U4GM - Dinkum: 22 Strategies for Surviving Your First Week
Dinkum throws you right into the heart of the Australian outback with nothing but your wits and a few tools. That first week is crucial—how you spend those early days can determine whether your town thrives or falters. To help you settle in and make the most of every sunrise, here are 22 strategies for surviving (and thriving) during your first week in Dinkum.
1. Set Up Camp Strategically
Choose a flat area near water and resources like trees, rocks, and bush limes. You’ll thank yourself later when crafting and farming become a daily routine.
2. Gather Basic Resources Early
Spend your first few days gathering stone, gum logs, palm wood, and tin ore. These are essential for crafting tools and workstations.
3. Prioritize Licenses
Unlock licenses that give you access to essential tools like the pickaxe, fishing rod, and axe. Mining and fishing are especially lucrative early on.
4. Meet Daily Goals
Fulfilling your daily tasks (found in your journal) helps earn Permit Points fast—critical for unlocking more licenses.
5. Focus on Crafting
Use your workbench to craft upgraded tools and furniture. Keep your inventory stocked with important Dinkum Items like nails, planks, and bags of cement.
6. Sell Smart, Not Fast
While it’s tempting to sell everything you gather, some Dinkum Items are better used for crafting. Sell excess fish or bugs to build your coin reserve, but hold onto rare materials.
7. Fishing is a Goldmine
Fishing is one of the most efficient ways to earn money in your first week. Fish are abundant, and some sell for high prices. Keep your eyes open for river and ocean variants.
8. Hunt During the Day
If you’ve unlocked hunting, daytime is best. Avoid aggressive creatures until you have better gear. Crocos and jackaroos drop valuable meat and materials.
9. Plant Early for Long-Term Gain
Even if you only have bush limes and bananas, plant them around your base. You’ll have a steady food supply within days.
10. Cook Often
Grilled bush limes and cooked meat restore more energy than raw items. Use a campfire to cook basic food and extend your energy during long gathering runs.
11. Build Relationships
Talk to NPCs every day. Building relationships unlocks unique blueprints and trade opportunities down the line.
12. Use the Bulletin Board
Completing town requests earns you coins and reputation. They’re a great way to learn the game’s systems while supporting the growth of your town.
13. Track Dinkum Items Needed for Building
As you begin unlocking new buildings, prepare for the demand in materials. Many players overlook the need for stone, nails, and planks until it’s too late.
14. Chop Palm Trees for Building
Palm wood is essential for crafting many early-game furniture and buildings. They also provide coconuts, which can be planted or sold.
15. Upgrade Tools as Soon as You Can
Basic tools break quickly. Once you’ve earned enough permit points and resources, upgrade your axe, pickaxe, and fishing rod to improve efficiency.
16. Explore for Treasure
Keep a shovel on you and dig around sparkling dirt patches—you can find old gears, CDs, and springs, which are useful and sometimes valuable.
17. Use U4GM for Reference
If you’re unsure about which items to prioritize or need quick tips on Dinkum Items for sale, U4GM has plenty of helpful player resources and community input.
18. Don’t Waste Energy
Keep an eye on your stamina bar. Overexerting yourself slows you down significantly. Always bring food to restore energy during long tasks.
19. Save Before Sleeping
If something goes wrong during the day—like fainting or losing gear—you’ll have a backup. Make saving a habit before bed.
20. Watch for Weather Changes
Rainy days are perfect for planting, while sunny ones are best for gathering. Pay attention to the weather to plan your activities effectively.
21. Get the Metal Detector Early
Once available, the metal detector can lead you to valuable buried items like keys and engines. These are needed for major construction later.
22. Stay Organized
Keep a few storage crates near your tent. Organizing your Dinkum Items into categories (ores, tools, food, etc.) saves time and stress in the long run.
Your first week in Dinkum sets the tone for your entire playthrough. By following these strategies, you’ll not only survive but also begin building a thriving outback town. Whether you're just exploring or hunting down Dinkum Items for sale to speed up your progress, having a clear plan will make your journey more rewarding.