Sector 13: Haunted Woods anomalies: how the detector works
The Anomaly Detector only reacts when an Anomaly is nearby. If it stays silent, the studio's own advice is to switch to the Artifact Finder, travel to new coordinates, then search the area around them.
Anomalies are the signals that brought you into Sector 13 in the first place — points still emitting abnormal activity that you are sent to track. The important part is how the detector behaves, because demo players get stuck exactly here.
What the Anomaly Detector actually does
The store page names the tool in the equipment list: the ANOMALY DETECTOR "detects Anomalies in the surrounding area." Official screenshots show the handheld device with a needle-style dial and a numeric readout in mG (milligauss — magnetic-field units), with a large central number and smaller readings around it.
The critical behavior comes from the studio's own reply when a player complained they could not find any anomaly points:
The Anomaly Detector only shows a clear reaction when there is an Anomaly nearby. If there is no signal for now, use the Artifact positioning device to travel to new coordinates, then keep searching around that area.
Read that as an official loop: detector silent → switch to the Artifact Finder → move → switch back.
The hunting loop, step by step
- Scan where you stand. Watch the dial for movement. No reaction does not mean the game is broken — it means nothing is close.
- Reposition with the other tool. The Artifact Finder's coordinates pull you toward fresh territory; anomalies cluster near the locations those coordinates lead you past.
- Work the location. Abnormal points are tied to places — the demo's buildings, station, mansion and grounds all carry activity. Camera views (
C) give you a safer look before walking in. - Mind the noise. Investigating at night with a chatty team is the fastest way to turn a scan into a chase.
Reading the instrument
| Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Needle sweeping / large central number climbing | You are closing on whatever the device is tracking |
| Steady low values, no sweep | Nothing nearby — relocate before concluding anything |
| Detector never reacts all run | You are likely staying in one dead zone; the studio's advice is to travel to new coordinates first |
What is not confirmed yet
- The complete Anomaly types list and where each one appears — no official enumeration exists for the demo.
- Whether every anomaly point must be found in one run — not yet confirmed by store, studio or reproducible player reports.
FAQ
Why does my anomaly detector not do anything?
Because nothing is within range. The studio states it plainly: the detector only reacts clearly when an Anomaly is nearby. Use the Artifact Finder to travel, then search around the new coordinates.
What unit is the mG number?
Milligauss — magnetic field strength, standard detector-speak. The official screenshots show the big reading with the mG label on the device screen.
Are anomalies dangerous by themselves?
Not confirmed. What is confirmed: the things living in Sector 13 are, and investigating loudly at night draws attention. See how to play.
Will the full game add more anomalies?
Yes — the studio confirmed more new anomaly areas and creatures are coming with the September 25, 2026 release.
