Exploration, Combat, and Progression

Kenshi's open world is filled with mysteries, dangerous foes, and hidden treasures. Exploration is rewarding, but it's also dangerous. Always be prepared for the unexpected and keep your wits about you.

Combat in Kenshi is real-time with a pause feature. It's deep, complex, and unforgiving. Melee, ranged, and magical combat are all vastly different and require different strategies. Experiment with different weapons, armor, and fighting styles to find what suits you.

Stealth and Avoidance

Not every encounter needs to end in combat. Learning when to fight and when to flee or hide can greatly increase your survival odds. Many enemies can be avoided or sneakily taken down, giving you an edge in tough situations.

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Stealth skills, like sneaking and hiding, are crucial for avoiding trouble. High stealth allows you to bypass enemies, steal from them, or set up deadly ambushes. Use the environment to your advantage and always be ready to duck out of sight.

Progression and Unlockables

As you survive in Kenshi's world, you'll uncover new lands, face powerful foes, and unlock hidden secrets. Many of these require specific skills or equipment to access. Keep learning, improving your gear, and expanding your knowledge to reveal more of the game's story and secrets.

Side-quests and main questlines both have their rewards. Tackle what interests you, but remember to pursue the main story as well. It provides context and insight into Kenshi's world and the factions that inhabit it.

In Kenshi, there's always more to discover, learn, and master. The game's depth and breadth can seem overwhelming at first, but remember, you're not alone in this world. You'll encounter allies, foes, and everything in between. Survive, adapt, and above all, enjoy your journey through this complex and captivating world. Happy adventuring!