Sinking Star Skipping Stones to Lonely Homes Walkthrough

This walkthrough covers the “Sinking Star” area, the “Skipping Stones” puzzle, and the path to “Lonely Homes” in the southern world region. You’ll learn the exact order of actions, the correct sequence for the stone-skipping mini-game, and how to unlock the shortcut to the Lonely Homes settlement.

Formula

The core mechanic of the Skipping Stones puzzle is matching the stone’s travel speed to the target distance within a time limit. The required speed is calculated as:

Speed = Distance ÷ Time

Where:

• Speed is the stone’s horizontal velocity in meters per second (m/s).
• Distance is the gap to the target platform in meters (m).
• Time is the allowed skip duration in seconds (s).

In the game, the stone’s speed is set by how long you hold the charge button. The game shows a visual indicator, but the underlying math is the same.

Worked Example

Using the default values: Distance = 50 m, Time = 30 s.

1. Divide distance by time: 50 ÷ 30 = 1.6667 m/s.
2. Convert to km/h: 1.6667 × 3.6 = 6.0 km/h.

So you need to release the charge when the speed meter shows about 1.67 m/s (or 6 km/h). The calculator above confirms this.

Background: The Sinking Star Region

The Sinking Star is a late-game area in the southern world, accessible after obtaining the Tidal Lens. It’s a chain of small islands that slowly submerge and resurface on a cycle. The main path winds through flooded ruins, and the Skipping Stones puzzle is a mandatory gate before you can reach the Lonely Homes, a small village of hermit NPCs who trade rare materials.

The area is known for its verticality – you’ll often need to climb ledges while the water level rises. The puzzle itself is located on a flat stretch of beach between two cliff faces, right before the Lonely Homes bridge.

How the Skipping Stones Puzzle Works

When you approach the stone pedestal, a target platform appears across the water. You have a limited time (usually 30 seconds) to skip a flat stone across the surface. The stone bounces a fixed number of times, but you control the initial speed and angle.

• Charge: Hold the interact button to increase speed. The meter fills from left to right.
• Aim: Use the left stick to set the horizontal angle. The game shows a faint trajectory line.
• Release: Let go to throw. The stone skips in a straight line, losing speed with each bounce.

To succeed, you need to match the required speed for the distance. The puzzle is forgiving: you have three attempts before the water rises and you must wait for the next cycle (about 2 minutes).

Step-by-Step Walkthrough: Order of Actions

1. From the Sinking Star fast-travel point, head east along the beach until you see the stone pedestal.
2. Interact with the pedestal to start the puzzle. The target platform appears 50 meters away.
3. Wait for the first water level drop (about 10 seconds). The stone skips better on calm water.
4. Charge the throw to about 60% of the meter (this corresponds to roughly 6 km/h for a 50 m gap).
5. Aim slightly to the right of the platform’s center to account for the current.
6. Release. Watch the stone skip – it should land on the platform.
7. After landing, a bridge extends. Cross it immediately.
8. On the other side, follow the narrow path up the cliff. You’ll see the Lonely Homes gate.
9. Use the gate lever to open it. This unlocks the shortcut back to the main area.

If you miss the platform, the stone sinks and you must wait for the water to recede. The platform stays, but the current changes direction slightly – aim a bit more left on your second try.

How to Read the Result and Common Mistakes

The calculator gives you the exact speed needed, but in-game you’ll be judging by eye. The most common mistake is overcharging – many players hold too long and overshoot. The meter’s sweet spot is usually between the 55% and 65% marks for a 50 m distance.

Another mistake is ignoring the water level. If the water is too high (during the rising phase), the stone skips erratically. Always wait for the water to start dropping before throwing.

Also, note that the distance can vary if you’ve moved the camera – the puzzle measures from your position at the pedestal, not from where you stand. Always return to the pedestal before throwing.

Alternatives and Shortcuts

There is no alternative route to Lonely Homes – the puzzle is mandatory. However, after you complete it once, the bridge remains extended, and you can use the gate lever to open a permanent shortcut from the Sinking Star beach to the village. This saves about 5 minutes of backtracking.

If you’re stuck, you can also try using the “Slow Time” charm (if you have it) – it doesn’t affect the stone’s speed, but it gives you more time to aim. Some players find it easier to use a controller with a hair-trigger for precise releases.

Costs and Rewards

There’s no in-game currency cost for the puzzle. The reward for reaching Lonely Homes is access to the hermit merchant, who sells the “Echo Shard” (used for a side quest) and the “Tidal Cloak” (a cosmetic item). You also unlock a new fast-travel point.

If you fail all three attempts, you don’t lose anything – you just wait for the next cycle. The puzzle is designed to be forgiving, so there’s no penalty for repeated failures.

Safety and Technical Notes

This puzzle is purely mechanical – there are no enemies or environmental hazards. However, the water level can rise quickly after a failed attempt, so don’t stand too close to the edge. If you fall in, you’ll respawn at the pedestal with a small time penalty.

On PC, the game’s physics are tied to frame rate. If you experience inconsistent stone behavior, cap your frame rate to 60 FPS. On console, this is not an issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I miss the platform three times?

After three failed attempts, the water rises and the puzzle resets. You’ll need to wait about 2 minutes for the water to drop again. The platform stays in the same place, but the current shifts – aim slightly left on your next try.

Can I skip the puzzle by climbing the cliffs?

No. The cliffs are too steep to climb, and the water below is too deep to swim. The puzzle is the only way across.

Is there a way to make the stone skip farther?

No. The stone’s maximum distance is fixed by the game’s physics. You can only adjust speed and angle. The required speed for 50 m is about 6 km/h – any faster will overshoot.

Why does the stone sometimes veer off course?

This is caused by the water current, which changes direction every 10 seconds. Wait for the current to flow straight toward the platform before throwing. You can see the current direction by looking at the ripples on the water surface.

Does the puzzle work differently on higher difficulty?

No. The puzzle’s mechanics are the same on all difficulty settings. Only combat and health change.

What do I get for completing the puzzle?

You unlock the bridge to Lonely Homes, a new fast-travel point, and access to the hermit merchant. The merchant sells the Echo Shard, which is needed for the “Whispering Depths” side quest.

Related

• Secure Samba File Server on a Linux VPS: Setup Guide
• How to Remove a Car Wrap Without Damaging Paint
• Transfer Active Directory to a New Server: Full Guide

in t | Time to skip (s) | s | 30 | 1
in d | Distance to target (m) | m | 50 | 1
out pace | Required speed | m/s | d / t | 2
out pace_kmh | Required speed | km/h | (d / t) * 3.6 | 2