Stoneshard employs a great number of statistics to determine the character’s general well-being. These stats measure everything from Hunger and Thirst to Pain and Intoxication, and they work together to precisely quantify the character’s needs at any given time. Most of the stats are straightforward, but others are not. The two most unusual stats are Morale and Sanity: the only two in the “Psyche” section of the Character Health page.
They’re special in that they’re the only stats that can’t be corrected quickly with a waterskin, bandage, or loaf of bread. These stats measure the long-term impact the character’s adventures have had on their well-being. To raise these stats, players need to set aside time to give their character some TLC. It's like keeping a Tamagotchi pet alive, except that instead of a pet it's a medieval mercenary that faces certain death every day.
How Morale Works in Stoneshard
New characters start with 100% Morale and Sanity, full of naive hope and noble ambitions. To maintain their innocent exuberance, the character needs to be well-fed, well-rested, hydrated, sober, and generally free of physical and psychological trauma. Of course, that’s easier said than done.
Every turn, Morale is gained or lost based on the character’s level of Hunger, Thirst, Pain, and Fatigue. As long as the character is healthy and eats, drinks, and sleeps regularly, these stats will remain nominal and Morale will go up slowly over time. It takes a while to get into a rhythm, but it's satisfying when done right. When Stoneshard leaves Early Access, it may well end up being one of those survival games that get good after a rough few opening hours.
How to Increase Morale in Stoneshard
Increasing Morale in Stoneshard is typically less about getting direct increases than it is about reducing the potential for decreases. If the character’s needs are met, their Morale stat will increase over time. However, like with all the great Roguelikes, there are always a few ways to nudge the math in the character’s favor:
- Food: A fair number of foods provide increases to Morale, including things like Flatbread, Pretzels, Roasted Morels, and of course, Pancakes. Don't neglect cooking, as many cooked foods are great for Morale.
- Herbs: One herb provides a reliable increase to Morale: Mindwort. Poppy also has a slight impact over time, but it isn't worth the risk.
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Alcohol: Many alcoholic drinks give an increase to Morale. So, going on a bender might actually help, but keep it in moderation.
- Combat: Scoring critical hits and winning in combat make a positive impact on Morale. It’s subtle to the point of being unnoticeable, but this might be tuned later in the game's development. Fighting Zombies that show up at night for this purpose is not recommended. Combat with supernatural creatures has a negative impact on the character’s Sanity score.
Stoneshard is in Early Access on PC.