I was planning to post a brand-new Day One Diary for ARK today… but life, as it tends to do, had other plans. Between work, chores, and trying not to get stomped myself, there just wasn’t time to spawn, craft, and get eaten properly.
So instead, here’s a look back at one of my previous ARK Day One disasters — complete with early optimism and inevitable doom, along with some others:
👉 [Day One Diaries | Survival Game Playthroughs & First-Day Survival Challenges]
New entries are still coming soon. SnowRunner kicks off on Friday, and more chaos is always just around the corner.
Eulogy: The Backyard Wins This Round!
She never asked for this.
She never wanted to be shrunk down and tossed into a backyard where everything — ants, mites, bees, spiders, the wind — wanted her dead.
She just wanted to craft a lean-to, maybe roast some gnat meat, and figure out why the grass was taller than a skyscraper.
But she was brave.
She fixed lasers. She investigated an oak tree that promptly exploded.
She learned to fear the sounds of tiny feet in the grass.
She fought valiantly with spears, fists, and panic as her most reliable tools.
In the end, it was the bugs that got her. As they always do.
Not the spiders, no — that would’ve at least made sense.
No, her end came via something smaller. Meaner. Possibly several somethings.
The logs are unclear. The screaming was not.
She will be remembered for her resilience, her questionable armor choices, and her ability to stay alive just long enough for things to get interesting.
Rest in pieces, Backyard Explorer.
You were small, but your chaos was mighty.
Read their tale here: The Backyard Trials: Grounded Permadeath
The Backyard Trials: Grounded Permadeath – Day Four
Day 4 of my Grounded permadeath run ends in tangled webs and tragedy. I go on a grub hunt, dodge danger, and fall victim to a tag team of Crab Weavers in a very sticky situation.
Missed the previous day? Find it here:The Backyard Trials: Grounded Permadeath – Day Three
🌅 Morning Optimism and Muddy Water
I wake up ready to dig. A shovel in hand and dreams of juicy grubs in my head, I set off convinced today will be the day I solve my hydration issues.
The game disagrees.
Despite digging around like a hyperactive mole, I can’t find a single grub. My thirst level’s tanking faster than my optimism, so I do the one thing I swore I’d never do again—drink the dirty water.
Let’s just say it quenched the thirst, but also quenched a small part of my soul.
🔎 Exploration… and a Red Flag
With no grubs in sight, I pivot to exploration. Maybe I’ll find a new science pod. Maybe I’ll find some dew. Maybe I’ll finally catch a break.
I find another science pod—score!
I also find a Crab Weaver—less of a score.
I do a tactical retreat (read: panic sprint) and live to fight another moment. Once the coast seems clear, I try heading back in.
🕸️ The End Comes in Eight-Legged Waves
What I don’t realise is that a Crab Weaver Jr. is nearby. It spots me. It’s faster than me. And worse, my weapons might as well be cocktail sticks.
I attempt a second retreat.
That’s when Crab Weaver Sr. shows up again. I get stuck in a web.
I’d love to say I fought bravely. I didn’t. I flailed, screamed, and got tag-teamed into the afterlife by two angry arachnids.
🪦 Farewell to the Backyard For Now
Run ends: Day 4
Cause of death: Crab Weaver Jr. and Sr. – A United Front
Final thoughts: If you’re thirsty, drink dew. If you can’t find dew… maybe just accept your fate.
📍 Map Added! Controls, Too!
Just a quick update for all fellow sunburnt survivors: I’ve added a couple of useful visuals to the Stranded Deep hub page—
🧭 A screenshot of my starting map (so you know where I washed up)
🎮 And the Nintendo Switch controls I’m using to wrestle with coconuts, crabs, and my own bad decisions
You’ll find both right below the Series Overview section. Whether you’re following along or planning your own island misadventures, I hope it helps!
Back to hunting crabs.
(Out of revenge, not necessity. Mostly.)
Sneak, Snipe, Repeat: Skyrim Survival Day Eleven
Loki the MVP, and Ustengrav Gets Sneaky
Day 11 of my Skyrim Survival Mode playthrough on Nintendo Switch. I cure my vampire disease, nearly lose the run to disconnected controls, and finally become the stealth archer I keep pretending to be.
Missed the previous day? Find it here: Skyrim Survival Day Ten
Cured, Not Cursed
After some internal debate, I decided to cure the disease before I fully turned vampire. I’m not ruling out the vampire lifestyle forever, but for now I prefer my Argonian warm-blooded and not photophobic. Maybe next time.
Ustengrav Ambush: Hooves First, Questions Later
Outside Ustengrav, I’m ambushed by three bandits and a necromancer. Could’ve been the end of the run—especially when my Joy-Cons disconnected mid-fight. Nothing like fumbling for a controller while enemies swing for your skull.
Luckily, Loki stepped in. I dismounted and used hit-and-run tactics while my horse quite literally stomped the threat out of them. Between the panic, arrows, and hooves, we made it through.
Depths of Ustengrav: Stealth Archer, Finally
Inside, I finally commit to the stealth archer lifestyle I keep pretending I’ve mastered. Draugr fall one by one to well-placed arrows, never knowing what hit them. This is the dream.
For a brief moment, I wonder if there’s a way to bring Loki into dungeons. Probably not. Still, the mental image of a stealth horse sneaking past Draugr is one I’ll cherish.
The Horn Is… Missing?
Reach the end of Ustengrav, expecting to claim the Horn of Jurgen Windcaller. Instead, I find a note. Great. Someone’s stolen it and wants a private meeting at the Sleeping Giant Inn in Riverwood. Because that’s not suspicious at all.
Back to Morthal
With the dungeon cleared and no horn in sight, I head back to the inn in Morthal to thaw out and call it a day. I’ll deal with mystery notes and secret meetings tomorrow. For now, I’ve earned some warm food and sleep.
The Cold Chronicles Day Eight: A Voyageur’s Tale of The Long Dark
The Cold Chronicles – Day 8: Blizzard Brain, Coffee Dreams, and the Wolf-Bear Gauntlet
Difficulty: Voyageur
Optional Features: Cougar enabled (because why not add another predator?)
The World Says “No”
I woke up in the garage feeling ready. It was finally time to leave Mountain Town. I had supplies, a rifle, semi-repaired clothes, and a general sense of purpose. I opened the door—and immediately closed it again.
A blizzard. Whiteout conditions. Zero visibility. It sounded like the wind was trying to eat the building.
So instead of forging ahead, I read a sewing book for three hours. Not the action-packed survival story I’d hoped to tell, but hey—knowledge is warmth, and warmth is survival.
Loot Cache and a Coffee Blessing
When the blizzard passed, I made use of the break in weather to drop off excess gear in the garage and go hunting for anything I might’ve missed before I left the region. Turned out to be a smart call.
I found a few food items, a fishing book for future lakeside relaxation, and a couple precious packets of coffee—liquid courage for the road ahead. I also stumbled on a note tucked inside one of the buildings. It mentioned someone heading for Mystery Lake in search of shelter. That was the nudge I needed. If someone else thought it was a good spot to survive, it was good enough for me.
Destination: Mystery Lake. All I had to do was make it there alive.
A Wolf, a Cabin, and a Bear
I started my journey out of Coastal Highway with cautious optimism. I knew the route wouldn’t be easy, but I wasn’t expecting the game to throw both a wolf and a bear at me before I hit the transition zone.
The wolf spotted me and started trailing from behind. I lit my only torch, hoping to ward it off. The flame sputtered and died immediately. Classic.
I sprinted toward a nearby cabin, figuring I could slam the door behind me and catch my breath. That plan fell apart the second I saw the bear casually loitering near the entrance. Just vibing. Just existing. In my exact path.
I did a full 180 and ran like my life depended on it—because it did.
Firearms and Failure
The wolf was still chasing me. Desperate, I turned, pulled out my rifle, aimed, and missed completely. Either the cold got to me or I was too panicked to aim. Probably both.
The wolf lunged and took me down. I fought it off, but not before it shredded one of my best hats and ripped into some of my gear. More repairs. More cloth. More silent rage.
Back to the Garage
Wounded, frustrated, and very much not at Mystery Lake, I limped back to the garage like a defeated scavenger. I spent the rest of the evening repairing what I could, drinking some of that hard-earned coffee, and trying not to think about the bear still blocking the one safe house that could’ve saved me.
On the bright side, I survived. Barely. Day 9 will be my next attempt to leave this place behind—for real this time.
Unless it blizzards again. Or the bear moves in permanently.
Day 7 |
Day 9
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.
Dark Waters: A Dredge Survival – Day Six
A mysterious mansion, a weird engine, and an eyeball fish that failed to impress. Day 6 of the Dredge permadeath run brings new quests, strange artefacts, and a Collector with a taste for cursed objects.
Missed the previous day? You can find it here: Dark Waters: A Dredge Survival Day Five
A Photographer, a Mansion, and the Case of the Unsold Fish
The day starts before I’ve even had a chance to stretch my sea legs. The Mayor greets me with a new concern—apparently a photographer passed through recently, heading south. I’m told I should find her and say hello. Social obligations while I’m fishing for my life? Fine. I’ll add it to the to-do list… just beneath “don’t go mad at sea.”
I set off from Greater Marrow and head south, making landfall on the first island that looks like it might have plumbing. It turns out to be Blackstone Isle, which sounds charming in the “haunted Victorian manor” kind of way. I arrive at 8:55 AM.
I check the mansion—naturally, it’s locked. I poke around the nearby workshop instead, only to find a Sign of Ruin and something called an arterial engine, which I assume isn’t medically approved. I also learn a harsh lesson: I forgot to sell yesterday’s catch. Either that or the game saved before I did. Either way, I’m hauling stinky fish back to town.
Selling Fish and Summoning Fishy Deals
I dock at Greater Marrow around 12:49 PM and go through the usual unloading dance with the Fishmonger. Then I chat with the Mysterious Figure again, who—surprise—sends me back to Blackstone Isle.
Naturally, I fish on the way. Because of course I do. This time I reel in an all-seeing cod, which sounds cool until I try to impress the Fishmonger with it later and he gives me a book instead of admiration. Apparently, cod with eyeballs where they shouldn’t be are so last season.
At 16:12 PM, I dock at Blackstone Isle again. This time, the mansion is open and I meet The Collector, who is absolutely not sinister at all. I hand over the handkerchief I fished out of a monster, and he offers to upgrade my ship to allow dredging—basically seabed looting. Sounds good!
He gives me a cursed scavenger hunt: find a ring, necklace, watch, music box, and key. Why do I feel like I’m helping someone complete a haunted wedding registry?
Grouper Disappointment and DIY Moving Services
I attempt once again to find the elusive Black Grouper on the return journey. I fail again. The Grouper and I are clearly not fated to meet.
Back in Greater Marrow at 22:55 PM, I get flagged down by multiple NPCs who seem to think I don’t have enough to do:
The Lighthouse Keeper shares a shipwreck location.
The Builder wants to move and gives me a shopping list:
● 2x Lumber
● 2x Scrap
● Deliver to Steel Point
I finish my last few conversations, sell the disappointing fish, and finally rest—making sure to save and quit properly this time so I don’t repeat the rotting-fish incident.
Daily Summary
Date: Day 6
Events:
Spoke to the Mayor about the missing Photographer
Visited Blackstone Isle and found the Sign of Ruin
Forgot to sell fish from Day 5
Met The Collector and received dredge equipment
Fished an all-seeing cod (not as exciting as it sounds)
Got quests from the Lighthouse Keeper and the Builder
Still haven’t caught a Black Grouper
Slept peacefully after a long, confusing day
Want to know more about what this is and what rules I need to follow? Please read the Dark Waters: A Dredge Survival hub page
Here’s What You Missed This Week – Survivor Incognito Recap
A look back at the survival chaos from this week on Survivor Incognito: from haunted seas and freezing wilderness to dino disasters and exploding oaks.
It’s been a week full of questionable decisions, close calls, and new beginnings here at Survivor Incognito. In case you missed any of the madness, here’s your survival cheat sheet!
🌊 Tuesday – Dark Waters: A Dredge Survival – Day Five
The search for one stubborn fish continued, along with a steady descent into darkness and dread.
🐇 Wednesday – Customloper Diaries Day Three
Charcoal maps, rabbit stew, and a sudden storm — because survival in The Long Dark is never boring.
🗺️ Wednesday – Behind the Blog: ARK Map Page Expansion
A behind-the-scenes update! I’m working on expanding the ARK Survival Evolved map page to cover all Switch maps. All the regions, all the doom.
🏹 Thursday – Sneak, Snipe, Repeat: Skyrim Survival – Day Ten
Vampires, arrows, and highly questionable footwear choices. My Argonian had quite the day.
🐜 Friday – The Backyard Trials: Grounded Permadeath – Day Three
The lasers were fixed, the oak tree exploded (as it does), and the backyard remains terrifying.
🦖 Saturday – ARK: Aberration – Day One Diary
Punching trees, hallucinating plants, and being reminded why Aberration is not the friendliest place to spawn.
What’s Next?
More chaos, more permadeath, and maybe even a few victories (no promises). Stay tuned!
ARK: Aberration – Day One Diary: Punching Trees, Hallucinating Plants, and a Cliff Dive of Doom
My first day in ARK: Aberration on Nintendo Switch. From punching trees to cliff diving for water, join me for a chaotic survival tale featuring hallucinations, heat, and questionable choices.
Not sure where I am? Please check out the ARK: Survival Evolved Maps
Welcome to Aberration
I decide to spawn at the Portal—the game assures me this is the easiest spot to start, so naturally, I trust it. I materialize in my underwear (as you do) and am immediately told I’m too hot. How? I’m practically naked!
Undeterred, I begin my search for trees to punch and rocks to grab. It sounds simple, but this is ARK. The landscape is full of creatures, including a Tek Stegosaurus!
I want it. I want it badly. But I’m level one, with zero taming ability. So I sigh, and return to foraging.
Tools, Berries, and the Great Stone Hunt
Before long, I’ve got a healthy stash of berries, thatch, and wood. I cobble together some primitive clothing—so long, underwear! Now for stones. The game clearly enjoys messing with me. Stones are everywhere, yet my button presses achieve nothing. After several failed attempts, I finally manage to pick some up. Tools: crafted.
Next problem: water. I’m parched, and the nearest source is… at the bottom of a cliff. What’s a survivor to do? I jump. If I die, hey—at least the Graveyard page gets a funny new entry. Miraculously, I survive.
The Hallucination Plant
Feeling triumphant, I approach a strange plant. Surely nothing bad could happen. The plant proves me wrong. I’m instantly hallucinating, defecating like it’s a competitive sport, and generally regretting my life choices. After about 30 seconds, it stops. Do I consider touching the plant again? Absolutely. Do I? Thankfully, no.
Night Falls, Chaos Rises
Darkness sets in. I light a torch—instant overheating. My options are: see where I’m going and melt, or stumble blindly in comfort.
And then, I become overencumbered. I offload a ton, even dip below my carry limit. Still can’t move. Can crouch, can look around, but walk or jump? Nope. At this point, I call it a day.
Final Thoughts
Not how I imagined my first day in Aberration ending, but I had a blast. Stay tuned—surely it can only get weirder from here.
If you enjoyed this one, please check out my other Day One Diaries | Survival Game Playthroughs & First-Day Survival Challenges
The Backyard Trials: Grounded Permadeath – Day Three
The lasers are fixed, the oak tree explodes, and my survival odds finally start looking up… until a Crab Weaver reminds me who’s in charge. Day 3 brings progress, panic, and a near-death lesson about checking my map.
Missed day two? You can find what happened here: The Backyard Trials Day Two
The Wire Chewers
With the mysterious laser issue still unresolved, I decide today’s the day I track down the problem. A short hike later, I find the culprit: lawn mites have developed a taste for high-powered laser wiring. Excellent.
I follow the damaged wire underground, spear in hand, clearing out every mite that dares cross my path. Eventually, I reach a rock wall marked with a hammer symbol — a clear message from the backyard itself: “Come back when you’re better equipped.” Noted.
As I head back topside, I spot one final mite chewing away. One quick jab and—problem solved. The laser is fixed. Victory! Soon, I’ll be big again! (Or so I naively believe.)
Press The Button… What Could Go Wrong?
I return to the mysterious machine, filled with hope. I press the button. The lasers power up, align… and then the oak tree explodes. That wasn’t part of the plan.
New objective: Investigate the oak tree.
Of course it is.
Panic, Maps, and Lessons Learned
Not entirely sure how to get to the oak tree, I open my map to drop a waypoint for my base camp. That’s when the game teaches me a very valuable permadeath lesson:
The map does not pause the game.
Right as I’m happily setting my waypoint, the words Threat Detected! flash up. I close the map and—surprise!—a Crab Weaver is charging directly at me. My tactical response? Immediate and panicked retreat.
Pro tip for future runs: check your surroundings before opening the map.
Juice, Science, and Helmets
On my retreat, I have a small moment of clarity—I actually already have a hammer. So technically, I could’ve broken that underground wall earlier. That’s a tomorrow problem.
I do, however, discover a giant juice box while escaping, which might help solve my ongoing water concerns. Small wins.
With hammer in hand, I head back to the wire tunnel, smash through the blocked path, and find 500 raw science waiting for me. I’m starting to feel like a backyard archaeologist.
Back at base, I cook up some meat (and immediately learn that cooked food spoils fast), craft myself an ant helmet to boost my carrying strength, and research a few more materials. More blueprints unlock, and for the first time, I feel cautiously optimistic about my survival chances.
The Next Task: Grubs
As night falls, I spot something burrowing under the ground. A little research tells me these are grubs, and I’ll need a shovel to dig them up.
Tomorrow’s mission: craft a shovel and go grub hunting.
If you want to know more about this, please checkout the The Backyard Trials: Grounded Permadeath page
Survivor Incognito 