If you’re stepping into the world of Dinkum for the first time, welcome to one of the most charming and unexpectedly deep life-sim experiences in recent years. With its outback-themed setting, daily progression system, and wide range of activities like mining, fishing, farming, and bug catching, Dinkum can feel a little overwhelming at first. Whether you’re aiming to build a bustling town or collect rare Dinkum Items, these ten essential tips will help you get off to a strong and enjoyable start.
1. Focus on Daily Tasks Early On
Each in-game day gives you limited stamina, so it’s important to prioritize your tasks. Start by completing daily tasks listed in your journal. These not only help you learn the game mechanics but also provide Permit Points that are crucial for unlocking new tools and licenses.
2. Get Your Licenses Quickly
Many activities in Dinkum are gated behind licenses. Early in the game, you’ll want to unlock the Logging, Mining, and Fishing Licenses. These will allow you to gather essential Dinkum Items needed for upgrades, crafting, and town development.
3. Establish a Steady Income
Selling bugs and fish is a great way to make money in the early days. As you progress, farming, metal detecting, and raising animals can become even more profitable. Save your Dinks wisely—building shops and placing buildings requires significant funds.
4. Explore the Map Regularly
The island in Dinkum is procedurally generated, and exploring it is both rewarding and important. You’ll discover different biomes, rare resources, and critters. Don’t forget to place Tele Towers to make long-distance travel more convenient.
5. Invest in Town Expansion
Attracting visitors and unlocking permanent residents will turn your camp into a thriving town. Build structures like the Museum, Tool Shop, and Clothing Store to encourage NPCs to settle. Having more residents gives you access to more Dinkum Items and services.
6. Upgrade Your Tools
Basic tools break easily and limit your efficiency. As you unlock better materials and licenses, focus on crafting improved versions. Copper and iron tools last longer and perform tasks faster, giving you more value from each in-game day.
7. Watch Your Stamina
Every action, from chopping trees to digging, drains stamina. If it hits zero, you’ll pass out and lose some progress. Carry food with you—preferably cooked dishes that restore more stamina—to stay productive while exploring or gathering.
8. Use the Bulletin Board
Once you have enough townsfolk, the Bulletin Board becomes an essential source of quests and tasks. Completing these not only boosts your relationship with residents but can also earn you useful Dinkum Items and additional Permit Points.
9. Manage Your Inventory Wisely
Inventory space is limited, especially in the early game. Keep your tools, essentials, and valuable resources on hand, and store less-used items in crates at your base. Sorting and labeling your chests early can save a lot of time later on.
10. Don’t Rush—Enjoy the Process
Dinkum rewards patience and exploration. Progression may feel slow at times, but that’s part of its charm. Take time to enjoy the environment, experiment with farming layouts, and try out different activities to find what you enjoy most.
Whether you’re collecting Dinkum Items to craft new tools or slowly shaping your dream outback town, these beginner tips should help you find your footing in this unique sandbox world. Keep experimenting, explore often, and you’ll soon find your rhythm in the sun-soaked wilds of Dinkum.
