Hard difficulty - survival tips

[Edgewalker]

If you've got any share them here.

I've manged to beat hard ironman on previous 2 games without save scumming but I feel this one is way worse due to dominant rng factor especially right at the start.

Right now I'm trying to figure out solid start for the first five days and the only conclusion I have so far is : be lucky and don't get wounded.

Also, build a water filter early on.

[Silly Clown]

Rush a river scavenging (NW) on day 2, the boost in water will help with early game time management + clay needed for cooking station.

[Edgewalker]

Best early food is mushroom soup - if you couple it with advanced water filter it works even better. You can supply mushrooms fairly easy and you are set.

[Edgewalker]

Another tip: rush water filter and cooking pot first than crafting table and improved filter if possible. Only then go for the sleeping tent. You can easily tank for the first couple of days while the lack of water and food will cripple you right off the bat.

[Edgewalker]

And another: go for no less than 4-tiles expeditions and go no further than 2 tiles from the camp. You need abundance of resources quickly to counter the downward spiral you are set upon at the start. And if you don't go far off there is a smaller chance to get lost and lose AP.

[Edgewalker]

Ok, I've managed to finish the game at hard with all the team (of 5 :P) maxed out.
Some additional tips:

- game gets easier as you progress, first 5 days are nightmare, next 10 are so-so, last 10+ are easy-peasy

- everything revolves around AP management so always burn all resources to keep your team in good shape which in turn will get you lots of AP and many resources from the exploration. Don't try to keep reserves for later while suffering penalties.

- check detailed stats, always aim for zeroing the statuses. if they cross the first tier overnight (and they usually will unless you are zeroed) you will suffer morale test and AP penalty

- never explore hexes adjacent to the enemy, it's not worth the risk

- do not waste resources, try to build workshop for preparing cloth and splitting wood early

- build all the tools you have access to and don't forget to use them (hammer is crucial, than axe and shovel, than snow-rockets, torch and sack)

- camp traps are not worth it, I've never caught anything in multiple playthroughs so I guess percentage for success is quite small

- keep one vodka handy for poison antidote, or even better keep one poison antidote handy

- always choose friendly responses during the evening talks

- upgrading medical station resting bed is suprisingly effective which I learned pretty late

- try to explore during the good weather, focus on building up camp during bad weather

- I can't stress it enough, game gets way easier as you go - if you make it trough the nightmarish start and bumpy middle it's more or less smooth sailing from there

[Quincy_Morris]

I’ve caught plenty of critters in the trap. Though never one during purga.

I think the line about the storm scaring the animals off is supposed to imply that worse weather makes animals less prevalent.

[Vengeance]

Any tips where charcoal can be found? For the advanced water filter

[Shellof Aman]

Search in the hex of the locomotive at the front of the train.