Traits
Traits are the highest-leverage decision at character creation. Positive traits cost points; negative traits refund them. The art is funding the survivability you need with downsides you can live with.
| Trait | Type | Points | Difficulty | Worth It? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smoker | negative | +4 | Easy | Yes, on almost every build |
| Athletic | positive | -6 | Easy | Yes |
| Strong | positive | -10 | Easy | Yes, if your point budget allows it |
| Keen Hearing | positive | -6 | Easy | Yes |
| Weak Stomach | negative | +3 | Easy | Yes for experienced players |
| Lucky | positive | -4 | Easy | Situational |
| Brave | positive | -4 | Easy | Yes for nervous or newer players; optional for veterans who have learned to stay calm anyway |
| Fast Learner | positive | -6 | Moderate | Yes for players who commit to long runs; skippable for short, combat-focused playthroughs |
| Outdoorsman | positive | -2 | Easy | Yes |
| Wakeful | positive | -2 | Easy | Yes |
| Cat's Eyes | positive | -2 | Easy | Yes |
| Dextrous | positive | -2 | Easy | Yes |
| Slow Healer | negative | +6 | Moderate | Situational |
| Prone To Illness | negative | +4 | Moderate | Yes for players with solid clothing and base discipline; risky otherwise |
| High Thirst | negative | +6 | Moderate | Yes if you commit to a proper water setup; otherwise it can bite mid-game |
| Hearty Appetite | negative | +4 | Moderate | Situational |