Most Dangerous Afflictions In The Long Dark

Key Takeaways

Infections pose a serious danger, leading to rapid condition loss and eventual death if left untreated.
Afflictions like Hypothermia, Dysentery, and Intestinal Parasites are resource-intensive to cure and will quickly deplete the player’s condition if ignored.
Blood Loss and Suffocation rapidly kill, causing quick condition loss or instant death if not immediately addressed.

As a seasoned survivor who has braved the harsh wilderness of Canada’s Yukon Territory, I can attest to the relentless and unforgiving nature of the environment. The challenges faced by players in Survival Mode of The Long Dark are not for the faint-hearted, and understanding each affliction is crucial to one’s survival.

In 2017, the single-player survival game titled “The Long Dark” was introduced, having been created by Hinterland Studio. The game immerses players in a chilling scenario: they find themselves stranded in the harsh Canadian wilderness following a plane crash triggered by a geomagnetic storm. With no sign of rescue, the player must navigate this desolate landscape where nature has reclaimed abandoned human structures. This is a struggle for survival that only those who can adapt to and coexist with Mother Nature will be able to survive.

Afflictions play a pivotal role in adding danger and variety to survival. Players not only have to work within the limits of Mother Nature but also of their own bodies, whether that be broken bones, blood loss, or infections. Many afflictions are deadly if left untreated.

8 Frostbite

Permanent Condition Loss

Frostbite happens when body parts of the players get exposed to prolonged cold without any covering clothing. Each occurrence of frostbite leads to a 10% reduction in a player’s total health limit. Repeated instances of frostbite can significantly lower a player’s maximum health, particularly on challenging levels.

This ailment can be serious, but it’s not fatal unless consumed in large quantities. For this condition to prove lethal, individuals would need to explore the wilderness entirely unclothed. Additionally, it’s one of the few conditions that alerts users they are at risk well before it takes effect.

7 Scurvy

A Quiet Killer

Scurvy is an affliction that occurs when a player’s vitamin C level (a hidden stat) reaches zero. Those with this affliction will experience a slight decrease in condition alongside decreased carrying capacity and greater fatigue and stamina degradation. These debuffs make treating scurvy difficult as it involves eating food high in vitamin C. Given most such foods are not craftable, penalties to fatigue and condition make gathering them all the more dangerous. If left untreated, players with scurvy will eventually die.

In comparison to other fatal ailments, the impact of scurvy, as represented by its debilitating effects, is relatively minor, particularly when considering the speed at which the condition deteriorates. Acquiring this ailment is certainly undesirable, but it falls within the category of less hazardous lethal diseases.

6 Infection

A Deadly Disease

Infections may arise due to inadequately cleaned wounds caused by blood loss ailments. Individuals affected will notice a swift deterioration of their health and heightened fatigue. Venturing out while infected is extremely hazardous since weakened conditions can make wild animal interactions potentially fatal, and fatigue can plummet abruptly, exacerbating the rate at which health declines. Infections prove fatal if ignored.

While it is a significant threat to players, infections can be prevented, unlike most lethal afflictions. Players will develop an infection risk that they will have several hours to treat before it becomes an infection.

5 Hypothermia

An Icy Death

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve learned that prolonged exposure to extreme cold can lead to a chilling affliction known as hypothermia in the game world. This condition not only accelerates the rate of body heat loss but also rapidly drains energy, making further exploration in sub-zero temperatures perilous. Newcomers, especially those lacking proper shelter or resources, are at a significantly higher risk. Without timely warmth, my character’s life hangs precariously in the balance.

Unlike many life-threatening conditions, hypothermia can generally be treated without requiring specialized resources like antibiotics or antiseptics. This makes it less daunting for well-equipped characters, as they’re more likely to have the essential supplies such as fuel, food, and water needed for recovery.

4 Dysentery

A Quick Killer

Dysentery is a health issue that occurs when one consumes contaminated water. Characters suffering from it will notice quick deterioration of their status, increased thirst, and fatigue depletion. If proper shelter, resources for treatment aren’t found promptly, the character may perish. Curing this condition can be quite demanding, as it requires antibiotics, ample water supply, and a secure place to rest.

Dysentery is an ailment that often affects those in dire straits, particularly when they resort to drinking contaminated water due to scarcity. To treat it effectively, clean water in substantial quantities is essential. However, finding the resources required for treatment can be extremely challenging because of the rapid deterioration of one’s condition.

3 Intestinal Parasites

A Game Altering Affliction

On the game Stalker, Interloper, or Misery, contracting intestinal parasites can occur by eating predator meat. Once infected, a player’s total health and stamina will gradually decrease daily until either cured or death occurs. Be aware that even after treatment begins, these maximum values continue to decline. The treatment process lasts between 10-20 days based on the game difficulty, leaving players with significantly reduced health and energy in later stages of the game.

As a gamer, let me tell you, getting rid of intestinal parasites is a lengthy, resource-draining quest that outshadows any other health issue I’ve encountered in the game of real life. If you step into this challenge unprepared – without a stash of antibiotics, enough food, and decent shelter – it’s game over, as it can be fatal. So, always stock up before embarking on this particular mission!

2 Blood Loss

Rapidly Deadly

1) In-game characters lose health due to conflicts with predators and timberwolf assaults. A staggering 30% of their health deteriorates every hour when they are afflicted, which can lead to death in just a few real-world minutes if not treated promptly. Additionally, the more blood they lose, the stronger their scent becomes, making them more vulnerable to further attacks.

As a player, I find myself in a situation where a quick-fix remedy, a self-crafted bandage, is all that’s needed to heal this ailment. However, the process of actually applying it can take quite a bit of time. This means I need to keep a safe distance from any potential threats while I carefully attend to my wound, and in doing so, my remaining health steadily dwindles.

1 Suffocation

Death In A Matter Of Seconds

In Survival mode and Wintermute, suffocation happens when a player encounters harmful gases in specific areas. It’s crucial to steer clear of these spots entirely, as prolonged exposure for just 30-60 seconds can be fatal, depending on the game settings. For those tempted to hurry through the gas, extreme vigilance is necessary. The visual distortions during passage can make navigation extremely challenging.

There is no way to treat suffocation. Suffocation can only be avoided using the allusive respirators and canisters, but the moment a canister fully degrades, the player will immediately begin suffocating.

2024-11-28 18:34