diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index 434309e31..2564b65dc 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -22,6 +22,9 @@ comparer-config.toml
 # Extra files in the source distribution (see make_src_dist.py)
 /dist/
 
+# Local release staging
+/_release_tmp/
+
 *.appimage
 *.AppImage
 
diff --git a/Source/utils/proximity_audio.cpp b/Source/utils/proximity_audio.cpp
index 3a80afb16..905c49f24 100644
--- a/Source/utils/proximity_audio.cpp
+++ b/Source/utils/proximity_audio.cpp
@@ -548,13 +548,16 @@ std::optional<InteractTarget> FindInteractTargetInRange(const Player &player, Po
 		if (monster.hitPoints <= 0)
 			continue;
 
-		const Point monsterPosition { monster.position.tile };
-		const int distance = playerPosition.ApproxDistance(monsterPosition);
+		// Use the future position for distance/tempo so cues react immediately when a monster starts moving
+		// towards or away from the player (tile position updates later).
+		const Point monsterSoundPosition { monster.position.tile };
+		const Point monsterDistancePosition { monster.position.future };
+		const int distance = playerPosition.ApproxDistance(monsterDistancePosition);
 		if (distance > MaxCueDistanceTiles)
 			continue;
 
 		if (!nearest || distance < nearest->first) {
-			nearest = { distance, monsterPosition };
+			nearest = { distance, monsterSoundPosition };
 		}
 	}