This Project Unknown Guide covers essential team setups, character builds, and gameplay strategies for both solo and co-op play in Project Unknown. It’s written to help new and intermediate players understand how to use each character effectively, manage items wisely, and survive on higher difficulties like Hard and Nightmare.
While the game is constantly being updated, these insights reflect solid, time-tested fundamentals that will stay useful even through balance tweaks.
1. General Gameplay Tips
Project Unknown rewards methodical, light-conscious play. Rushing or ignoring environmental cues often leads to early deaths.
Manage the Generator Wisely:
You start with plenty of fuel, and canisters you find now add a substantial amount since the last patch. You don’t need to panic—just don’t waste time unnecessarily.
Stay in the Light:
Sanity plays a massive role in ghost aggression. Move between lit areas and avoid letting darkness stack up on your sanity. If you can’t turn on a light (breaker limit reached), leave the area rather than risk it.
Avoid Miasma:
Miasma drains sanity fast. Always clear it using the Bell. You can test for Miasma by quickly flicking light switches—this won’t trip the breaker if done briefly.
Never Scan in the Dark:
On higher difficulties, scanning a cursed item in a dark or Miasma-filled area is almost guaranteed death. Prioritize safety over speed.
Double Burn Trick:
In co-op, you can throw two cursed items into the ritual circle in quick succession. Both will burn even if the first triggers a “Purple Smoke” shuffle.
Don’t Chase Relics:
Suitcases and dolls are optional. They’re nice bonuses, but not essential for victory.
2. Item Recommendations
Here’s a complete rundown of all vending machine items, along with practical opinions from veteran players:
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| 01 – Lamp | Pretty but inefficient. Needs recharging outside. Skip it. |
| 02 – Bell | Essential. You’ll need at least one for clearing Miasma. |
| 03 – Energy Drink | Not worth a slot. Cooldown ends before it’s useful. |
| 04 – Magnifying Glass | Required for cursed object detection. Always bring one. |
| 05 – Incense | Theoretically useful but redundant. Use Bell + lights instead. |
| 06 – Torch | First must-buy upgrade. Hands-free light beats glowsticks. |
| 07 – Talisman | Very strong in co-op. Place in open areas as safe zones. |
| 08 – Ghost Detector | Skippable. Offers little practical advantage. |
| 09 – Cell Phone | Only for public games; Discord is far superior. |
| 10 – Relic | Once amazing, now nerfed. Still situationally useful. |
| 11 – Camera | Loses value after item shuffles. Not worth the cost. |
| 12 – Clapping Monkey | Novel, but inventory space is too precious. |
| 13–15 – Glowsticks | Basic starter light source. Replace ASAP with Torch. |
| 16 – Cursed Doll | Useful on Nightmare where hiding spots are limited. Optional. |
| 17 – Fuse | Just learn light management instead. Not necessary. |
Pro Tip:
On Hard and Nightmare, the only consistent purchases should be Torch (06) and Talisman (07).
3. Solo Play – Best Single-Player Build
Luther – Crusader
Recommended Skills:
- Keen Eye
- Cooldown Reduction
- Express Purge
- Mental Fortitude
- Keen Eye
- One For All
- Keen Eye
- Ability Duration
Gear: Magnifying Glass, Bell, Torch
Luther excels in solo due to his survivability and fast scanning speed. Stacking Keen Eye allows him to detect cursed items quicker than any other character, which compensates for the lack of teammates.
- Express Purge helps when you’re far from the Ritual Circle—just be careful not to use it right before a hunt since it locks your Prayer skill during cooldown.
- Mental Fortitude sustains your sanity during long solo runs.
- Ability Duration boosts Prayer uptime, letting you safely evade hunts.
Solo Strategy:
Drop your Bell in a central, well-lit area to free up an inventory slot. Move deliberately, clear Miasma as you go, and never rush item burns. You’ll have more than enough generator fuel to finish the map even on Hard.
4. Co-Op Team Composition
In co-op, specialization is key. Each player should focus on a clear role:
- Runner: Transports cursed items, refuels generator, manages ritual circle.
- Item Finder(s): Locates cursed items using abilities or Cupcake.
- Support: Protects teammates during hunts, clears Miasma, maintains sanity.
Communication is vital. Use Discord over in-game chat for clarity.
Zay (Tamer) – “The Only” Build
Skills:
- Mental Fortitude
- Keen Eye
- Portable Cupcake
- Movement Speed
- Mental Fortitude
- Lost & Hound
- Better Reach / Sharper Nose
- Movement Speed
Gear: Magnifying Glass, Torch
Zay’s build revolves around Cupcake, the dog that detects cursed objects by barking. Focus on large rooms—Cupcake’s detection range shines there. Other players should sweep smaller side rooms.
Until Zay receives a rework, this is the only efficient co-op setup for him.
Nyx (Seer) – Runner Build
Skills:
- Mental Fortitude
- Sprint Speed
- Goosebumps
- Lung Capacity
- Sprint Speed
- Demonologist
- Sprint Speed
- Deep Pockets
Gear: Torch
With boosted sprint speed and an extra item slot, Nyx can outrun most ghosts and carry two cursed items simultaneously. Use Deep Pockets for Cursed Dolls or Talismans when acting as your team’s runner.
Nyx (Librarian) – Item Finder Build
Skills:
- Keen Eye
- Sprint Speed
- Lost & Found
- Keen Eye
- Mental Fortitude
- Occult Collector
- Occult Fortune ×2
Gear: Magnifying Glass, Bell, Torch
A hybrid searcher build for efficient cursed item detection. Occult Collector can drastically speed up scans when it triggers, making Nyx a top-tier finder in co-op missions.
Eirene (Gambler) – Runner Build
Skills:
- Ability Duration
- Lung Capacity
- Redraw
- Cooldown Reduction
- Ability Duration
- Sun
- Cooldown Reduction
- Sprint Speed
Gear: Torch
Eirene’s tarot mechanic gives her explosive movement potential. By drawing The Chariot, she gains super speed ideal for transporting cursed items. Redraw ensures Hangman appears less frequently, keeping your pace consistent.
Luther (Crusader) – Item Finder Build
Skills:
- Keen Eye ×3
- Cooldown Reduction
- Express Purge
- Mental Fortitude
- One For All
- Ability Duration
Gear: Magnifying Glass, Bell, Torch
This build makes Luther the fastest object scanner in the game. Express Purge remains valuable for distant item burns, while Mental Fortitude ensures he stays composed during long hunts.
Luther (Cleric) – Support Build
Skills:
- Cooldown Reduction
- Mental Fortitude
- Sanctuary
- Lung Capacity
- Cooldown Reduction
- Dispel
- Ability Duration
- Cooldown Reduction
Gear: Magnifying Glass, Bell, Torch
Purpose:
A safety-oriented build ideal for Nightmare difficulty. When a hunt starts, gather the team in a quiet corner and activate Prayer—it will conceal everyone from the ghost’s senses. Avoid open hallways where the ghost can still physically collide with you.
Project Unknown’s tension thrives on teamwork and patience. Whether playing solo or with friends, the key to surviving higher difficulties is control—over your light, sanity, and coordination.