The Setup — Make ‘Em Fight (And Don’t Get Toasted)

After being told I need to force Charles into a fight to the death, I set out to meet the island’s next eccentric resident — a man who clearly enjoys watching things burn. Sgt. Flint greets me in front of his flaming house, which raises more questions than I’m willing to ask.

I find a water tank above his home, twist the valve, and douse the flames. That act of charity apparently doubles as an invitation, because I soon hear the dulcet, horrifying blare of Charles’ horn in the distance. I sprint for my train, ready for chaos — but he never shows. Either I scared him off or he’s waiting for a better entrance. Flint, unbothered, rewards me with his experimental weapon: the Bug Sprayer. Which, of course, is a flamethrower.

Round One — The Firestarter

Not long after, I get my wish: Charles charges in for our first real showdown. I juggle the Bug Sprayer and machine gun — one setting him ablaze, the other perforating his ego. It’s messy, loud, and absolutely glorious. Charles retreats after taking enough damage, and for the first time since stepping onto this cursed island, I feel like I’ve actually won something.

With the immediate threat gone and my train held together by scrap and spite, I decide to take advantage of the quiet. Time to meet the locals — and, inevitably, their problems.

Islanders & Errands — The To-Do List Grows

Island socialising here is just a series of fetch quests disguised as introductions. Everyone has a task, and apparently, I’m the errand boy.

• Theodore — far too well-dressed for a place that’s one bad day away from Mad Max. Wants a box recovered from a railcar in a nearby canyon. Bandits guard it. I politely file that under “later.”
• Santiago — prepping to leave the island as soon as rescue arrives, but he’s left his journal at home. Add another fetch quest to the growing pile.
• John Smith — working on a rocket launcher (finally, someone useful). Needs me to collect the rocket ammo from a nearby bunker. That immediately jumps to the top of the list.
• Greg — appears to have misplaced his clothing and sense of urgency. Used to work for the mine owner and warns that if the eggs hatch, there’ll be three more Charles-like horrors running around. He hands me the key to the second mine. Great. Just what I needed.

So far, my to-do list looks like this:

1. Collect rocket ammo from the bunker (top priority — rocket launcher > everything else).
2. Retrieve Theodore’s box from the canyon railcar (expect bandits).
3. Fetch Santiago’s journal from his house (return it before he reconsiders leaving).
4. Investigate the second mine (Greg’s key in hand, nerves not included).

Next Stop — The Bunker

With Charles licking his wounds somewhere in the wilderness, I make my way toward the bunker where John Smith’s rocket ammo supposedly waits. The island is eerily quiet now — no horn, no tracks shaking, just the wind and my engine’s occasional complaint. Perfect time to loot everything not nailed down and add more scrap to my emergency stash.

I haven’t seen Charles again since our fight, but I know he’s out there. Watching. Waiting. Probably still smouldering a little.

Log Observations & Survival Notes

• Scrap is life: It’s your health, armour, and upgrade material all in one. Pick up every piece you see — it’s never enough.
• Weapon swapping works: Flamethrower to make Charles back off, machine gun for consistent hits. Alternate, repair, survive.
• Speed upgrades are essential: The faster your train, the smaller your funeral.
• Quiet moments lie: If you don’t hear Charles, it’s because he’s planning something.

Pro Tips (Apex Rookie Friendly)

• Always keep scrap handy — repairs and upgrades are instant, but you’ll burn through metal faster than ammo.
• Mark every quest on your map. It’s easy to get lost between rail spurs and regret.
• The Bug Sprayer is for Charles only. Do not waste fuel showing off. It’s not that kind of game.
• When Charles retreats, use that window to explore. The peace never lasts long.