Dreams: 5 Best Tips for Beginners

Dreams being rolled out as PlayStation Plus’ next exclusive game of the year will no doubt see in a vast ocean of fresh content from all over the globe. Just in the nick of time, too, what with developer Media Molecule shutting down live support on September 1, 2023. Don’t fret, though — both players and avid creators will sill have full access to the entire library and all its building materials for as long as the game stays afloat. It is worth pointing out, however, that with live support being removed, key events including DreamsCom, All Hallow’s Dreams, and the Imply Awards, will no longer continue to run their course.

The good news is, budding builders will still be able to unleash their creations out into the wild for the foreseeable future. So, rest assured that there’s still plenty of time to make your mark on the world as the next curator of Dreams. Interested? If so, then be sure to read on for five quick tips. Here’s what you need to know about Dreams, and how to get your foot on its ladder.

5. Go Surfing

Before you go gallivanting about in the creation suite known as Dream Shape, you’ll want to learn all the ins and outs of Dreams’ many, many functions in the Dream Surf mode. This mode, which serves as the game’s go-to catalog for user-created worlds, is where your works will eventually find an audience, and as a result, the feedback needed to elevate your ideas to new and improved heights.

If you are planning on building your own product, then you’ll want to spend plenty of time in the Dream Surf section, if only to get a clearer insight into what sorts of thing can be produced. After you’ve managed to rummage through a good few creations, you’ll want to set your sights to match your expectations. Knowing what can be achieved, and the amount of time it’ll take to complete each step will, of course, prepare you for the journey ahead. And believe us when we say — it’s a long, long journey.

4. The Tutorials Are Vital

It doesn’t matter how confident you are, the harsh truth is, there’s just no brushing over the countless tutorials that Dreams has to offer. In fact, Media Molecule goes through every effort to make sure its avid creators experience the drawn-out lessons in their entirety before handing over the keys. Makes sense, given how much there is to learn and all.

It’s worth mentioning that the tutorials in Dreams aren’t made to introduce you to the basics, but rather test your ability to adapt. It’s a relentless experience, building a game from the ground up — and its tutorials will do all in their power to remind you of that fact. Just do yourself a favor and pay close attention to what the lessons have to show you. It isn’t an overnight ordeal, but with enough patience, you’ll come to reap all the right benefits needed to construct your own vision.

3. Dreams Don’t Happen Overnight

It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but the reality is, nothing you create in your first few sittings is likely to turn heads. So, if you had high hopes of hitting a home run right off the bat, then think again. Truth is, most, if not all games stapled to its core would’ve gone through countless revisions at some point or another — even the projects that were curated by more experienced hands. Point is, everything you do in Dreams will be a lengthy process, so you’d best settle in for what’s to come.

In order to learn the ropes and get your content on the board, you’ll need to complete Imply Quests, which serve as tutorials to walk you through the basics. The good news here is that, even if you’ve brushed through one of the levels and moved onto the next, you can still go back and alter certain aspects later down the line. In other words, don’t fret about trying to nail every element on your first try; the best creations take time.

2. Take Advantage of Elements

Elements in Dreams are miniature creations that either you or another player has the power to share. It’s an incredibly useful tool, and can essentially remove the headache of having to sift through endless waves of data in order to formulate something worthwhile. So, if you’re in need of something, be it a themed door or a random trinket, always be sure to check out the Elements tab. Also, don’t forget to share the ones you think might help other creators whenever you get the chance. Who knows — that one thing you saved could just wind up being in the next top-shelf Dreams game, and on the front page, no less.

1. Join the Discord Server

It goes without saying that Dreams, as harmless as it comes across as at face value, isn’t the easiest game in the world to master. Fortunately, there’s a Discord server for it, which consists of hundreds, if not thousands of useful articles and quick tips to help you along your way. If you can register your interest in this server as soon as possible, then you’ll be able to join the millions of other creators and their efforts to build new bridges for the whole community to witness.

In addition to the Discord server, there are also several other helping hands floating about — Twitch, YouTube, and Media Molecule’s streaming handles, for example. If you’re deadly serious about making your own game, then you’ll want to enroll in each of these channels as soon as you’re able to. If possible, spread your name before putting pen to paper and getting to work on your first big project.

So, what’s your take? Will you be setting out to make your own game in Dreams at any point this year? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.