Welcome to Burglin’ Gnomes, a game that somehow manages to be both adorable and chaotic at the same time. One minute you’re peacefully collecting materials around a house, and the next you’re being chased by an angry old man, attacked by seagulls, or thrown into a microwave because you got caught sneaking around.
When I first started playing, I spent most of my time getting caught, losing materials, and wondering what half the items in the game were actually used for. If you’re feeling the same way, don’t worry. That’s completely normal.
This guide is designed to help new players understand the basics of the game, learn what each character does, find the best hiding spots, understand the different materials, and survive long enough to complete their missions. Everything here is explained in simple English, with tips that should make your life a lot easier.
Burglin Gnomes Monster Guide – NPCs, Enemies & Hazards
At its core, Burglin’ Gnomes is all about sneaking around, gathering resources, completing objectives, and avoiding the many dangers scattered around the map.
You’ll spend most of your time exploring the old man’s house and the surrounding area. Almost everything you find can be useful in some way. Some objects can be turned into crafting materials, while others can be used as weapons or tools.
The challenge comes from the fact that the world is full of threats. The old man doesn’t appreciate tiny gnomes stealing his belongings, and several other creatures are more than happy to ruin your day if you aren’t careful.
Success comes from learning the map, understanding how enemies behave, and knowing when to take risks and when to hide.
Characters and Creatures
Bibi
Bibi is one of the strangest creatures you’ll encounter.
Unlike most enemies, he doesn’t always seem interested in attacking you directly. Instead, he often watches you from a distance, which can be surprisingly unsettling. Sometimes he’ll simply stand there staring, making you wonder what he’s planning.
When Bibi decides to act, he’ll usually charge toward you and capture you. Rather than killing you outright, he’ll tie you up and leave you somewhere else on the map. While this isn’t usually fatal, it can waste valuable time and leave you far away from your objectives.
If Bibi becomes a problem, a Marble Gun can be an effective way to temporarily deal with him and create some breathing room.
Sealman
Sealmen spend most of their time outside.
At first they might not seem dangerous, but they can become surprisingly annoying during a run. Their favorite activity appears to be running up to players and slapping them hard enough to knock them over.
Getting knocked down at the wrong moment can ruin an escape attempt or leave you vulnerable to other enemies nearby.
While they aren’t usually the biggest threat on the map, it’s best not to ignore them completely.
Lizzy
Lizzy is one of the most useful characters in the entire game.
Every so often she visits your hut and offers trades. She’ll ask for specific materials and reward you with useful items in return.
The materials she requests can vary, but common requests include Scraplings, Marbles, Pooplings, and Cigarettes.
The rewards are often worth the effort. Depending on the trade, you might receive equipment that makes future runs significantly easier.
Whenever you hear her distinctive voice, it’s usually worth heading back to see what she’s offering.
Johnathan
Johnathan is one of the more mysterious characters in the game.
You’ll find him living in a small yellow hut outside. To get his attention, you’ll need to knock on his door three times.
Once he comes outside, he’ll follow players around while carrying his boombox. Oddly enough, this can actually help you survive because certain enemies become distracted by him.
His boombox can also be dropped if something happens to him, and players can pick it up and carry it themselves.
Even if he doesn’t directly contribute to your objectives, he’s one of the most entertaining characters you’ll encounter.
Bob
Bob is a hero who deserves far more appreciation than he gets.
Whenever an item is thrown outside, Bob will often retrieve it and bring it back to your hut.
This can save a lot of frustration, especially when valuable items accidentally end up somewhere difficult to reach.
Bob doesn’t ask for much in return, so try to appreciate his hard work.
Dog
The Dog is one of the most dangerous creatures outside the house.
He starts inside a fenced area and generally stays there unless someone opens the gate.
If released, he can roam freely and quickly become a serious threat. The Dog is extremely aggressive and can charge at players with surprising speed.
Unless your objective specifically requires interacting with him, it’s usually safest to leave the gate closed.
Kitty
The old man’s cat might look harmless, but appearances can be deceiving.
Kitty spends time around the house and occasionally patrols certain areas. If angered, she can quickly attack and deal significant damage.
One interesting trick many players use is crouching around her. This seems to make her less aggressive, although it’s still wise to keep a safe distance.
Never underestimate the cat simply because she’s smaller than some of the other threats.
Seagulls
Seagulls are extremely protective parents.
If you approach their nests or eggs, they’ll quickly become hostile and start attacking. Once angered, they’ll often continue chasing you long after you’ve left the nest area.
The easiest solution is simply avoiding nests whenever possible.
If you need to access an area near a nest, ranged weapons such as a Blowgun or Marble Gun can help keep the birds under control.
Mole
The Mole is fast, aggressive, and surprisingly difficult to escape.
When he appears, you’ll want to think vertically. Climbing onto higher objects or reaching elevated areas often provides the safest escape route.
Spring Shoes can be especially useful during these encounters.
Trying to outrun him on flat ground rarely ends well.
Bees
Bees are generally peaceful until you get too close to their hive.
Once disturbed, they’ll swarm and sting nearby players.
Interestingly, bees can be picked up after stinging someone. Players can then throw them at enemies or simply throw them into the ground to remove them.
While they can be annoying, they’re often easier to deal with than many of the larger threats in the game.
Boar
The Boar spends much of its time sleeping.
This peaceful appearance can be misleading because waking the Boar often results in an aggressive charge.
One of the main reasons players interact with the Boar is to collect tusks, which are used in crafting certain items and potions.
The safest strategy is to gather what you need while the Boar is asleep.
The Old Man
The Old Man is the primary antagonist of the game and the biggest threat you’ll face indoors.
He patrols his home constantly and reacts to suspicious activity. If he spots you, he’ll begin chasing you and attempt to catch you.
What makes him so dangerous isn’t just his ability to capture players. It’s the variety of punishments he has available. Depending on the situation, he might throw you outside, stuff you into an appliance, toss you into the dog pen, or even flush you down the toilet.
To make matters worse, he has access to several weapons, including firearms and explosive weapons.
Learning how to avoid the Old Man is one of the most important skills in the entire game.
Best Hiding Spots
Under the Bed
This is one of the safest hiding locations in the game.
As long as you move far enough underneath, the Old Man usually struggles to reach you.
When you’re being chased in a bedroom, this should often be your first choice.
On Top of the Bed
Surprisingly, climbing onto the bed can sometimes keep you safe.
The Old Man often struggles to reach players positioned properly on top.
Just be careful not to sit too close to the edge where you can easily be grabbed.
Behind Couches
Large furniture pieces can block vision and help you avoid detection.
Couches work particularly well against the Old Man because he often loses sight of you.
However, smaller enemies such as Redcaps can still reach you, so don’t become too comfortable.
Cabinets
Cabinets are the classic hiding spot.
They’re convenient and easy to access during emergencies, but they’re not always reliable.
If the Old Man decides to open the cabinet you’re hiding in, your hiding place instantly becomes a trap.
Use them when necessary, but don’t rely on them every time.
The Hut
Your hut is one of the safest places available.
Several enemies cannot enter, making it an excellent location to regroup and plan your next move.
Just remember that Redcaps can still cause problems if the door is left open.