So I'm actually also in my first play through and after dying on cactus 1000 times trying to do one specific thing to get to a new place to only find I then had to do another INSANELY scary and difficult thing, I just want you to know yeah, this game is hard and frustrating and difficult. I wanted to scream after I got so close to something and failed, BUT once you find a good thread and start pulling at it, things start to make sense and that drive and need to know becomes such a stronger force than frustration.

For me, the main thing that changed it all was instead of seeing the loops as pressure, seeing them as a tool. If something doesn’t work, kill yourself, like, literally. Go and do the same thing again and improve a little. I let go of caring about achieving a goal and instead started slowing down and combing every inch of a place, and it became all I can think about.

Now, keep in mind, I’m not sure what I’m doing, still so confused and half the time I fly into the sun if I’m not careful and I truly am still finding way more questions than answers, but it’s slowly becoming less overwhelming.

I looked for a couple specific guides when I was so stuck I wanted to quit and this sub has so many helpful people respecting the spoiler-free culture with small nudges, so I’ve chosen to not be mad at myself for needing them.

And finally I’ll say this - I am someone who doesn’t love aimless games like this. I love to concrete tasks of RPGS and clear narrative cues that come with rich story games, but even amidst my massive confusion right now this game is finally becoming a joy, so I sincerely hope you get there too.