2-7+ charcoal (2 if you’re prone to get lost, more than that if you’re planning to explore unmarked areas).

If you have both a rifle and bow, bring both (with no more than 5 bullets and 7 arrows).

at least 1,50 l of water (preferably more) and 1500+ calories of food (also preferably more).

4 tablets of painkillers and antibiotics, a bottle of antiseptic (always bring the same bottle as it’s weight decreases by use) OR 2 cups of reishi tea and rose bud hip tea, 2 old man’s beard lichen wound dressings + 2 bandages and 1 instant stim.

bed roll (trust me, it WILL save your life).

tinder (unless level 3 fire starting or higher).

8+ matches (and/or fire striker + magnifying glass).

For one whole day of exploring the great outdoors, I always bring:.

You cannot climb up OR down ropes if over-encumbered.

Even the shortest of trips can become a death trap if you’re unprepared.

PLAN YOUR TRIPS OUTSIDE! NEVER EVER wander outside without checking and double checking that you have everything you might need on your person.

You will probably die by stupid, minute mistakes even when you’ve gotten the hang of it.

You will probably die by stupid, minute mistakes multiple times before you get the hang of it.

On top, underneath, besides, and so on, and do it WITH a light. Check every surface, every nook and cranny.

Precise and efficient looting is key to precise and effective survival.

Oh, and “sparingly” is a good overall theme to keep in mind.

Planning, being observant and careful is 75% of your success.

You are not on top of the food chain anymore.

Hostile wildlife is not to be trifled with.

Everything you find can be used to ease your survival. Well, forget all that (Except if you play The Oregon Trail, then remember some of it, like the risk of dysentery) and follow these mindsets when throwing yourself into the world that is The Long Dark: If you’re coming from most other open world games, you’ll probably have learned that parts, crafteables and items respawn, enemies’ powers are below yours, food is more of a burden than a necessity, health can be fixed in seconds, death is only temporary, etc etc. If you find anything in the guide, please tell me and I’ll fix it! Basic Mindsets A lot has changed since then and while I’ve been trying to sift out things that are no longer relevant there might still be some things hiding in there that are no longer useful.

Also, the majority of tips was compiled around v.1.21 of the game. I play mostly on Voyager and Stalker because that’s what I enjoy most, and this guide is written from those perspectives, so not all tips will be relevant to those of you playing on either Pilgrim or Interloper.

Disclaimer! I’m not one of those hardcore ultimate challenge-types of players that will only accept Interloper as the true mode of playing The Long Dark.

The long dark charcoal