Terror in Sunless Sea is not just a number—it’s a creeping force, one that slowly unravels your captain’s sanity and eventually, your ship’s survival. But don’t panic. This guide walks you through the mechanics of terror, how to keep it under control, and where to reduce it efficiently across the map.

Understanding Terror: Mechanics and Misconceptions

Terror becomes a serious concern when it creeps above 70–80. Anything under 60 is manageable. Nightmares? Not the end of the world. You can ride out high terror briefly, but it’s not sustainable.

Every 3 seconds spent within a light source ticks terror down by one. Docking at ports or hugging any coastline—even without visible light—also reduces terror. Be sure to keep your ship’s light on when doing so.

Running your engines at full power drains fuel rapidly but can be life-saving in emergencies. Explosions from overuse are rare, and you can eliminate the risk by buying the Avid Suppressor (800 Echo) from Camus’s Yard.

Engine and Crew Upgrades That Help

• We Are Clay (Polythreme, 300 Echo): Boosts engine power and adds +5 Iron. It reduces quarters by three, lowering crew needs and easing supply management.
• Serpentine Engine (via Genial Magician’s quest): Costs around 2000 Echo in total. Offers excellent speed, fuel efficiency, +5 Hearts and +5 Veils. A worthy investment.

Lightships and Recent News

There are three lightships scattered near London. Trade Recent News at these for a -5 Terror reduction. Not the most efficient, but useful in a pinch. You can rotate between them if you’re in bad shape.

Southern Route: A Reliable Loop for Recovery

1. Cumaean Canal (22 Fuel + 2 Supplies)

• Go to the surface for a -25 Terror drop.
• Fuel/supplies can be restocked cheaply.

2. Grand Geode

• Trade Something Awaits You for -5 Terror.
• Warning: With Terror > 75, there’s a 30% chance of failure (+25 Terror, -1 crew). Avoid if you’re high on terror.

3. Port Carnelian

• Static map location.
• Spend 20 Echo for -5 Terror, repeatable and cost-effective.

4. Adam’s Way → Kingeater’s Castle

• Adam’s Way has affordable supplies.
• At Kingeater’s Castle, spend 1 fuel + 1 supply for -25 Terror (Terror must be >50).

Eastern Recovery Stops

5. Chelonate

• Spend 30 Echo for -15 Terror.
• Requires high Iron, or you’ll lose a crew. Failing still nets -1 Terror.

6. Irem

• Bring Darkdrop Coffee.
• Visit House of the Amber Sky for -20 Terror using Something Awaits You.

Northern and Western Loops

7. Aestival (North)

• Take tea with squatters: -10 Terror, +1 fuel, +1 supply.

8. Wither (Northwest)

• Spend 50 Echo for -5 Terror.
• Requires >34 Veils or you lose a crew.

9. Venderbight

• Dusty Glass of Wine: 50 Echo for -5 Terror.
• Sample Today’s Special (Vengeance of Jonah unlocked): 60 Echo, random but can yield -5 Terror.
• Dispose of bat corpses for -1 Terror per corpse.

Lodgings and Family in London

• Always collect messages from the Harbor Master.
• Under London options: Carouse at Wolfstack Docks, meet a sweetheart, and eventually have a child.
• Visit your child: Giving gifts reduces terror by 20.
• Elegant Townhouse Rest: 100 Echo for -25 Terror.
• Tattooist (one-time): -25 Terror, +2 skill points.

Hunter’s Keep (Early Game Aid)

• Lunch with Lucy: -10 Terror, but limited use.
• Lunch with Cynthia: Adds Sals attention and boosts Iron instead—ideal for long-term benefit.

Other Ports and Special Options

Abby Rock

• Offer a Hunting Trophy for -10 Terror.
• Drop off news for -2 Terror (less efficient).

Mount Nomad and Salt Lions

• Salt Lions: Visit the Unmakers for -5 Terror (if Something Awaits You is active).
• Can also yield great trade profits (300 Echo per loop).

Shepherd Isles

• Picnic at the Standing Stones: 5 Echo for -3 Terror. Chance to gain an Ambiguous Eolith.

Mangrove College (Melting Isles)

• Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: -10 Terror, also reduces hunger. Extremely useful in the deep south.

Tomb Colonies & God Events (Gaiders Mourn, Mo Island, etc.)

• Some ports offer minor Terror relief through unique events.
• View from Above (Gaiders Mourn): May reduce 7–20 Terror. Choose stats boost over terror reduction if you can spare it—it’s rare.

Farming Hunting Trophies

• Found mostly east of London (Western Angler Crabs).
• Approach slowly and kite at max weapon range. Avoid face-first charges.
• Choose dissection to receive the trophy.

Final Notes

Terror is a game of patience and planning. Keep Recent News, Darkdrop Coffee, and a stockpile of supplies. Route your journeys through known safe zones, and avoid risky ports when your crew is jittery.

Terror isn’t the end—it’s just part of the narrative. Manage it, respect it, and you’ll keep your captain sane just long enough to uncover the next horror lurking in the deep.

For more guides, tips, and efficient route strategies, check out the rest of the channel or playlist. Stay alert. Stay afloat.