Whether you’re just casting off or are deep into your Spiritfarer voyage, there are a few questions nearly every player ends up asking. Here’s a detailed, spoiler-conscious guide that breaks down ten of the most common player questions—plus a few bonus insights to make your travels smoother. This guide uses footage from late-game Xbox gameplay, but the tips apply universally regardless of platform.
10. How to Catch Tuna
Tuna fishing isn’t just another mini-game—it’s a patience-testing challenge. Tuna only appear once unlocked on the map, and catching all three types (Albacore, Bluefin, and Yellowfin) means seeking out distinct fishing spots. The technique is simple, but the execution demands rhythm. When reeling in, monitor the color of your fishing line: yellow is stable, red means it’s about to snap. When red, tap the reeling button instead of holding it—this eases the tension without giving up too much ground. As soon as it shifts back to yellow, resume holding. Mastering this tap-hold cycle is crucial, especially since losing a tuna often means sailing elsewhere to find another. Don’t forget: some fish are weather-specific, so rainy sails are your friend. There is a fishing pole upgrade later in the game, but by then, you’ll likely have the skill down pat.
9. How to Get Fat (for Recipes)
Spiritfarer uses “fat” as a cooking ingredient, not a dietary comment. You’ll need either sunflower oil or olive oil, both of which are produced in the Crusher using sunflower seeds or olives respectively. Can’t find them? Francis, the traveling merchant, may offer them as errand rewards. If you lack both the Crusher and the oils, don’t sweat it—just keep progressing. The Crusher unlocks with story advancement. Meanwhile, never ignore Francis when he flags new errands. Some unique resources are only obtainable through his tasks.
8. How to Use the Windmill
The windmill crafts flour but operates differently than most buildings. Begin by loading grain (corn, rice, or wheat) on the middle floor. Then head to the top to interact with a movable window. Adjust it so the white indicator lines up with the side marker. When set correctly, the sails spin, and flour starts processing. The windmill functions autonomously once activated, and wind speed affects how quickly it turns—storms are ideal. If it’s not spinning, you likely need to realign the window. Always keep the windmill stocked; flour is critical for unlocking advanced recipes.
7. How to Get Nebula Thread
Nebula Thread starts with Nebula Fiber, and that requires completing a unique event tied to the spirit Alice. Once she’s aboard, head to any of the Nebula event markers on the map. The event yields fiber, which you’ll then weave into thread at the Loom. You can revisit these events later, even after Alice departs, by interacting with her house. This allows you to stock up for late-game upgrades and crafts.
6. How to Get Through the Fog (and Other Barriers)
Map progression is tied to ship upgrades. Fog, rocks, and ice all block portions of the world, and breaking through them requires specific ship improvements. You can view upgrade requirements in your blueprint menu or at the shipyard, but upgrades unlock gradually as you meet in-game milestones. If materials seem unavailable, you likely haven’t reached the right area or completed a prerequisite. Focus on spirit quests—they’re your gateway to new zones. Track materials in your menu to simplify gathering.
5. Where to Find Ash Logs, Marble, Aluminum, Bottled Ectoplasm, etc.
Advanced materials like ash logs or aluminum don’t appear until mid-to-late game. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Ash Logs – Southeast islands, behind rock barriers.
- Marble – Accessible only after acquiring the Zipline ability.
- Aluminum – From a dragon event behind icy waters.
- Bottled Ectoplasm – Requires the spirit Stanley, who only arrives after four spirits have been brought to the Everdoor.
Bonus tip: mysterious seeds can become critical spirits or materials—plant every one. And check floating crates near islands; they often hold the same items you’d find on land.
4. How to Use Zip Lines
Using zip lines is a mechanic that might not be intuitive at first. Simply jump toward one and press up (on your d-pad or analog stick). Be mindful not to be gliding as you reach it, or you may fail to connect. The longer you travel along the line, the more momentum you gather—this helps you reach higher or farther destinations. Practicing on low-ground zips can help nail the timing early.
3. Where to Find Bottom Line Corp
No fancy tricks here—it’s on the east side of the map, tucked between two storm areas. It’s an early location, so you won’t need any special upgrades to reach it. Just sail and dock.
2. When to Take Spirits to the Everdoor
This is one of the game’s emotional core questions. Mechanically, you can bring spirits to the Everdoor once they’re ready, but doing so early means missing out on rich interactions. Spirits comment on locations, form bonds with one another, and give you useful items. Keeping them around makes for a more textured experience. When the story forces your hand—usually when ship upgrades require spirit flowers—try to bring multiple spirits at once. You’ll get to choose which one to send off first. And yes, bring tissues.
1. Can You Meditate After Summer Teaches You?
Sadly, no. Despite hints in Summer’s quest and early articles speculating otherwise, post-release confirmation from the developers clarifies that player meditation is not an implemented feature. Any guides suggesting otherwise are referencing outdated or pre-release information. The assets exist in-game, but the mechanic does not.
Lightning Round – Quick Yes or No Answers
- Can you remove old spirit houses? No.
- Can you change trees in the orchard? No.
- Does the game auto-save? Yes, but only during loading screens.
- Is Spiritfarer a great game? Yes. Period.
Final Thoughts for New Players
Spiritfarer is about relationships, not resource grinds. Don’t rush it. If you find yourself unsure what to do, focus on engaging with your spirits and exploring. Progression flows naturally when you invest in the world’s emotional fabric. If you’re still stuck after this, reach out—there’s a whole community happy to help.
Thanks for reading, and as the narrator says: see you, fellow Stellars, in the afterlife—but preferably not anytime soon.
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