Knowing the traits each character has in Flotsam from Pajama Llama Games is important in surviving. While there aren’t many, it’s still worth discussing how to use each one efficiently.
The characters in Flotsam are known as Drifters and Animals. Currently, there are only Seagulls as far as animals go and Drifters are humans. The developer hasn’t stated if different animals will be added later on in the development cycle.
Nonetheless, both Drifters and Animals each have one random trait when found in a region. Players can check the traits of either before rescuing them if they choose to leave them behind instead. For people who have a few hours in, they’re more likely to run through the endless loop looking for specific things. This is a way to reroll Drifters in each zone for positive results.
Since Flotsam is currently in Steam Early Access, it’s likely more traits will be added. These are the current ones in-game and for the most part, each positive one has a negative. This is likely to follow with any added later on.
Positive Flotsam Traits
Torpedo – This trait makes it so the Drifter or Seagull moves faster. This is a great one for any job but excels for haulers. In this role, Haulers can carry items between buildings and boats quickly.
Kids Menu – This trait makes it so the Drifter or Seagull eats less food. Similar to the Torpedo trait, this one excels for everyone regardless of their job. Kids Menu is excellent for Drifter Captains on Fishing Boats and Salvage Boats. Captains traveling far are more likely to starve without food nearby.
Negative Flotsam Traits
Turtle – This trait makes it so the Drifter or Seagull moves slower. Turtle is the negative one compared to the Torpedo. If a Drifter has this, don’t put them on any roles where they need to move often or far. It’s easier to place them in jobs near food and water, as well as at workshops or Distillers.
Seagulls with the Turtle trait are better as haulers than salvagers. However, Seagulls are generally better as haulers regardless.
Hungry Hippo – This trait makes it so the Drifter or Seagull gets hungry quicker. Drifters with Hungry Hippo shouldn’t travel on boats as a Captain. They’re more likely to starve and lose health away from home. Focus on roles that keep them at the base or near food sources.
Dry Mouth – This trait makes it so the Drifter gets thirsty quicker. This one doesn’t apply to Seagulls since they don’t need to drink water. Drifters with Dry Mouth shouldn’t travel on boats as a Captain. They’re more likely to get dehydrated and lose health away from home. Focus on roles that keep them at the base or near a water source.
Drowsy – This trait makes it so the Drifter or Seagull gets tired quicker. Drifters with Drowsy shouldn’t travel on boats as a Captain. They’re more likely to get dehydrated and lose health away from home. Focus on roles that keep them at the base or near houses to rest.
Take a look at our full guide with a mixture of advanced and basic tips here. If you have any trait tips or find one we haven’t, drop a comment below!
Flotsam is available on Humble Bundle and Steam Early Access as of September 26, 2019.
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Jeff is a journalist with over 10 years of experience writing, streaming, and making content about video games. With an associate degree in journalism, he’s a sucker for RPGs, survival games, roguelikes, and more.