TL;DR
- Stamina upgrades exist but require finding the hidden Chum Lair near Burnt Oak Station
- All clothing and hoverbike parts are purely cosmetic with no stat bonuses
- Scrap is your primary currency source – sell regularly at Altyn’s junkyard
- Use map pins and environmental cues for efficient navigation
- Complete specific quests first to unlock essential mobility tools
Sable represents a fascinating departure from traditional open-world design, blending Moebius-inspired visuals with non-combat exploration mechanics. While comparisons to Breath of the Wild are inevitable, this desert adventure carves its own identity through pacifist gameplay and player-driven discovery. Understanding these differences early will dramatically improve your experience.
Many players mistakenly approach Sable expecting familiar RPG progression systems, only to discover the game emphasizes personal journey over statistical advancement. The absence of combat doesn’t mean absence of challenge – navigation, puzzle-solving, and resource management form the core gameplay loop.

You CAN Upgrade Your Stamina – Here’s How
Sable’s open-ended structure means you could complete the entire game without discovering stamina upgrades. The Chum Lair location proves particularly elusive – many players spend 10+ hours assuming stamina is fixed. The secret lies in systematic Chum Egg collection and knowing where to deliver them.
Early exploration will introduce you to Chums – ethereal floating creatures resembling marshmallow serpents. Interacting with them yields Chum Eggs, which function similarly to Korok Seeds in Breath of the Wild. However, unlike Hestu’s easily found location, the Queen Chum’s domain requires deliberate searching.

The Chum Lair occupies a hollow mountain southwest of Burnt Oak Station, your first major destination after Ibex Camp. Strategic navigation tip: the summit emits a distinctive glow, making it visible from considerable distances during night cycles. Present five Chum Eggs to the Queen for your first stamina boost, with subsequent tiers requiring 15, then 20 eggs.
Clothing and Gear Serve Purely Aesthetic Purposes
As you complete quests and explore ruins, you’ll accumulate various outfits, masks, and hoverbike components. Crucially, none of these items provide statistical advantages. That Bouldering Top? It won’t improve your climbing ability. Custom bike parts? They change appearance only.
This design choice encourages genuine self-expression rather than min-maxing. Feel free to dye your bike vibrant colors or wear dramatic masks without worrying about optimization. Some items like the Shade of Eccria Mask have quest-specific functions but grant no persistent abilities.

Master the Scrap Economy Early
While various sellable items exist throughout the world, scrap represents your most reliable income source. Concentrated scrap deposits appear in machine graveyards like The Whale (far west) and Trellick’s Pillar (northern regions). Regular scrap runs to Altyn’s junkyard adjacent to Burnt Oak Station should become part of your exploration routine.
Advanced players recommend establishing a scrap collection route early, visiting high-yield locations between major quest objectives. This ensures you always have currency available for essential purchases without dedicated farming sessions.

Navigation and Map Mastery
Sable’s vast desert landscape can feel overwhelming without proper orientation techniques. Use the map pin system extensively to mark interesting locations, resource clusters, and navigation landmarks. The filled-in map becomes your most valuable tool for efficient travel.

Environmental navigation cues prove equally important. Distinctive rock formations, ancient structures, and even specific plant patterns can guide you when distant objectives blend into the horizon.

Time management becomes crucial – some areas are more accessible during specific daylight hours, while certain visual markers only become apparent at night.

Action Checklist
- Locate Chum Lair southwest of Burnt Oak Station for stamina upgrades
- Collect and sell scrap regularly at Altyn’s junkyard
- Experiment with cosmetic gear without worrying about stats
- Use map pins to mark resource locations and points of interest
- Complete early quests that unlock essential mobility tools
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » Sable Beginner’s Guide: Seven Things We Wish We Knew At The Start Essential Sable tips: stamina upgrades, cosmetic gear, scrap economy, and navigation strategies for desert exploration
