Since 2017, The Long Dark has seen updates to not only Survival mode, but also a third and fourth episode of the story, as well as various Challenges and special in-game events for players to dig into. In 2017 it left early access with the release of Wintermute, a story mode with two episodes out of a planned five. In the Quiet Apocalypse, it’s you against the elements, and the only goal is to see how long you can deny the inevitable.ĭeveloped by Hinterland Studio Inc., The Long Dark was originally released on Steam in 2014 as an early-access title that featured a Survival mode. There are usually dinosaurs, monsters, or giant spiders tacked onto forgiving survival mechanics.

These are all common in survival games, but few make survival the central experience. Maybe you need certain clothes to stay warm or protect yourself from the elements. You eat or drink to fill a hunger or thirst bar.