The Long Dark - Region Tier List

Today we take a look at all of The Long Dark's regions and transition regions, and what they have to offer. We take into consideration their proximity to other regions, loot available, structures nearby, weather, and of course, a bit of personal experience and opinion!

[@wnchstrman]

My favorite is Timberwolf Mountain. Massive amounts of loot, all the animals to hunt right next to my favorite base at the Mountaineer's Hut, and even a fishing shack. Lots of caves both indoor and outdoor (cabin fever is not really a problem) as well as access to other important regions like a main hub but with more loot and more interesting locations than Mystery Lake.

[@necfreon6259]

I mean you need a hacksaw to get most of the loot but then again jorneys through multiple zones can help with that

[@legacymse7095]

It's a good mid-game/endgame location but as a starting point on higher difficulties? It is brutal

[@jamesweston4089]

@@legacymse7095- I normally start in Hushed River Valley, grab the Moose Satchel, then migrate to Mountain Town (loot), then Mystery Lake (loot), Pleasant Valley (loot), Timberwolf Mt (loot), then Ash Canyon to snag the Backpack, and back to Timberwolf Mt. Main bases are Mountaineers Hut, and Farm House and Trappers Canyon. After that, I’ll expand out to Coastal Highway and Ravine, etc. I play on Stalker… not good enough yet to play the “Hard Game”. And I like my guns.

[@ericcartman9594]

Too many ropes to climb

[@jamesweston4089]

Sleep and use coffee wisely. Once you get the crampons, no rope is a threat.

[@Mephitinae]

Crumbling Highway was improved by the new update. The region has good beach combing, and it's possible to fish there now.

[@Firebuck]

There's a workbench nearby in the mine too.

[@jmiod2819]

As someone with over a thousand hours, Ash canyon is just astounding for me, its just so beautiful, i enjoyed faithful so much in this region, the bridges, paths alongside the mountains, a lot of wolves yeah but no annyoing bears really, ofc the technical backpack

[@TheRealAaronSmith]

I'm partial to Pleasant Valley, the farmhouse in particular. It's the most comfortable, and visually appealing spot to me, lots of storage to organize supplies, work bench for crafting. Open sight lines a fair distance in any direction, rabbit, wolf, and bear spawns all very close by(especially the bear that can spawn at the front door, very handy for easy meat). Plus the easy route to Blackrock for crafting ammo, the plane crash for a good chance at finding high quality clothes. Though I will say, as soon as I'm set up for a bit of a journey, I beeline it for Timberwolf Mountain and then Ash Canyon. My most recent play through took me forever to find any guns, but once at Ash Canyon, heading for the technical backpack and crampons, I happened across the Curators Rifle just outside the mine, and a revolver in the mine. Back to Timberwolf mountain to spend a couple weeks looting the whole place and bringing it all to the Mountaineer's Hut and then to base in Pleasant Valley

[@RicRogue1]

I always choose my spawn in Ash Canyon.

[@KamleshMallick]

⁠@@TheRealAaronSmithHow do u carry all the loot across regions. Aren’t u heavy all the time? Do you leave stuff in regional bases?

[@fractalgem]

​​@@TheRealAaronSmithunpleasant valley tried to kill me on pilgrim, with pretty decent gear. pilgrim! I bet its worse on stalker, and loper? Aaaaa. Maybe itll be less of an issue if i keep exploring and learning the region, because the main issue was getting lost in the blizzardand not finding any sticks to top off my fuel supply as i traveled.... just After dropping most of them off at a place i thought i could find again if i had to backtrack.

[@TheRealAaronSmith]

@@KamleshMallick My apologies for the delay, I had my app notifications turned off. Thankfully someone else tagged me since I've had them back on. So, to answer your questions, yes, I'm heavy almost all the time. I take nearly everything, if not literally everything in the early game period. I make a lot of trips back and forth. The second question about the bases is tricky, because I have a preferred base in most regions, and while I loot that region, I collect everything there. Once I have everything that there's even a possibility that I may want, I harvest most common clothing, repair tools and refuel lanterns, basically trying to lower the item count more than anything. Then, I make little travel kits, a bit of food and water, a knife or hatchet(if I can spare them, otherwise I just keep one), and some basic medical stuff like extra bandages and disinfectant. Everything else gets sorted by category and/or importance, and I take a mix of that generic stuff and a travel kit with me to the transition zone to the next region, drop it inside the entrance, and go back for more until I have everything, or need to go hunting or whatever. Then I move everything to the other end of the transition zone, I recommend marking trails with spray paint to save weight, and make it so that you can find your way easily without light sources, then finally, I do the same process from going from a base to the transition zone in reverse to get everything to the next temporary base. Occasionally I leave some resources and whatnot behind in certain regions like coastal highway, the prison, the forges, places that I'm likely to return to, and may need to resupply or whatever when I get there, but I don't leave much. I could have 6 hunting rifles, and I'll still take all of them that I find, though recently I have been trying to leave a fully loaded generic one at those locations I mentioned before since I have the curators rifle and barbs rifle. I will say, the Travois has been a godsend for my looting. I build at least 2 as soon as I can and put one on either end of the transition zone, as well as loading myself up. Saves a ton of time and resources

[@anyap1799]

I absolutely hate going through Crumbling Highway. I love both Coastal Highway (particularly Jackrabbit Island, probably the place I've spent the most time in the entire game) and Desolation Point (particularly the lighthouse), but Crumbling Highway is just so... eerie. It's like there's an evil presence there, even without the ridiculously compressed amount of wolves. Crumbling Highway's wolves also ended my first 50 day run ON day 50, though I know how to avoid wolves better now.

[@joshualukereynolds]

Yeah on interloper due to the safety and temp I base on Jackrabbit and Fishing Village, finding a fishing hut with a door solves cabin fever, easy to see and aim at wolves on the ice, and now with the free loot from beachcombing its even more of a no brainer.

[@BarbaraBuschLight]

Your love for Ash Canyon matches my love for Pleasant Valley! From day one, it’s been my favorite region and is always my home base. It has everything I need in it, and there’s nothing like going on out on to my porch to watch the sunrise, and drink a nice hot cup of coffee while bears and wolves frolick in the distance!😂❤️

[@equestrianrosie]

I agree with most of these. I don't like the amount of thin ice that really strangles maneuverability in Forlorn Muskeg, so I would rate that one lower. And Pleasant Valley is my guaranteed main hub each playthrough, so that gets a Favorite from me. The Farm House tickles my roleplay and decorating fancy, along with very convenient wolf and bear spawns right outside it. PV was my main region in my first long playthrough so I don't really have navigational struggles in it, and it even has ice fishing! Yea, I'm a fan.

[@Aklcorp]

The editting of this video is absolutely perfect... most tierlist they talk but the visuals that you present gives more power the arguments you are trying to make about each locations pros and cons. Very well done!

[@SurvivorMike]

Thanks for the nice comment, I appreciate that! All of the screenshots are shots I accumulated over the years (except for the region icons, which are off the TLD fandom page). Thanks so much for watching!

[@Mo-rd1ow]

i wishi could agree, i just wanna skip to end of video and see names on the pics in tierlist atleast, but u cant see so its kinda useless unless u watch whole vid

[@borochifox]

Mystery Lake is my current favorite. Fishing, a central large base building (camp office) WITH an indoor workbench! The rail track make navigation much easier.

[@papabaer6069]

Camp office is bunk. Trappers4Life

[@planexshifter]

I much prefer the office. 2 stoves and a workbench inside!? Close to fishing and hunting area Centralized location

[@Wcrqdrift]

​@@papabaer6069trappers cabbin is buns you have no acess to fish and are far asf away from everything, also no acess to ptarmigns

[@guntherbgunnerson8989]

It's just the wolves. They basically own the railway tracks.

[@strategieswithsasquatch]

I love how you mix visual context along with your commentary.

[@cboskomusic5169]

I love it aswell. Makes the video way more enjoyable to watch for newer players who don't have as much experience with the regions.

[@noah5664]

I used to hate HRV until I did a 100 day region-locked challenge inspired by the tv show Alone. Once you really learn the map there’s so many shortcuts, making it super easy to navigate. It’s a very well designed region for what it is

[@realglutenfree]

Also a lot of loot in the caves even in interloper. A wolf destroyed my bedroll and I forgot where I put the other ones so I went to HRV because there is a guaranteed bedroll spawn. If you use the caves you can travel the whole map without getting cold much.

[@IrisRanelle1328]

I am a beginner player and my most recent play through I spawned in HRV I was stuck for like ten days😂 I got so frustrated I almost quit😅

[@AmplifyChris]

What is great on Ravine: no predators. Sometimes, I spend a few weeks there… in my interloper run it feels like Holyday. There is a cave you can sleep In and be warm, a lot of clear days for the maglense and an descent amount of food … it’s really beautiful. Cured parasites in this region for 2 times…

[@JonathanRossRogers]

Indeed, lack of predators is what stands out about Ravine.

[@Firebuck]

I like Ravine for leveling archery as a newly-hatched Interloper. Lots and lots of rabbits, and they don't have a lot of space to run away. 🤣 You're right about it being sunny a lot too. It really does feel like a holiday.

[@papabaer6069]

The place to go when a Moose breaks 6 of your ribs and have to heal for 280 hours... Hey check out my new satchel!!😂

[@papabaer6069]

​@@Firebuckdon't waste the condition of your bow on rabbits if you're playing on Interloper. The new fire hardened arrows are a neat idea though and are great for leveling archery on all the other settings.

[@Firebuck]

@@papabaer6069 I don't seem to run out of materials to make bows (or anything else), but I have a mobile playstyle. Maple seems to turn up regularly in beach combing and of course there are quite a few saplings in the world. Archery 5, on the other hand, is priceless!

[@Mr.Fox1213]

That lighthouse in desolation point will always have a special place in my heart! And if that safehouse customization thing coming in the the far tales dlc works on the lighthouse, it'll be even better!

[@lexfordjackenstiresirjacke2082]

Ah, I didn't realize Blackrock was an unpopular region. It's always the things I like, hahaha... Personally, between the two timberwolf/gunsmithing regions, I really prefer Blackrock over Bleak Inlet. TL;DR: I will NOT recommend Blackrock as a starting region, but I have been finding a comfortable time shacking up in the prison in my current Stalker run's late game. Manageable weather, great hunting, nice central base, easy access to tool repairs and gunsmithing (after the trek to the Last Prospect), and if I ever need more oil for my lantern, Timberwolf Mountain's Crystal Lake isn't too far away. *ACCESSIBILITY TO THE WORKSHOP AND BASE APPEAL* It's nice to have the ammunition workbench and milling machine stationed in a much more accessible location that can function as a safehouse, as opposed to the Last Resort Cannery, which is always frequented by timberwolves, in a far corner of the region, and requires one to constantly pass an obstacle course just to access the workshop. Bringing fuel to the Cannery for gunsmithing is much more tedious than gathering the plentiful fir firewood in Blackrock. Cabin fever isn't a problem when I sleep in the prison cars. *TIMBERWOLF MANAGEMENT, HUNTING AND WEATHER* The many fallen trees in Blackrock make for safe perches to pick off pursuing timberwolves, and with less open space for them to out-maneuver me like they would in the Inlet, they're only really a problem for me in fog or dark nights when I can't see them properly. Timberwolves being easier for me to deal with in Blackrock and the fact that they seem to spawn much more slowly than regular wolves means I tend to have the region to myself for a good 10 or so days when they're out of the picture, especially since the weather in Blackrock also feels a lot more agreeable than Bleak Inlet's; Shelter is always nearby if one is caught in a blizzard. Bleak Inlet does have beachcombing and fishing over Blackrock, but I find hunting in the Inlet to be much more troublesome. Not much deer and rabbits to spot from my experiences at Bleak Inlet. *AESTHETIC AND ENVIRONMENT* These are mainly aesthetic reasons, but I also really love the diverse environment of Blackrock as well. The prison itself is such a unique establishment that we've never seen anything like on Great Bear before, and the rest of the region also feels like a "best hits" of Great Bear as well. From the river canyon reminiscent of the wild scenery of Hushed River Valley and Ash Canyon, to the power plant dam (that I wish we get to explore more of) similar in concept to Mystery Lake's Carter Hydro Dam, to the Old Substation that mirrors Pleasant Valley's Signal Hill, to even a near-identical layout of Timberwolf Mountain's Crystal Lake and Mountaineer's hut with the Bricklayer's Retreat. I think Blackrock really hits my sweet spot balance between industrial human settlement and deep, mountainous wilderness.

[@CynnabunFaith]

Do you have any other reviews? I love how detailed this is!

[@lexfordjackenstiresirjacke2082]

​@@CynnabunFaith Why, thank you! I'm glad one of my long, wordy analyses was compelling to someone! This was just something I really wanted to express, because I've seen how much people dislike Blackrock, despite it possibly being my favorite region. I suppose I just get really passionate when it comes to defending things I love, eheheh...

[@-Zikade-]

I too really like Blackrock. I understand it has less to offer for Interloper (due to absence of guns etc) but on lower difficulties it has offered a great deal for me. All the crafting I'd want (well except for the forge but it's not like I need it). The prison is such a nice base, you never need to worry about cabin fever, and its' location is amazing for hunting. Got my first moose kill when one spawned right next to the prison area and I could go perch on a safe location, got it in one shot, then easily carried my haul over to the prison (used travois). There's also tons of deer around, a ptarmigan nest nearby too, and wolves inside the prison. While staying in Blackrock I leveled up my bow/gun and harvesting skills like woah.

[@leonflemming354]

One thing that makes broken railroad my current main base are the safe hunting spots for bear and moose, combined with the 6-cooker stove. It is awesome for crafting all the fur clothes and more, while sleeping in the outside of the maintenance yard helps with cabin fever. Also, just returned from forsaken airfield and easily killed another bear. As long as you have revolver ammo, wolves are not much of an issue. And the journey to bleak inlet for more ammo is actually not that far

[@bjbarto87]

After the recent update to beachcombing both coastal highway and desolation point should be god tier, due to insane loot spawns. You can literally never leave jackrabbit Island (or any other location near the coast) and have access to everything you need, forever. Wolves, bears, deer, fish nearby as well as saplings, scrap, cartridges, flares, cloth all spawn after every blizzard.

[@theanthem0ftheangels]

I recently started a Pilgrim run in Ash Canyon and just followed an online map drawing in my routes and I am now SO much more comfortable navigating it and surviving! It was so much fun - it's definitely a great region. (Going to brave HRV next!)

[@lylyart]

me too!!! and the scenery is so beautiful as well on top of all that! just everything about it is great… and the anglers den always feels like home aswell. :)

[@MidanMagistrate]

My all time favorite region has to be Ash Canyon, because of a run I did awhile back. Ash Canyon had just been released, so I decided to start there in a new run. Oh my god, it was the most perilous yet amazing journey ever, navigating the maze like passes and climbing the cliffsides, constant struggle for resources, minimal clothing and almost nothing to repair with, not much food, until I finally made it to the Mine. It was nothing short of amazing.

[@everythingsalright1121]

Skirmisher

[@MidanMagistrate]

@@everythingsalright1121 Yes I am a Skirmisher

[@ioniann7741]

I played this game blind and mystery lake was like the only region that was like a tutorial for me to learn stuff, learn mapping and learn to remember places you’ve been to already

[@christinas1397]

I love nerding out to this stuff and I love hearing your opinion on it. Enjoyed, thanks!

[@sisbonetta]

Ash Canyon is my favorite start. Get that backpack right away then Summit. No matter where I spawn this is usually my first goal. Favorite region is BR. Love the hunting lodge tho this is never my main base because it's not in the middle.😊 Great display of by far my favorite game of all time.

[@metalmachine4433]

I literally grew up with this game. 9 years of experience and it never gets old, the feeling. Mystery Lake is like a second home. No questioning on this. Every corner, every site is a classic. Keep in mind that it was the first map The Long Dark had back in 2014. Hushed River Valley is basically a challenge. A true wildland region for nature lovers specifically. Milton is obviously on top of the list, it is where the story starts. A real historical area with a beautiful balance between civilization and nature. Timberwolf Mountain is also a challenge, but it has a kind of original proudness to it. Ash Canyon is a map, that is so young, yet somehow feels so old. As if it's always been there. Blackrock is a question mark here. For the story mode, it's an excellent map, but other than that you have zero motivation to get there. Coastal Highway and Pleasant Valley are both classics as they were the other two maps Hinterland published first. Desolation Point is simply a great map. It's not that difficult and a lot things are found in a small area. Forlorn Muskeg aka the marsh region is a deceptive little bi***. Okay, sorry for the wording here but it really is a bamboozle for beginners. The whole map is a danger zone and the only thing that helps you is the flatness of it. About transition zones: there are great and original ones, like Raven Falls Railway Line(Ravine) and there are some, only can be described as pain in the ass maps. Far Range Branchline and Keeper's Pass are literally just extensions to the journey between big maps with nothing to give you. I don't know why they even exist in the first place. I really hope the new sled will help me with transporting items. They must add in something to make transporting between maps a little easier, as the game becomes larger and larger. It is really a time consuming process if you have one or two bases in the middle areas, bringing over tons of items from surrounding regions.

[@JjBianca]

Even though I only played this game on easier difficulties, I agree. I used to play a lot in Desolation Point, I loved the view during aurora. Also, it's a great map that connects you to useful regions for loot as well. I avoid Blackrock as much as possible, I dislike that region more than Forlorn Muskeg. Forlorn Muskeg is famous for always wanting to drown me 😂

[@metalmachine4433]

​@@JjBianca It's not the thin ice, that makes it so bad, for me at least. Navigation is a little bit easier than on other maps, the only challenge is when you have to navigate through blizzard. Because you can't just choose whatever route you want. Some directions basically lead to a dead end, as there is a huge gap between starting point and the destination. The real problem is the bear. You know, after a certain time, wolves become literal food delivery services. Bow and arrow, and that's it. Just a good aim to the head is all it takes. Now, the bear has more than uncomfortable spawn points on forlorn muskeg, and by that, it limits your safe routes for transporting. It can literally just come out from one of the rocks ahead, if you don't pay attention to sounds. And when a player is transporting huge portions of cargo to their bases, they never carry rifles and other heavy items.

[@Nodfollower]

As someone that has an ongoing playthrough, 36 hours so far, the game gave me 78 rounds of revolver ammunition...but no revolver to use the cartridges like some twisted sick joke, in the end I've had to journey all the way up to Blackrock to get, not the body armor, BUT the pistol that is ENSURED to spawn to kill time for my moose hide that's getting cured. The desperate lengths you gotta be willing to go for something so simple as a pistol.

[@Error_404_Account_Deleted]

In my first survival playthrough where I’ve made it beyond 7 days. Spawned in Ash Canyon or whatever and wandered down over a couple days to Pleasant Valley. Hunkered down at the crossroads for a bit and hoarded supplies. Now living out of the Farmhouse. Traps around the barn are good for rabbits but after your video I think I’ll head to Mystery Lake. But I’ve made it 30 days there and as a true noob still working on my first bow. Otherwise just a flare gun. 😅 Thanks for the video. Very helpful!

[@KamleshMallick]

I just started too. In coastal highway. I felt making a bow problematic because u need a specific branch of a tree. Then u need a rabbit gut…. 7 days in could not make it.

[@Andreja456]

I understand the hate on Blackrock because it is a tough place to live, but you only mentioned the Ballistic Vest while forgetting the noisemaker. I don’t use noisemakers very often because you need an ammo workbench, but they are really good for dealing with the timberwolves in the area. You can stay at the prison for a little bit and use the wolves that spawn in the yard and behind the prison (as well as the rabbits back there) to get food and earn points toward riflery, archery, and small arms. Plus, you can use all the ammo you expend to max out gunsmithing. You can craft tons of bullets to get yourself to level 2/3 and then use the resulting low condition ammo to kill the wolves nearby with relative safety. There’s even a bear that spawns in the other yard where you must go to access the inside of the jail. You can kill it easily with the protection granted by towers and fences. Totally underrated region

[@Tetrahedragon2]

HRV is probably the best start in the game. Guaranteed heavy hammer, hacksaw, bedroll, mackinaw, long underwear, matches, combat pants, potential free moose hide, good amount of coal, and only 1 other zone away from the best forge in the game Forlorn Muskeg. Tons of plants too. Yeah it's a zone you want to 'loot and scoot' from but it's the GOD start.

[@paulkingdesign5928]

Crumbling highway has 2 wolves. A good tip is to crouch and see if they are either A. Up around the basement or around the upper cave or b. Out on the ice. So if they are in the upper region go out on the ice or vice versa.

[@paulkingdesign5928]

Although maybe there are more wolves on Stalker. I'm going off of Interloper difficulty

[@Firebuck]

I think there's a 3rd wolf at night on Interloper, but my strat is the same.

[@lokeyacolyte2145]

Just died in Ash Canyon ten minutes ago. My first decent long run in the game, I made it 250 days! Pretty proud of that, can't wait to tackle it again with more knowledge and experience for my next playthrough!

[@210chillian8]

250! Wow

[@lokeyacolyte2145]

@@210chillian8 On Voyageur! ;) Nowhere near good enough to try a higher level yet!

[@210chillian8]

@lokeyacolyte2145 same! I've been playing stalker consistently, but there's a few regions I just haven't scouted, I'd like to make friends that also play the long dark.

[@lokeyacolyte2145]

@@210chillian8 Honestly I got to a hundred days on my next game and was having a wonderful time, when the dreaded 'profile not found' message appeared at the loading screen. I lost everything. All Survival mode progress including all of my badges, reset to zero. I won't be playing again. I've asked Hinterland for a refund on the grounds that the game isn't really playable long term as there's no guarantee your saves won't just disappear That was weeks ago, no reply!

[@210chillian8]

@lokeyacolyte2145 that's terrible! I don't think they can do much tho, but that never should have happened. Cmon, give em another chance? Same shit happened to players in Destiny as well

[@gldntchr7122]

Pretty much agree with all of this. Ash Canyon, Mystery Lake and Pleasant Valley are my favourite. Blackrock makes me gag thinking about it.

[@buddakream978]

I"ve played The Long Dark off and on over the years, I'm doing a dedicated run to go through the new DLC stuff and Mystery Lake is definitely the most comfortable zone. I don't remember why but Forlorn Muskeg and especially Pleasant Valley are despised by me. I don't really have experience with the fringe zones around the corners of the map but I'll be seeing them in the future.

[@charlesbrown4483]

Timberwolf Mountain is definitely my favorite region. The hut, although small, has ample storage, a fireplace, a bed and work bench. So right off the bat it's a great base(I also really enjoy the aesthetics of my little hut tucked away by the lakeside). Beyond that there is tons of cat tail on the lake, a fishing hut on the lake, wolf spawns, deer spawns, a moose spawn, a bear spawn, rabbits, etc.. Enough food to last for a LONG time and it's all nearby your hut too. There's also a lot of wood spawns close by so making fire is never an issue. To me it feels like the most "full" region, very little empty/unused space in the entire region. On one of my stalker runs I once stayed in TM for over 100 days lmao and I could've stayed longer. The only downside I would say is that because there's so much resource availability, it almost feels like a cheat code spending time there lol. Oh, and also the summit loot of course lol. I always have a lot of fun making multiple trips from the mountaineers hut up the the summit and back, that's a whole adventure in and of itself.

[@Firebuck]

For me the mountaineer's cabin is the most perfect building for a base in the game. Bright, no loading screen to go outside, workbench and two cooking slots for the fire. It's wonderful to be able to glance out the door to check the weather or see what's happening. There are other locations that have a bigger stove, or more storage but you can't look outside without the loading screen hokey-pokey. And they are dark as a cave even during the day. I'd love more buildings in this style in the other regions.

[@charlesbrown4483]

@@Firebuck Yeah those are actually really good points, no loading screen is awesome and being able to see the weather from inside your hut is so convenient. The whole region is just great. Usually my game plan in a new run is to head to ash canyon to get the backpack, while trying to find a rifle/bow along the way(or make a bow), then go to TM so I can wait for a moose spawn and get some of my skills up while I’m waiting. After I get a moose and make the moose satchel I make a few trips to the summit to bring everything down the mountain, store it all in the hut and take what I need to wherever I wanna go next :D

[@Firebuck]

@@charlesbrown4483I do almost the same. Ash canyon > TWM is a great start. I get a couple arrows or arrowheads in addition to the mine loot, plus a bazillion saplings. I usually just go to HRV for the satchel.

[@charlesbrown4483]

@@Firebuck Yeah the journey to AC is pretty rough when you have zero supplies but it’s so worth it to get the backpack and satchel as quickly as possible.

[@kviktorian4208]

Generally my preferences are similar, a little sad for HRV though. It’s worth a lot more especially on Interloper. One of my favorite areas to start. To be fair, it wasn’t love from the first sight. Zak’s tutorial to HRV was a huge help.

[@SurvivorMike]

Not sure exactly how to describe HRV, but it's certainly a "beautiful mystery", but I wouldn't go there willingly lol. Thanks for watching!

[@alecsqqgold6360]

@@SurvivorMike Once you're comfortable in your Interloper run, it is REALLY fun to go HRV to live in the wilderness. It's just you, your bow, your campfire and the wildlife. Every outdoor cave can be your base. My favorite part is having to organize your loot in your base cave. You will still need to import a few stuff like to repair your hachet or knife, but it's manageable. But just the thought of: What should I do this next morning? "Go hunt the lake moose, go give the bear a visit. Maybe hunt some deer. Gotta go get some firewood." Being able to think like that, I think that's what makes it worth it. I think you should try it, will definitely change your perspective on the region.

[@Chosas02]

@@alecsqqgold6360 If im not mistaken theres a signal void bunker with a workbench there? Pretty cool.

[@jameswhitehouse2713]

My personal favourite is Coastal highway. Quonset garage is always my prefered base location when I near on Stalker, although it is far too hazardous to attempt on such a base on Interloper due to the abundance of ravenous wolves looking to turn you into a shishkebab. I do have to agree that Ash canyon is an exemplary region with its unsettling location and exceptional reward for getting to its well hidden treasure troves. The bear coat that has a chance to spawn at the foremans lookout is another good piece of loot not mentioned in this video, perhaps due to how remote it is. Regardless great video! You just got a new sub.

[@gunaky9893]

I absolutely agree with Ash Canyon! Beatiful location, nice loot, except the tripple rope my favourite location so far.

[@R0bertRodriguez]

As an interloper player, I would argue keeper's pass north is a worse transition region than crumbling highway since it gives you a shelter halfway through it (basement) and at the end of it (Mine)- compared to Keeper's pass north- where the only shelter is the cave at it's beginning (Meaning you need to cross a rather lengthy transition region, with barely any windproof locations.) This wouldn't matter so much if it wasn't for the fact that the closest shelter past KP North is the Old Substation which a timberwolf pack frequently patrols. In conclusion, compared to Crumbling Highway, KP North has: 1. A higher risk of freezing to death (Day long travel with no shelter at all, including the length to reach Old Substation or Foreman's clearcut) 2. Higher risk of dying to wolves considering an interloper player will either arrived fatigued trying to clear the region ASAP or weakened by the freezing condition loss On a different note Timberwolf can be a dangerous spawn region in Interloper since the hut can reach negative temperatures during night time

[@fractalgem]

Id rate crumbling highway higher myself. Its got less wolfyness than quonset in coastal highway, and it DOES offer beachcombing, if in meh amounts (and the wolves RARELY if ever venture out that far onto the lce, in my experience) Main downside is that the semi conveniently located workbench in the coal mine doesn't have a fire barrel and forbids freeplaced fires.

[@deadfeather9013]

I truly appreciate your content your channel, your voice your voice is very important and I overall enjoy being here. Thank you so much for making this fun.

[@Seriously_Unserious]

Both halves of Keeper's Pass I put as a firm "If I have to" - mainly because of the near daily blizzards. I've had to go through that region as it's one of the only 2 routes in/out of Blackrock dozens of times, and I've never been able to get through it in a clean pass. I always get stuck at the trailer, cave, broken shack and/or pickup truck waiting out the almost daily blizzards. I call that region Blizzard Alley because those damn things are even worse then Pleasant Valley, Worse then Bleak Inlet, which I also rate as an "If I have to" because of the relentless wind that makes it one of the coldest regions in the game, and that wind often whips up into a full blizzard, with timberwolves. Not a fun region to be in, though it has beautiful sights, and the gunsmithing is very useful both there and in Blackrock, though I'd slightly prefer Blackrock due to there being more to do there, including it being one of the locations a stocked up prepper cache can spawn, along with one of the shortwave caches spawns there. It's also where you can learn the recipe to make noisemakers, which make dealing with large packs of timberwolves considerably more manageable. Also, the lake up the mountain where Bricklayer's Retreat is, is one of the more beautiful areas in the game, with good hunting nearby to keep you going for a while. Just be careful of the timberwolves and know where the packs like to hang out. Once you've got that sorted out, you're usually pretty good there. EDIT: I'll mention about Forlorn Muskeg, be careful in that region, when crossing the swamps, there is a LOT of weak ice to fall through, and it's VERY prone to dense fog, and when crossing the swampy flatlands, it's VERY easy to get lost, as all the islands start looking the same in bad visibility. That includes very dark nights and blizzards in the "can get lost in bad visibility." In the Muskeg, fog will set in fast and often, so make sure you have a strategy for knowing your safe routes through, in case you need to navigate your way through bad visibility. I personally take a few cans of spray paint with me and paint arrows to mark my safe paths through the bog, especially the safe path between Poacher's Camp (the red box care with the burn barrel) and Spence Homestead. That's the longest path and it's easy to get yourself into trouble in foggy or very dark weather. The wolves stay out and you can wander off course and right into a wolf's territory if you're not careful. I mark the safe path with an arrow pointing at the next island where there's good ice to cross, so I can avoid the weak ice, and the wolf islands. The spray paint arrows has helped me avoid getting lost when a sudden fog or blizzard sets in mid crossing more times then I care to count. Those of you who THINK spray paint is useless, that's because you're not thinking creatively enough about how you can use it.

[@alexpowell1184]

blackrock is great on Stalker. it has the best revolver in the warden’s revolver as well as the best ammo workbench, seeing as it doesn’t require the convoluted path of bleak inlet’s.

[@lightningonoceans]

Great video! I have a friend who told me about this game and said I need to start in Mystery Town. Know the maps. So the magic started for me in that town and I almost always start there. I know every inch of it.

[@pixelscapes]

I assume you mean Mountain Town (not Mystery Lake, since you mention a town)

[@arven67]

Thank you for the compilation, and I wholeheartedly second your opinions & experiences, almost 100% my view 👍🏻💗🙋🏼‍♀️

[@reaperluke3518]

S tier: Mystery Lake, Pleasant Valley, Coastal Highway A tier: Bleak Inlet, Blackrock, Forsaken Airfield B tier: Broken Railroad, Timberwolf Mountain, Ash Canyon C tier: Desolation Point, Hushed River Valley, Mountain Town D tier: Forlorn Muskeg, Zone of Contamination

[@sonicen9577]

When i first climbed up to the Summit of Timberwolf Mountain i cheered greatly for my success but then when i got to the Gold mine in Ash Canyon it was very hard to navigate so i downloaded a map of the Ash Canyon and spent 6 hours finding the right path. Thats why i love this game as it sometimes gets really hard to navigate the regions for the first times.

[@IrisRanelle1328]

I’m so glad you put mystery lake as top tier, it’s easily my favorite

[@ahmetvanderlinde]

İ am playing this game for like 5 years and timberwolf mountain is absolutely my favorite i love the feeling of this map, its just like i am a mountaineer who tryna survive on my own, i hunt deers, rabbits sometimes bear for repair my bear jacket, this map realy feels like a wildlife simulation.

[@Samimies]

My tierlist Favourite: Ash Canyon, Hushed River Valley, Ravine and Mystery Lake Good: Timberwolf Mountain, Milton, Pleasant Valley and Coastal Highway Not Bad: Broken Railroad and Transfer Pass If I have to: Bleak Inlet, Desolation Point, Forlorn Muskeg, Keepers Pass North, Crumbling Highway and Branch Line Absolutely not: Blackrock, Forsaken Airfield and Keepers Pass South

[@-umnica-]

Hushed River Valley Is the GOAT for now It has all the game is best at - beatiful hand painted sights, the hardest challenges and longest paths between warm places with very difficult navigation, and in the end there's the biggest reward of all - a moose bag that essentially is a 15-20% movespeed boost for the rest of the playthrough It does not have a ton of low value loot that becomes your burden and slows you down, just a few sweet spots, a lot of stress and a huge reward in the end, that's what adventure is, leaving the rest of the game to look like a comfortable home sitting Developers for sure have the same vision as I do, that's why the game progresses to more and more space between locations, starting with bleak inlet and now making forsaken airfield that is so spaced out most people are pissed off, exactly what I want to see

[@verdun16]

I adore Broken Railroad and Forlorn Muskeg. Coastal Highway and Transfer Pass are my other favorites though.

[@joshua-tv]

Love Desolation Point. After the update to beachcombing its become crazy good. Finding axes, flare guns, fish and whole lockers (!) on the ice is amazing. Even saw an entire boat once, but I mostly play on stalker.

[@namenloserflo]

I haven't played TLD much because I never had a real end goal or a reason to play it. I guess the current endgoal is just death... I would love a new gamemode which keeps the permadeath survival aspect of the sandbox mode but adds a random objective or destination. Something like an escape vehicle in a random, far away region you'd have to repair with found parts like scrap metal, wires, fuses or a car battery. Or if that's too difficult make it always the same spawn and destination. Not very replayable but still an interesting addition to such a beautiful game.

[@jacksonsutrick1361]

I've had similar thoughts. Right now I'm doing a role play run where I'm a pilot repairing one of the planes at Forsaken Airfield. Kind of a mess, very nomadic style of play, but a nice change from Coastal Highway

[@DMunz1]

Great summary, I almost completely agree with your assessments of the regions.

[@meemdic8682]

I understand the hate on blackrock there, it’s not a fun map in general, but in my opinion it is worth mentioning that it a) has guaranteed noisemakers, giving you the recipe if you feel like bothering with them b) is one of the two workshops together with bleak inlet. And in my opinion, it’s the less annoying of the two. It’s connected to Pleasant Valley in its east and doesn’t require rope climbs to get to. Also if you’re actually looking to explore it, it does come with a decent amount of gunpowder and ammunition. Depends on the difficulty I guess

[@joshw9424]

Great tier list, I agree with your choices. AC and TWM are my favorites, too.

[@pathfinder_strider]

Rhv is hands down the most op interloper start, The Best items within minutes of a new run

[@martinp1054]

You don§t go to Blackrock for the Vest.... you go there for the large ammount of gunpowder. There are like 2 guaranteed in the mine, 1 guaranteed in the prison then you have like 3-4 stump removers in the various trailers and farms and dusting sulphur is also quite common for example in the infirmary. You also get large ammount of ammo in the prison/tunels/power plant and there are many cars to take the batteries out of. Also there is a prepper chache near the fallen bridge.... also the (i think guaranteed) expedition parka inside the mine

[@readmarx420]

Personally my favorite region is Pleasant Valley. Nice centralish location, has the radio station, a frw caves. And my favorite house And then my second favorite is Timberwolf Mountain

[@Leahroski]

I think my opinion is unpopular here, I actually like crumbling highway 🤣It is very desolate, but I ended up staying in the basement and hunting wolves for a while! I also don't really like desolation point either haha, but I see what you mean about the multiple locations and indoor areas there it's pretty useful! I don't have a favourite, but I reckon either mountain town or mystery lake for me x

[@SurvivorMike]

A very fair look at things! Thanks for watching!

[@wintermute3536]

This is actually super based, i agreed on everything except the last one. I think FM is not starter friendly and very hostile, other than that super good rating(this coming from a guy with hundreds of hours and 100 days+ interloper)

[@eugenemegatron2210]

Utterly weong about hushed river valley saying theres no need on interloper.... except for the bedroll hacksaw spawn in ice caves... the masses of cattails the cache box with either combat pants or ear wraps... sometimes both and the Mackinaw Jacket... best start on loper then Milton is a treat afterwards

[@forrestray9926]

Hahaha, newish player. Have about 50 hrs in. I've only done the region of Blackrock, laughed a bit when you said it was one of the worst. Just went to another region for the first time (timber wolf mt.), haven't had too much time with it. But knowing Blackrock is one of the hardest has me relaxed and eager for the other areas, epically ash canon. Been going into the game as blind as possible and been loving the environmental story telling. Thanks for the tips and areas brief first time seeing what else I should look for. Still don't know what all the transmitters are for. Found one in Blackrock and fixed it up.

[@necfreon6259]

About time someone did one of these anyways my favorite zone in the game is straight up pleasant valley sure it’s the biggest region in the game but also one of the most loot rich especially sense the rework main reasons why it’s so loot rich are signal hill which is the single most high tier loot location in the game that doesn’t require special tools regardless of difficulty you will always always get great stuff of many varieties apart from that there’s the plane crash which is cloaths galore as well as some foods plus it has some pretty good sights as well and unlike forsaken airfield it isn’t day long blizzards

[@aaronsmith4940]

Save the more dangerous areas for later game when you have plenty of gear, it's a nice challenge and it feels use to use the stuff you collected rather than just looking at it.

[@Taima]

Hopefully Mike doesn't mind the following comment, as I have it here to help scrubs like me out. First is the tier list (though without notes because I don't want to further discourage people from watching the video as it's very good and I recommend it) and a couple other bonus things from myself: Favorite - Ash Canyon, Mystery Lake, Timberwolf Mountain Good - Coastal Highway, Desolation Point, Mountain Town, Pleasant Valley, Ravine, Forlorn Muskeg Not bad - Bleak Inlet, Broken Railroad, Far Range Branch Line (DLC), Keepers Pass North & South, Transfer Pass If I Have To - Forsaken Airfield (DLC), Hushed River Valley, Crumbling Highway Absolutely Not - Blackrock I also checked out a few reddit threads of people's suggested maps/regions for noobs and added up the "votes." Mystery Lake - 19 recommendations Coastal Highway - 9 Mountain Town - 7 Desolation Point(?) - 1 As a final bonus, here are a handful of //-separated random tips provided via a couple threads: Don't sprint everywhere all the time // Never leave your bedroll behind on an expedition // Buildings are ofc the best places for loot // Don't carry literally everything with you once you get set up - have a main base and maybe establish little outposts as you go and accumulate "excess" resources // Don't - or at least try not to - panic when confronted by a wolf // one great way to deal with wolves is to have a torch, drop it (lit, obviously) and then pull out a stone and aim at a wolf. They should spook and run off // Try to save your bullets for deer, sneak up and pop em in the dome. If you hit elsewhere, follow the blood trail and they should die eventually // Don't underestimate the value of cattails as food // Make sure your outer layers are the clothes that have the best wind/water resistance rather than having that better pair of pants go to waste by being the inner layer // old man's bear lichen is the preferable antiseptic option due to weighing significantly less than actual medicine // food lasts longer outside and outside // fires last longer outside as well

[@Mo-rd1ow]

the armor vest is indeed so useless. what bullets will u protect urself from? Bears and wolves with guns? but dude the prison is always nice to go to, theres interesting stuff there. I dont get how thats below the river valley thingy. And forsaken airport below keepers pass north? hmmm, ofc its all personal but yea... Also mountain town isnt really a classic IMO, cuz the real classic maps are pleasant valley, desolation point, coastal highway and mystery lake. And some people could argue also for timberwolf mountain and forelong muskeg but everything after that came much later than the 4 classic maps. Also you said about two individual maps that the scenery is unmatched, so which one is unmatched now? I wanna make screenshots. Love ur other vids, not here to be an ass but i know i kinda am. and to put pleasant valley in good instead of atleast not bad just surprises me relative to all your arguments

[@RidesandRambling]

Never once had any trouble on Crumbling Highway on interloper, just stick to the inside, don't go near the road and don't hang around too long... Also HRV has some of the best loot and is one of my personal favourite regions.

[@jetbean350]

I've only spent 1 day In HRV to find the bunker. What type of loot is there?

[@RidesandRambling]

@@jetbean350 You can find some of the best early game clothing at HRV, Combat pants, Mackinaw jacket, Ear-wraps etc... it's full of cave systems that usually net some good stuff if you can be bothered exploring... if you have trouble navigating caves I always use the "left turns only" method and you will always find your way back to where you started eventually. Also there are two "Mysterious fire signal" locations that alternate... If you have trouble with HRV go check out some playthroughs/guides by Atheenon

[@thomaspinkerton3450]

HRV is absolutely my fave. Love setting up a month or two long base in the lake cave.

[@eugenemegatron2210]

HRV is best loper start region by far... ice cave loot is awesome ...muskeg is great for food and forging / crafting with no cabin fever risk and ash canyon is just fun torch running with the wolves.... timberwolf mountain is a holiday resort 😂

[@eugenemegatron2210]

​@@RidesandRambling everything you said is 100% true.. plus Atheenon is awesome good ...love me a bit of Zaknaffein and MyUsualMe for TLD good stuff too

[@recarsion]

Hot take, I really do not like Coastal Highway. Lots of loot and wildlife to hunt, plus fishing, so in terms of utility it's great, but the lack of a really good base kills it for me. Quonset is the only one that has everything you need indoors, but it's absolutely swarming with wolves and there's lots of blind angles to get attacked from. It's also probably the most boring region in the game for me. Cabin fever is also often a problem for me here.

[@kaimikalaniYT]

I’m not a new player to the game but I’m returning after a good long while. I’ve been playing a lot more lately but I’ve never explored beyond certain points but this video has definitely intrigued me. I’ll definitely be exploring the better spots you mentioned! I’ll be exploring them first anyways. This was a great video, so thanks! :)

[@cloudedfreedom6286]

8:00 in voyageur I remember it being -40 in a sunny day. I froze to death even with decent clothes because of how cold it was.

[@lilstrats944]

I’m so happy that this is only missing ZOC and the upcoming region. It’s not too outdated.

[@sisbonetta]

Wow just checked ur channel. How have I not found u before. I thought I had found/watched most of the TLD players. Glad to have found/subscribed to u

[@pxraas_mm]

the second i saw you put ash canyon on favourites, i just knew this tier list would be valid af

[@whitedeath47]

on interloper crumbling highway is really good for me when i spawn at DP .. loot DP .. get back to coastal highway .. if hammer is there in CH [3/4 chances] then get back to DP before leaving maple and birch saps for curing which are always there near CH entrance from crumbling highway ... beachcomb crumbling highway while passing through it .. chances to get matches in the cave near the coast .. 2 deer carcases on the way for food and guts .. max 2 wolves to encounter which you can just let them follow coz region is not that big to exit .. on top tons of coal to get in the no. 3 cave ..

[@mikeyismysweetgloriousking]

Blackrock isn’t so bad in my opinion. There’s this one prepper cache way in the northeast corner of the map that has EVERYTHING you need. Like EVERYTHING. I also like the whole underground mine and the big vast prison building. It also has a weird amount of buildings where you’re technically not indoors, which is sick. I think if it weren’t for all the timberwolves it would probably be a top 3 region (for me)

[@pinchpeak5203]

Pretty good list, but you forgot Forlorn Muskeg. I have to heavily disagree with Blackrock though. The Timberwolves are easier to avoid than Bleak Inlet, it's easier to get to than Bleak Inlet (no rope climb / forlorn muskeg), and it's a lot quicker to get to the ammunition workbench from the entrances. I'd say Blackrock is very good if your main base is north east

[@alantacitus]

What's great about opinions is we can agree to disagree.. I enjoy your content, like Zak you take time to explain and share your opinion. You deserve more followers for your work. I will agree on Blackrock, the forge can be hard to access, loot wise it is mehh. Does have a good load of cat tails and natural ressources. But ya timberwolf are a pain.Ash Canyon is good in my book, the technical backpack is the main reason anyone would want to there. Does have great cat tails and natural ressources, but mehh besides that I try to not extend my stay. Oh and a s@#T load of birch bark..I enjoy forsaken airfield a lot, not sure why but I do. weather is brutal, storms up to 36 hrs. You venture out and bam your are pinned down and no where to go because the area offers little to no cover.(Espacially on upper level east of tower) I love coastal highway as it is easy to go out of bounds and climb up and get a great vue of the region. I often load up and go camping up there for a few days. Anyway thank you for your content and peace.

[@botep5529]

Every game i start in ash canyon for the backpack. When i leave i always get trampled by a moose. Then i have to spend the next month at TW mountain while my ribs heal

[@i-will-bite]

Even subjective tier lists are fun. Sure a region may not feel the same for me (for example, I strongly dislike staying in houses. for some reason. So no man-made structures in a region is a bliss) but it's a good guide, especially for people who began to play recently

[@Hrolfgard]

Strong sasquatch energy tbh

[@user-fo4ck1dx9h]

As for me (i spend in this game more than 1000 h of my life) i would say that my favourite location is forsaken airfield, yeah its cold and have very unstable weather but it got lots of wild life , fishing houses , amazing scenery (its becoming wonderful in aurora) , forge, many good loot , blizzards are not so long as in inlet or pleasant valley. You can stay in bunker or hangar due to glimmer fog will end. Second my favourite location will be zone of contamination (yeah i mad of mines , it got best and most interesting underground structure in a game) and fot me its only one location that can deal you a great survival challenge if you stay there for a long time. By the way im waiting for mountain pass. Guess it will be as great as they say .

[@spicylizards4714]

To anybody thinking about going to costal highway, please note that this place is absolutely littered with wolves. I myself have had 2-3 wolves spawn and stay next to the gas station, which is not fun at all.

[@BenRai2k]

Bleak Inlet would be even lower than prison for me, at least on interloper no guns. Theres really nothing much in bleak inlet on regular interloper to go there for. At least Blackrock has the safety of the prison walls and often a moose outside. You also get noisemakers and the vest, for what they are worth. Both are horrible regions due to timerwolves though. Ash Canyon and Hush River are my total faves, living in Hush River once youve got decent clothes and weapons is brilliant. Not to mention, Hush now has the prepper cache with the dlc, if by chance you do need to go inside. But theres so many caves around that keep you warm anyway. It is a great place on interloper to live off the land and harvest all the cat tails, and if the moose spawn up at monolith lake, you have a generally peaceful area to live for days. Mountain town while a safe area due to structures and quite easy to navigate, at this point, is just too safe and boring for me. So it would be low down the list, looting the area is just too stale now. Much prefer Ash canyon and Hush river.

[@virsthc4704]

I Was scared of ash canyon because I didn't know the map and only went there to get the backpack, now you got me really interested... I'm gonna spend some days mapping out

[@lukeferetti6353]

I disagree with Blackrock being two tiers below Bleak Inlet. It is annoying to travel through, but you have the best workshop in the game in the prison. Every crafting station except for a forge in one place, without any ropes in the way, along with a sheltered outdoor work bench. It makes it invaluable for long runs in the northern part of the map, since you can fully repair tools with scrap metal during an aurora.

[@onedirectioninfection5756]

i think i've come to the conclusion that i just really enjoy the coastal regions. desolation point was my favorite for a while, but i went to bleak inlet for the signal void quests and really enjoyed my time. i do agree that it has amazing views, the cannery is very fun, and the timberwolves are honestly not as hard as they're hyped up to be.

[@oilyalarm0614]

Lately I have been spawning in ash canyon to get the technical backpack and the curator rifle, then I make my way to mystery lake for it’s sentral location

[@groundzero7470]

I would not agree with all of this but yeah, Crumbling Highway is a pain in the Butt.... the Weather makes it a win or loss... A tripple Blizzard almost got me there. It was never as close before, lol I made it out alive but only with luck ^^

[@NoInterleaving]

Mike you've mentioned various locations not clearly marked on the map. Could you please consider providing updates that consistently indicate the specific region you are discussing? As a newcomer, it can be challenging to grasp which spots you are referring to without this additional context, thank for your video.

[@canadianfatty9473]

I climbed all the way up to the top of hushed river valley to the mysterious signal fire I got there halfway through the night and an blizzard started right at the top i lit up a fire behind a tree the wind changed direction I lit another fire behind a rock the wind changed direction again but I got enough heat to hide in the snow shelter that spawns at the top my heat was still going down but luckily the wind stopped because I got too cold and I got my moose satchel still a very stressful region

[@vironeer909]

I came to Blackrock not because a Ballistic vest, but because a Policeman Revolver. I like that thing a lot

[@TheSpiderJem]

Compared to all other regions, Blackrock was made for Story Mode - that being said, the region feels very linear. Enter the region in the south and work your way north to the good stuff.

[@Kinzey]

Currently doing a run in PV on interloper and there's like multiple packs of wolves that greet me in every direction I try to exit the farm. They all showed up after I killed a bear just beyond the fenced-in porch.

[@Imbecile_Moose94]

I've been wanting this video for years

[@TheGlenn8]

I'm not really an interloper player. I mostly play on voyager, stalker, and custom setting. I also haven't played Far Territory and I refuse to buy it till it's fully released. Broken railroad is one of my favorite spawn because it has a forge and a very good chance at a hammer spawn so I can immediately craft arrowheads. Then it's a really nice region for migrating across the map. It's also the furthest away from Ash Canyon which makes the treasure hunt more fun. In the same vein I love desolation point, but I find that desolation point is a lot harder to stay warm in in the beginning. If there is any map change I think the Long dark could really benefit from it would be a connection between hushed river valley and Black Rock to make the map more circular.

[@jamesverner9132]

I gonna rapid fire my region reviews. From Right to left Ash canyon - D tier. The backpack is too costly in both time and food. The lack of man made shelter means your lacking tools and clothing and the burnt forest is limited in both wood and wildlife to hunt. Explore for the challenge, Do not stay here. Desolation Point - A tier. Lots of shelters and cleaver ways to avoid predators despite being a small map. Good starting area and a nice place to set up a home base. I like to begin or end a run in this area giving it that "end of the road" feeling. Timber wolf mountain - B tier. Fun place to traverse and lots of loot to crack open. A bit boring to look at, just hills and rocks but the even spread of shelters and climbing paths make this place a get area to visit. Crumbling highway - C+ Tier. I low-key love the small bleak Haunting vibe this corner of the map brings when passing through. Its not sustainable and equipment is limited but I'm never unhappy here. I know i cant say long and that just makes it feel appropriate somehow. BlackRock - F tier. Everything about ash canyon almost applies here but now add Wolf packs and its just a horror show. I never come here without guns and ammo to fight off the hoards and if you survive the admittedly cool prison castle setting is disappointingly conservative with loot. It is by far the easier of the two areas to craft ammo for guns but its not a safe place at all. Get in, get out. Coastal highway - A+ tier. A fan favourite and for good reason: shelters, game to hunt, interesting landmarks and long walks on frozen beaches. The ideal home for any traveller. I can last 50 days here off of the supplies and fish with everything needed to equip myself for the rest of the long dark run. Keepers pass north and south - C tier. I don't out right hate this map area but it just doesn't have anything special to make me want to say or visit. I always hoped an update would have given us a way to take the blocked road to Milton from here but alas i don't think that will ever come. Pleasant valley - B tier Notable landmarks, decent supplies, sustainable, all qualities that should make it a front runner however because of the VASTNESS of the land you end up with a costly calorie upkeep and their are warmer climates although I've had more trouble with food then cold here. Winding river - D- Tier. Literally just a delay to get to pleasant valley. You could have had a broken section of the Hydro dam caved in leading to the cave to the valley achieving the same thing. The bottom of the dame dose look cool but its tedious walking that empty river to the main areas. At least a cave is spooky and needs light. This is just a frozen trail. Ravine - B+ tier. Interestingly no wolves ever spawn here making it a good recovery zone should you need it. The cliffs are multi lived, there is a sizable amount of game and plants for forage and its a great way to slingshot around to distant areas. Overall a noticeable standout for small maps. Mystery Lake - A tier. The only Mystery is why would you need to leave? You can go anywhere on this map and find all the goodies from deep forest to industrial surplus. It's easy to navigate, hard to become helpless or trapped because there are exits in all directions. Once you had your fill the you can decide where/how to spend the rest of your game. Which is why this area is spacial, it has Options unlike most regions. Bleak Inlet - F and A- Tier. Ok wtf, why is their two ranks, that's illegal! Simple I hate the feature that to get to the gun workbench you have to go to the radio station first EVERY SINGLE TIME. This forces you to get to the ravine then the Inlet then back up the ravine if you didn't find or bring extra rope. After that Tom Tuckery you get a very satisfying coastal crescent shaped map with bad doggies yes but they are fewer and easier to avoid due to openness and proxy to shelter. Mountain town - B Tier despite it having most if not all your needs and some noticeable paths to take for landmarks and loot the isolation or rope climbing limits your treasure hoard. I think it was for balance reasons but it does cheapen the point of coming here as it isn't fast to travel trough or profitable extracting from. however it will prep you for the BEST area in the GAME. Forlon Muskag - C Tier. This is Not the best area in the game. For every reason, low equipment, low shelter, bad weather conditions and travel is almost luck based as some paths over ice are possible but sprinting might fail you randomly and suddenly. Still i find it one of the most unique areas in the game and staying alive in the swamp is satisfying once the tails are marked and known. Hushed river valley - S TIER. Where to start? Caves are everywhere, darting from shelter to shelter feels primal like your playing cat and mouse with the predators. The multi-levels of elevation means you could be at the bottom of a river travel through a network of caves and exit out to a breathtaking view of the crevasse you just escaped from. Plants and animals are everywhere bring equipment and you will never have to worry about food for WEEKS. Pro tip. Master the climbing paths and you can travel 90% of the map without having to use rope, as a pack rat i love this feature of the valley's design. I feel it was meant for me. I genuinely feel sad when i leave to go explore the rest of the game knowing it cant match up. Broken railroad - C- Tier. I very nearly put it in D. it's not Challenging it just really boring with only one path in and out of the area (until far territory) then it became the upgraded version of Winding river. Just a delay to the good stuff. Its balance of supplies and landmarks are minimal but save it from lower ranks and it not a bad place to hold up i just don't want to. Far range branch line - B- Tier. Oddly enough despite my dislike of straight path zones this one stands out because its a dark path in a train tunnel designed to be a straight shot. You are encouraged to keep moving and stopping only when you need to. Some areas are multi levelled, some areas have prey or wood if needed but you cant stay for long and oddly that feels fitting be on rails and all. Transfer Pass - D+ Tier . A bit bland...to be frank. The station is comforting and the acorn grove is good for recipes but you cannot live here for long before running out of supplies. Forsaken Airfield - C+ Tier. I have a love /hate relationship with this map. The path to the airfield feel like a build up to the main area. The Charter flight runways are interesting to see and supplies is ... enough to keep you going. Living here is unlikely unless you like to travel half the GIGANTIC map for a fish or wolf. Most if not all open areas are useless and if the radio wasn't essential for spacial equipment i would not come here so much willingly. Zone of containment - B+ tier. This is a fun one. Learning the dark routes of the deep mines and the best ways to get in and out of toxic danger is almost refreshingly different. I do not like the design of the Compactor building. I have never been to one but it must be said the inside of it feels like Nonsense!. Office rooms on the top floor for some reason is my nitpick are you telling me if someone needed a piss they had to travel 8 floors first ridiculous. Sundering Pass - A- Tier. Still learning about this one but after some time it is the closest map I have seen that feels like hushed river again. That is delightful so far. Writing this at 12:35 am was a mistake. good night....

[@masonbeeeeees]

Finally, someone else who really likes Desolation Point but absolutely hates Crumbling Highway. You're so right.

[@Incariuz]

Unpopular opinion maybe, but I hate Coastal Highway. It's just too easy to survive in, too much available loot, and it still drives me nuts that neither of those island homes has a fireplace/woodstove (unless somethings changed since I last played on it), I find it nonsensical someone would live in a situation like that prior to the events of this game. My favorites are... Mystery Lake, it's the original map, and they've updated it well overtime. I've always loved living in the Forestry Lookout, even when it wasn't centralized. Timberwolf Mountain is another favorite, the region is fun to navigate, lots of threats, but lots of reward, and love the cabin. Pleasant Valley is another one I love, I've personally never found it hard to navigate, or got lost horribly. Desolation Point is one I always wanted to love, living in the light house was such a cool concept to me, but... The complete lack of fishing just seemed wrong to me. Thanks to new update with DLC, I'm considering buying DLC and giving it a shot. Also want to give Bleak Inlet a try, played it a little bit last time I played, but got real busy in life which pulled me away. Transfer pass is another I'll need to check, I love having buildings to live in that don't have a loading screen, so, just seeing that in your vid got me interested. But ofc that depends if I decide to buy the DLC, on the fence right now, I'll decide in a day or two.

[@kubankhaos]

Coastal highway is my favorite spot for long game. Beach combing, bears, moose, and oh...dont get me started on the torch hunting. Saves on ammo when getting deers.

[@Andreja456]

“Forlorn muskeg is a great region to lose cabin fever.” It’s also a great region to lose your life. No indoor areas is not a good thing for staying warm, and there’s thin ice all over the place. The only saving grace is the forge

[@adventurer7579]

I always find it funny how Timberwolfe mountain has no Timberwolfe

[@W1se0ldg33zer]

I rate regions by how many wolf ambushes there are. Don't like having wolves right outside my door. Coastal has a lot of ambushes plus wolves outside your door. But I did stay there for a really long time in a fishing hut one time. The fishing village and Quonset also have bears outside your door. Love PV for the easy kill side porch farmhouse bear.

[@ArcticSamu]

Still haven't played all main regions. I'm missing valley, wolf mountain, bleak inlet, ash canyon and blackrock. I think I finally found that cave (from coastal highway) which leads to valley where I could get to those missing places I'm still a starting player so I have always started from Mystery Lake or Desolation Point. So far my ranking would be Best: Mystery lake Very good: Mountain town, Coastal highway Didn't really like: Desolation point (it's an easy way to get to Coastal highway so that's why I usually start from there) Hate the most: Forlorn muskeg (I don't even know anymore how many times I've died because the weak ice there 😂) And most hated thing in the whole game is that railroad that leads from Coastal highway to ravine. Still haven't died in that but I always try to avoid going that. I go only when I need to move on when my food has run out

[@jetbean350]

I usually start at Milton, and then i go to mystery lake for more loot. Then i go to pleasent valley and use the farm as a base. Then i make short trips to the regions that connect to PV.