The Cold Chronicles – Day 3: Gut Decisions in Crumbling Highway
Difficulty: Voyageur
Optional Features: Cougar enabled (because I enjoy living dangerously)
Day 2 Recap
Read Day 2 here — the short version? I wandered Desolation Point chasing matches, looted the Riken, threw a torch at my first wolf (and it worked!), and finally scored a full box of matches from a glovebox. Tomorrow’s goal: find Coastal Highway. Simple, right?
Morning Plans and Rabbit Runs
They say fortune favours the bold. I say fortune clearly didn’t factor in moose. Today’s plan was simple: head to the mine in Desolation Point and hopefully find something sharp, pointy, or otherwise capable of convincing wildlife to leave me alone.
On the way, I spotted a couple of rabbits. One bolted like I owed it money, but the second caught a well-aimed stone to the noggin. Dinner sorted.
The Bridge Standoff
Feeling pretty pleased with myself, I pressed on — until I heard the low, echoing howl of a wolf somewhere nearby. Torch lit, I marched on with all the fake confidence I could muster. That’s when I saw it: the bridge to the mine… and the moose blocking the way.

I’ve heard the stories. I’ve seen the clips. One charge and that thing could turn my survival diary into a cautionary tale. I executed a tactical retreat to the church and consoled myself with some warm peaches.
The Safer Detour
That’s when I remembered: there’s another mine that leads to Crumbling Highway — the actual route to Coastal Highway. Longer walk, but blissfully moose-free. That’s a win in my book.
Inside, things were looking up: a lantern (finally, real light!), more matches, a healthy stack of coal, and best of all — a glorious, rusty but fully functional hatchet. I nearly wept. Finally, a tool I could use on wood, carcasses, or anything foolish enough to cross me.
Into the Crumbling Highway
I emerged into Crumbling Highway and looted a nearby car — jackpot, more matches. The game was either feeling generous or setting me up for something terrible.
Birds circled in the distance, and experience told me that meant free meat. I found a deer carcass alongside a rabbit one, made a fire, tossed on some coal, and cooked up my finds. That’s when the wolves arrived.
Torch Trouble
Torch in hand, I hurled it at them like a dramatic warning shot… and they didn’t even flinch. Either these wolves were seasoned veterans, or my throw lacked gravitas. With panic rising, I did what any brave survivor would: sprinted to the nearest car and slammed the door like it was base in a childhood game of tag.
Basement Refuge and Hide Work
From the car, I spotted a cluster of abandoned buildings. Spooky, yes, but one had a basement. I dashed for it, dove inside, and finally found some peace. While holed up, I harvested spare clothes — accidentally shredding the socks I was wearing — and dropped my hides and guts for curing. Fancy, I know.
Tomorrow, the plan is simple: reach Coastal Highway. Hopefully with fewer moose and more matches.
Day 3 Pro Tips (Switch Edition)
- Moose will ruin your day — avoid if possible
- Alternate mines can bypass dangerous wildlife
- Coal is great for long-lasting fires
- Always keep a basement or vehicle escape route in mind
Previous: Day 2 |
Next: Day 4
More from The Long Dark
- The Long Dark Hub — all playthroughs, guides, and maps.
- Survive Your First Week in The Long Dark — beginner-friendly, Switch-tested tips.
- Customloper Diaries — my easier-Interloper series.
- Customloper Settings — my “Easier Interloper” setup.
