Select Language:
Open-world sandbox survival enthusiasts are bound to be enchanted by Aloft, an adorable new title from Astrolabe that launched into early access on January 15. With countless randomly generated islands waiting to be discovered, animals to tame, crops to cultivate, and corruption to combat, there’s plenty of adventure ahead!
Here’s a compilation of frequently asked questions by players, including ourselves, since diving into Aloft, along with their answers. Whether you need tips or sailing advice, we’ve got the information you seek.
When Is the Full Version of Aloft Expected to Release?
While Aloft made its early access debut on January 15, there is no official release date for the full version yet. Despite being in early access, the game offers a wealth of content that keeps players engaged. Updates regarding the full release will be shared on the developers’ Discord and their social media platforms as they continue to enhance the game.
At launch, the game primarily supports Steam, although players have successfully run it on Steam Decks and Macs as well. The developers are planning to expand to console platforms after the full version is released on Steam.
How Do Momentum and Health Work?
In Aloft, combat encounters are common unless you’re in Peaceful Mode, especially when exploring corrupted islands. When you take damage, your health bar (shown in red) decreases, but fret not; you have options to heal! Early in the game, you can create basic bandages at your workbench, so always carry some with you during your adventures.
To use a bandage, just hold down the button to heal more, up to a limit. Typically, we find that two bandages are enough to fully recover. But sticking to bandages isn’t your only option; you can also sleep in any bed, be it on your home island or one you discover, to regain all health. Moreover, consuming fruits, vegetables, and cooked meals will also help restore health.
As for momentum, it differs from health as it allows you to power up your attacks during combat. You’ll notice white bars under your health meter representing your momentum, which replenishes when you deal damage.
Where Should I Go Next?
In a game like Aloft, which emphasizes exploration and cozy vibes, there’s no fixed path to follow. You can navigate the map freely, though you might encounter barriers like intense storms that hinder passage.
Always check your map table for new destinations and familiarize yourself with the symbols used there. The islands are grouped into archipelagos, each with its ecosystem. The map table also indicates the health of these ecosystems and tracks any corrupted islands you’ve encountered.
If you want to mark a new destination, you can use a Lost Atlas at the map table, allowing you to set waypoints even in unrevealed sectors. Additionally, after crafting the recipe, you can consult the Stormchaser, which will guide you to the nearest island with resources, for a small fee.
Is the Map Consistent Across Saves?
Although many of the starting islands, especially in the initial archipelago, share similarities to ensure a smooth introduction, maps are generally unique across different saves. Each new save generates a completely different map, even if you’re playing on the same device.
We confirmed this by launching a new game and found that, while starting tools remained consistent, the map layout differed entirely.
Where Did My Home Island Go?
Setting up your home island in Aloft after completing the Forgotten Legacy quest can be rewarding, but it can also be disconcerting if you can’t find it later!
To return to your island, simply open your inventory and select the Teleport to Home option. If you’re gliding and can’t access your inventory, you can look for a home icon that points in the direction of your island.
Additionally, there’s a Despawn Home Island feature, which temporarily removes your home island from the world. This can be helpful if you’re encountering issues like getting stuck while sailing or visiting a friend’s island in multiplayer mode.
Once you’re ready to bring your home island back, just click the Spawn Home Island button in the Home Islands menu. If you decide to move to a different home island, you can use the Delete Home Island option, but be warned—this action is irreversible, so ensure you’ve gathered any desired resources from that island before proceeding.
Tool Durability in Aloft
As you journey through the islands of Aloft, you’ll discover plenty of spare weapons and tools, but rest easy knowing that your tools don’t deteriorate over time. Although you can upgrade them, they won’t break or lose efficiency.
However, sails on your home island do have a durability: they can suffer damage from debris as you fly. When you encounter rocky obstacles, be prepared to repair your sails. You can fix them using a hammer and the materials you used to craft the sail, be it leaf paper or wool sheets.
When you build sails, consider that different materials offer varying benefits in terms of weather resistance and wind performance, so check the crafting menu for specifics before making a selection.
Gardening Requirements
If you’re confused about planting in Aloft, especially concerning tilling soil, here’s the scoop: you cannot plant crop seeds directly in the ground. For crop seeds to flourish, you must create a Farm Plot, which requires wood and processed soil.
This recipe becomes available fairly early in the game. Once you craft a Farm Plot, you can plant a crop seed, but remember to water it, either naturally or through buckets you’ve crafted. Most plants regenerate their produce within a few days, offering a reliable source of fresh ingredients for your character.
Why Isn’t My Home Island Moving?
Navigating your island in Aloft isn’t just about steering; it depends on various factors. If your island isn’t moving while at the helm, check a few things:
First, observe the four colored bars displayed in the bottom-right corner—these represent essential metrics for your island’s movement. The gray bar indicates weight, while the other bars measure the status of your sails, rudders, and lifts. If any of these fall below the line, your island may be too heavy to move.
Also, keep an eye on wind direction; consult the top-right screen corner for current wind conditions. It’s crucial to navigate with the wind to optimize your speed. Lastly, ensure there are no obstacles, such as debris damaging your sails or being stuck against another island. If so, consider despawning and respawning your island for a better position in the sky.
Add us on ChatGPT
Add us on Perplexity
