Magnetic compasses have been helping mankind to travel since ancient times. In TUNGUSKA: A Call in the Woods this little fellow will be a prime tool in navigation and surviving the Tunguska Nature Reserve.
The main purpose of the compass, of course, is to point out where north is, and thus, determine the cardinal directions. The key points and the north end are covered with self-luminous material so the compass is readable even at night.
It's important to notice, that real-life orienteering with magnetic compasses often requires calculating magnetic declination (especially at larger scales) - an angle between magnetic north and geographical north. This phenomenon isn't covered in our game. However, the in-game compass can be affected by ferromagnetic alloys in soils which are rather common for this region. Players need to be extra careful near them to prevent false bearing - there are no happy rescue endings in deep taiga woods.
Second important role for the compass is measuring distance. Players can turn on Planning Mode*, in which the compass lies on top of the map. You can pan and rotate the compass, using its side ruler for measuring distance. Be advised that different maps use different scales.
*The feature is subject to change
Last but not least, the compass can warn you about danger. Some anomalies can be detected by a shaking compass in the hand. Coming too deep in these zones probably will have a lethal outcome, so watch your step.
In the next DevLog we’ll be covering a Map and all features alongside it.
Thanks for reading!
Don’t get lost!