The Long Dark Survival Guide

This is a starter's guide for the game: The Long Dark. I have just put together some little details and things that might help you on your adventure in The Long Dark. Thanks!

Your First Day

What you do on your first day is determined by the weather and time of day that you spawn in. If it is clear or windy weather and it is day time, than you should go looking for any food, water, or other useful supplies you can find. However, if it is night, or very very bad weather, I would advise you to find shelter and sleep for a few hours if you have food and water. If you see any wolves, STAY AWAY FROM THEM, they are more dangerous than you think. If you come in close contact with one, press the "1" key and your player will bring out a Flare. Hold down "Left Mouse Button" to light the flare. The Wolf will then stay away from you as long as the Flare is still lit. Try putting as much distance from you to the Wolf as possible while the Flare is still lit. You can also through the flare on the ground by pressing the "Right Mouse Button" this will keep the wolf 10+ away from the spot that the flare was thrown.

Night Time

The following should be repeated for every night, not just the initial night.

Never go to sleep unless you have food and water, or unless you absolutely have to. You should never go to sleep for more than 4 or 5 hours at a time, your hunger and thirst bars significantly increase while you are asleep. Sleep 4 hours, then drink a little and eat a little, sleep 4 hours, drink a little eat a little... I would say it's usually safe to come out around 5:00 AM, by then the sun should have just come out, providing enough light to get around without using a lantern. Always sleep indoors, you never want to wake up to a wolf in your face. If you absolutely have to, you should put down your bedroll and take a quick nap, but always sleep indoors if possible. Don't ever sleep during the day, unless you have to. The day time is the only time you want to be outdoors exploring, exploring at night time is less efficeint and harder. The sun usually stays up from 5:00 AM to 8:30-9:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to explore the map.

Traveling

Never go exploring in places you have never been without the following supplies: Supplies to start at least two fires, Food and Water to last a good amount of time, first aid equiptment (Bandages, Painkillers, Antiseptic...), and warm clothing that is in good condition.

Little Tips That Can Make Big Differences In Your Survival

Carter Hydro Dam: There is a chance that a wolf named Fluffy will spawn in the dam. If you find this place, either stay out of it, or if you think you have what it takes to kill him, walk right in. DO NOT loot anything in the dam until you know the wolf is dead, or isn't there. When you walk in, after you go into the second room, there will be a ramp going down to your left. It is very dark down there, and that is usually where the wolf comes from.

Watch Out For Wolves: Stay away!

Travel Only In Daylight: Traveling at night time can be more dangerous, hard, and costly.


Thank you for taking time to read this guide! Please comment and let me know if I missed anything important!

[Al Ghoul]

I made this 2 weeks after the games release haha. So it's probably missing a lot by now

[Viveltre]

Good tips. I'd add the following; if you do take a wolf on and you're somewhere near a lake or, even better, on the highway, position your back to the land/shore so that when the wolf runs away bleeding it is easier to track the blood trail across flat ice and you'll see the carcasse from further away. Wolf meat is edible and the pelt can be used to craft gear. You can kill wolves with a hunting knife, but you're going to be injured, you clothes will likely be torn and the wolf will run away. Additionally, if you have a rifle, wait until the wolf gets close and comes at you straight on. Much easier to hit. Finally, always carry medical supplies and harvest old man's beard for your bandages.

[honeymon]

Good advice. +_+) b

[Radd]

I have survived 48 days so far. A big tip to survive like this is to be prepared. A good kit that I always take with me is, Hunting knife X1 | Axe X1 | Matches X5+ | Tinder X2 (Not your phone) | Bandage (With old mans beard hopefully) X2 | Water purification tabs X3+ | Painkillers X6-10 depending on journey. And some AntiBiotics X5+

[Phillip]

I been playing this game for a while and always walk on ice not once did i fall in or even see any signs of it about to break maybe its a glitch idk

[JDUK]

Seen Fluffy just the once it was a hell of a suprise at the time as I'd been in before and all had been fine becuse I thought wolfs didn't come in to buildings. Anyway Fluffy died and I only just survived the attack so always checking the place out first is good advice CrunchyBacon.

[notering]

I encountered fluffy twice. Once he was just saying hi and walked away. The second. I had my lamp. It ran out of fuel. BOOM the wolf right in my face. ( I was also bleeding at the time. )

[m.cab]

Awesome guide! If one follows these rules survival will be a lot easier! Maybe you should add to the end of "The first Day" to throw the flare with M2 if one can get rid of wolf after 30 secs or smth.

[crump]

i wish i hadnt heard about fluffy, i could have just walked right in, get half murdered and run away with a dead wolf body behind like a BADASS
anyway, great guide.

[CakesGone]

Thanks man, very helpful guide :)