Penitence Mode is a game mode introduced during the Don't Starve Together x Cult of the Lamb crossover at 21st August 2023. It is a unique game mode that can be started at game start (but cannot be removed thereafter), and is unlocked once you indoctrinated Webber into the cult by looking for his skull at any existing game saves.
Most of the feature are the same as any other game mode (with the sole exception that you will be forced to skip the tutorial mode).
Game Difference[]
Because Tutorial is disabled in this game mode, Ratau will appear after the start of the game and informs Lamb about this game mode, alongside with giving them several coins and resources to start off with the game mode before disappearing.
Hunger & Sleep[]
One of the unique feature different from regular game mode are the introduction of two new meters, Hunger and Sleep, below the clock. Both must be managed properly to ensure the Lamb doesn't meet their demise too early.
These will still tick down similar to follower's needs even during a crusade. They will not tick down during Purgatory however.
Hunger[]
Much like how the Followers need their food, Lamb can also consume food cooked at Cooking Fire and Kitchen. While eating the food no longer conveys boost or penalty, it satiates their need of hunger.
The Feast Ritual will fill the Lamb's hunger meter.
Sleep[]
Much like how the Followers need their sleep, Lamb will also need to sleep over time during the nighttime. There is an exclusive tent they can claim from an existing bed once the Faith has reached at least level 2.
Crusades[]
The only difference when it comes to crusades is that you will start with the ability to teleport back to your cult at will. (Like the omnipresence crown ability.) You can do this by, focusing during crusades without getting hit by an enemy.
This is put in place to make sure you can feed yourself or rest when you need to.
Game Over[]
Death from either of the above will result in a permadeath, the removal of the save file similar to A Shepherd Without a Flock quest failure except it will say "A lamb cannot survive without food/sleep", depending on which of the two were the reason for the permadeath.
Prior to this, you will start seeing tentacles covering the side of your screen with the bottom showing a warning and cause of the warning.
Death through other means save for the above quest, unless Permadeath Mode is enabled, will still result in "Martyr’d", meaning death will not result in permanent death.
Unused Buildings[]
Presumably any excess food will rot, so Food Storage and Food Storage II was made for the purpose of storing food in the game.