The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu — Sanity Quick Reference
The sanity system is the defining mechanic of The Mound. This reference summarizes known triggers and effects from preview builds and the June 2026 demo. Per-player hallucinations mean your screen may not match your teammates'—always verify before acting.
| Trigger | Effect | Countermeasure |
|---|---|---|
| Deep jungle progression | Gradual sanity drain | Extract before critical threshold |
| Combat damage | Physical + mental health loss | Avoid fights; use stealth |
| Isolation from squad | Accelerated drain | Stay within voice range |
| Low sanity threshold | Private hallucinations begin | Verify ally positions before acting |
Hallucination Types (Preview / Demo)
Preview builds show per-player hallucinations that teammates cannot see. Common demo reports include false enemy silhouettes, duplicated ally models, and whisper audio only one player hears.
- False enemies — call out before firing; teammates confirm line of sight.
- Duplicate allies — verify positions on voice before reviving or following.
- Environmental distortion — fog density and audio cues may differ per player.
- Whisper events — treat solo audio as unreliable until squad confirms.
Squad Communication Protocol
- State your position and facing before engaging.
- Ask teammates to confirm threats before spending ammo or salt.
- Extract when multiple players report distortion or conflicting callouts.
Recovery and Stabilization
Extraction to the galleon Tempestad resets sanity between contracts in preview builds. No confirmed consumable restores sanity mid-expedition in the demo — plan extractions before critical thresholds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sanity shared between players?
No. Each explorer has an individual sanity meter with private hallucinations that other squad members cannot see on their screens.
Will this reference update after launch?
Yes. We will revise values once ACE Team confirms final balance on July 15, 2026.