If you’re playing Inscryption and notice that the Woodcarver mechanic isn’t working as expected, you’re not alone. Many players have run into issues where the Woodcarver doesn’t seem to provide the expected totem effects or fails to appear at crucial moments. Since the Woodcarver plays an important role in Act 1, especially for totem-based deck strategies, it can be frustrating when things go wrong. Understanding the possible reasons behind this issue can help you troubleshoot it, get your game back on track, and fully enjoy this unique roguelike deck-builder.
What Is the Woodcarver in Inscryption?
The Woodcarver is a mysterious NPC found in Act 1 of Inscryption. She provides totem pieces that give passive effects to creatures of a specific tribe. These effects can completely change your strategy and often determine whether your run is a success or failure.
How the Totem System Works
When you visit the Woodcarver, she offers one of the following:
- A totem head, which determines the tribe affected (e.g., Wolves, Insects, Birds).
- A totem base, which gives a specific effect (e.g., Airborne, Worthy Sacrifice, Touch of Death).
- The option to combine both pieces to activate a totem bonus.
Once combined, the totem grants all creatures of the selected tribe the chosen effect. This mechanic is central to many strategies in Act 1, especially if you’re trying to build around specific tribes like Insects or Canines.
Common Problems with the Woodcarver
Some players report that the Woodcarver is not working properly. This could mean various things: she might not appear, her totems may not apply effects, or pieces may disappear after being selected. Here are the most common issues people experience with the Woodcarver in Inscryption:
Woodcarver Not Appearing
If the Woodcarver never shows up on your map, it could be due to one of these reasons:
- Map RNG (random generation): Her icon may simply not spawn on your run due to the procedural generation of the map.
- Progress-based limitations: In early runs or after restarting the game, certain events like the Woodcarver may be limited or restricted temporarily.
- Game bugs or corrupt files: Occasionally, corrupted save data or bugs may prevent certain NPCs from appearing altogether.
Totem Effects Not Activating
One of the most frustrating problems is when your combined totem pieces don’t grant the expected effect. This could be happening because:
- You selected a tribe that’s not in your current deck.Totem effects only apply to creatures of the chosen tribe. If you don’t have any, you won’t see the benefit.
- Visual bug or UI glitch.Sometimes the icon for the effect doesn’t show properly during gameplay, but the effect is still active.
- Totem not combining correctly.On rare occasions, the totem base and head may not lock together due to a glitch, and you’ll see no effect in battle.
Totem Pieces Not Saving Between Runs
If you’ve progressed through multiple runs but notice you keep getting the same totem pieces or are unable to unlock new ones, there might be an issue with your save data or progression tracking. Normally, as you defeat bosses and complete objectives, more options become available when visiting the Woodcarver.
How to Fix Woodcarver Not Working
Check Your Deck Composition
Before assuming the totem isn’t working, check what creatures are in your current deck. If you’re using a Totem for Mantis creatures but don’t have any, then the effect won’t show in battles. Ensure your totem matches the majority tribe in your deck for maximum benefit.
Restart the Run
Sometimes the issue is tied to the current game seed or session. Restarting the run entirely can refresh the RNG map generation and make the Woodcarver show up again. This is especially helpful if her node failed to appear on the map.
Verify Game Files
If you suspect the issue is due to a glitch or bug, verifying your game files through Steam or your game launcher can solve the problem. Here’s how to do it in Steam:
- Go to your Library.
- Right-click on Inscryption and choose Properties.
- Navigate to the Installed Files tab and click Verify Integrity of Game Files.
This will scan your files and repair any corrupted or missing ones.
Update Your Game
Developers have occasionally released patches to fix bugs and gameplay inconsistencies in Inscryption. If your version of the game is outdated, that could explain the Woodcarver not working as intended. Make sure you’re running the latest version of the game.
Clear or Backup Save Data
If all else fails, your save file might be corrupted. You can try backing up and clearing your save data to see if that resolves persistent Woodcarver issues. Be aware that this will reset your progress unless you’re using backups or cloud saves. Always make a copy before deleting anything.
Tips for Using the Woodcarver Effectively
Pick Tribe Cards Early
If you aim to take full advantage of the Woodcarver, start selecting cards from the same tribe early in the run. This increases the chances of your totem being effective and synergistic with your strategy.
Combine Wisely
Don’t rush to combine your first totem pieces. If you already have one half of a powerful totem, consider holding off and waiting for the next Woodcarver appearance. The right pairing can significantly increase your deck’s strength.
Know the Best Totem Effects
Some totem effects are significantly more powerful than others. For example:
- Touch of Death: Kills any creature it damages, great for low-cost aggressive decks.
- Many Lives: Allows creatures to be sacrificed multiple times.
- Airborne: Lets creatures bypass enemy blockers.
These effects can carry a run if matched with the right tribe.
When the Woodcarver Still Doesn’t Work
If you’ve tried everything and the Woodcarver is still not working, you may want to reach out to support forums or check for updates from the developers. In some cases, rare bugs might not have been patched yet, or your specific issue might require direct technical assistance. Posting detailed information, including your system specs and a screenshot of the issue, can help others diagnose it more accurately.
While it’s rare, the Woodcarver not working in Inscryption can seriously affect your experience, especially if you rely on totem synergies. Fortunately, most issues can be solved by reviewing your deck, restarting your run, or verifying your game files. Understanding how the system is supposed to work and making smart use of totems will make your gameplay more strategic and enjoyable. Keeping your game updated and occasionally backing up your save data are also good practices for avoiding long-term issues.