Quick Answer
Top mistakes: not buying Coffee each shift, skipping patient photos, ignoring CCTV, leaving surgery mid-operation, picking up cursed photos, and trying to solo without proper class upgrades.
Top 10 Beginner Mistakes
1. Not Buying Coffee
Always buy Coffee at the start of every shift. It costs only 5 Animal Coins and restores 20 sanity. This is the cheapest and most important purchase in the game.
2. Skipping Patient Photos
Always take a photo of every patient. Some anomalies are completely invisible in person and on CCTV — they only show up in photos.
3. Ignoring CCTV
Some anomaly signs like black bars, distorted bodies, and staring at camera are CCTV-only. Check the camera for every uncertain patient.
4. Leaving Surgery Mid-Operation
Once you enter Room 8 (Surgery), you cannot leave. If you leave, the patient dies. Commit to the surgery once you start.
5. Picking Up Cursed Photos
Cursed photos drain 10 sanity instantly when picked up. Look at the photo on the desk first — if it has bloodshot eyes and a grotesque grin, reject the patient without touching the photo.
6. Shooting Surgery Tentacles
Purple tentacles in Room 8 surgery should be completely ignored. Just focus on the surgery mini-game. Shooting them wastes time and ammo.
7. Playing Solo Without Upgrades
Solo play becomes extremely difficult after Shift 6-7. Get at least the Doctor class (900 AC) before attempting deep solo runs.
8. Not Carrying Maple Syrup
From Shift 3 onward, always carry Maple Syrup. Bed Monster attacks give you only 30 seconds to respond, and without syrup, the patient dies.
9. Checking Patients One at a Time
Check in ALL patients first, then treat them. Patients recover automatically after treatment — you don't need to wait around.
10. Panicking During Ambulance Events
Ambulance events flood you with 6 patients at once. Your priority order:
- Extinguish burning patients first
- Check each for anomalies
- Treat critical patients
- Handle normal patients
Stay calm, prioritize by timer, and communicate with your team.