Smalland tips for beginners, by the Just About community

Big tips for small survivors

The concept of inch-tall humans fending off creatures that wouldn’t trouble the rest of us isn't new, but Smalland is one of the best executions of it, certainly within video games. And if you're just starting out in this multiplayer survival game, you'll need the best Smalland tips for getting started - all sourced from the Just About community of real players. We asked those players to submit your tips and tricks and they delivered, with nine winners offering multiple bits of advice for Smalland newbies, earned through hands-on experience. Here are all of your tips, collated and curated into this article.

The player character in Smalland: Survive the Wilds riding an orange grasshopper in a forest with the blue sky on the horizon.

Pay attention to Hildred at the very start

While Smalland once had a much lengthier tutorial according to Dave, that has been replaced by a single chap named Hildred explaining a few bits to you at the start before you're left to fend for yourself. Both Dave and EveOnlineTutorials recommend paying close attention to everything he says, because otherwise you'll be struggling to figure out the controls.

Perched owls will explain essential info

Another tip from Dave is along similar lines: for some additional tutorial bits while you play, look out for perched owls on sticks throughout the world. Dave explains "they are basically notices that tell you more tutorial stuff and have essential info".

Avoid water

You cannot swim in Smalland (think how much more viscous water would feel when you’re only an inch tall with correspondingly tiny muscles). Laser-Bicep is the first to explain this, so they recommend building a bridge whenever you encounter water you can't otherwise get past. This will save you lots of time if you come back that way again later on, as you often will."Foundation pieces and roof parts" are the best materials for this, says Bicep.

The player character in Smalland: Survive the Wilds equipped with a knife, looking at a huge frog on a lilypad in a pond.

Sheltering from the cold

Sturmer has two tips about sheltering from the cold that we're going to roll into one. First, he explains that "if you find yourself caught in a sudden downpour or cold snap, quickly place a wood foundation high enough that you can crouch underneath it." This counts as being sheltered, so you can wait for the bad weather to pass.

When the time comes to build a proper base though, you need to know that "floors used as ceilings do not protect against weather damage. To effectively shield yourself and your belongings from the elements, ensure you use proper roofing materials designed to withstand weather conditions." You should also craft a cauldron for frost resistance potions, and/or make some padded armour to help protect you when you're outside.

Repair your equipment

Another tip from Laser-Bicep that is reiterated by Fras_Shoyo is to repair your equipment often. Both your armour and weapons will degrade over time as they're used, so make sure you repair them frequently by using a workbench. This will consume a small number of materials, so ensure you stay stocked up.

Antenna Sense reveals vital info

Another tip from Fras_Shoyo is to take full advantage of Antenna Sense, which is a "special ability that allows you to highlight resources and enemies, and know their resistances and vulnerabilities". This will give you a leg up during combat, along with helping you to find those vital crafting materials as you explore the world.

The player character in Smalland: Survive the Wilds running across a mossly log while the sun sets in the background.

Explore at night to find new creatures

Some creatures only show up at night, explains Fras_Shoyo so if there's a specific enemy you're looking to take down for loot, you may need to risk the darkness. Be careful though, because - as is the case in most survival games - exploring at night is more dangerous.

Keep a low profile

Asim suggests keeping a low profile when exploring, because you "can't get in any harm if you go unnoticed". If you spot any foes that you’re unsure of handling with your current equipment, keep your distance and try to sneak around them, or back off and find a different path.

Make a hammer ASAP

EveOnlineTutorials recommends making the hammer one of the first things you craft. This is because, as explained by Dave, you need it to build many essentials such as the crafting bench, fireplace, and other utilities. Right-click with the hammer equipped to bring up a different crafting menu with more options.

The player character in Smalland: Survive the Wilds crouching in front of a ladybird on a rocky beach.

Peaceful mode pacifies all creatures

Combat isn't for everybody. If you want to embark on a relaxing jaunt around this oversized garden, Limal suggests playing on peaceful mode. Creatures will still exist - this isn't like Minecraft where you simply won't encounter any enemies in this mode - but they're completely pacified, so you can explore to your heart's content. If you decide to attack anything, that is when they'll turn hostile, so you can engage in combat on your own terms.

You can still earn all the achievements in this mode, so you don't have to worry about missing out, and you can toggle it on and off whenever you like. However, bear in mind that pack enemies such as black ants or bees will become aggressive together if you attack an individual in the group.

Master the dodge

If you do want the threat of oversized creepy crawlies everywhere you turn, FrostySomething explains how you must "master the dodge". Early on, you won't have much in the way of armour, so you can't absorb as much damage as you may be able to when you've progressed and crafted stronger gear.

Frosty's tip comes in video form too, which includes some other bits of advice found throughout this article wonderfully narrated.