Tag: Nintendo Switch Gaming

SnowRunner Survival: The Permagear Diaries – Day Twelve: Scout’s Big Day

SnowRunner Survival: The Permagear Diaries – Day 12: Scout’s Big Day

Difficulty: Permagear Mode

“Scout finally gets some attention, Red hauls like a champ, and Frank still dreams of raised suspension.”
Previous Entry: Day 11

Getting Scout Back on the Road

Today’s mission: finally give Scout some love. He’s been sat in Black River for so long he’s probably forgotten what an engine sounds like. The challenge? Getting both him and Red back to Smithville Dam without using the garage transfer shortcut.

After a bit of head scratching, I come up with a plan: leave Red near the region transition, hop in Scout, drive him over, attach the winch, and haul both back. Amazingly, it works flawlessly. I might have to start giving myself credit for my more unorthodox ideas.

Upgrades Galore

Once back at the garage, Scout gets the works — new engine, differential lock, and a snorkel for good measure. The result? He’s now acting exactly like Red did before his upgrades: bouncing down the road like a caffeinated kangaroo. Progress, I suppose.

Final Watchtower of the Region

I take Scout out to nab the last Watchtower in Smithville Dam. The road is long, occasionally sketchy, but manageable. The turnoff to the tower is the real test — a twisting climb that demands patience and precise wheel placement. After setting waypoints and carefully working my way up, the tower is activated, revealing two upgrade locations.

Scout is closer to one, so we head there first. It’s a raised suspension kit… for something. Sadly, I hit the wrong button and skipped the details. Somewhere out there is a truck that will be very happy. Today, I just don’t know which one.

Red’s Turn

Red heads for the second upgrade and finds a freeway throttle that works for either him or Scout. Decision pending. He’s handling more smoothly post-upgrades — still bouncy, but in a “playful dog” way rather than “loose shopping trolley” way.

Frank’s Disappointment

Thinking the raised suspension might be for Frank, I bring him to the garage with high hopes. Sadly, no. My old workhorse has been carrying this whole operation and still can’t wade into deep water without the risk of a very wet breakdown. Tomorrow, Frank. Tomorrow.

Continue the Journey

Day 11 | Day 13 (Coming Soon)

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SnowRunner Survival: The Permagear Diaries – Day Eleven: Red’s Day Out

SnowRunner Survival: The Permagear Diaries – Day 11: Red’s Day Out

Today was Red’s time to shine. No trailers, no urgent deliveries — just exploration, practice, and a bit of light road-conquering in the name of science.

Finding the Quarry (and Trouble)

I started by taking Red along a road I hadn’t explored yet, which eventually led me to a quarry. Always good to know where the future cargo headaches will be coming from. I tried following the road deeper in, but it came to a natural stop, so I turned back and tried another route.

The “Road” That Was Mostly Water

This second route led to a flooded stretch of road. The map confirmed it was indeed a road — apparently someone at the Department of Transport here has a sense of humour. I was convinced Red would sink or stall, but to my surprise he waded through like a champ, slow but steady. On the way, I even found a raised suspension upgrade for him. I thought I already had it installed, but hey — spares are spares.

Watchtowers, Fuel Stops, and Mystery Upgrades

At the end of the flooded road, I had a choice: plunge into the unknown or head for a nearby Watchtower. No prizes for guessing which option I took. The tower revealed an upgrade, but before I could investigate, Red needed a refuel. Thankfully, I’d given him fuel cans in an earlier upgrade, so one quick pit stop later and we were good to go.

The upgrade turned out to be an engageable AWD… for something. I forgot to check which vehicle. Classic me.

Low+ and Loving It

Another Watchtower was on the map, so we headed there. This is where Red’s sweet spot revealed itself: Low+. He still bounced, but it was more of a playful hop than a chaotic pogo stick. I reached the tower, got briefly excited when I thought I’d found a second fuel station in Smithville Dam, then realised the map was upside down and it was just the same one I already knew about. Disappointment levels: high.

More Upgrades and a New Task

The tower also revealed another upgrade, perched right at the water’s edge. Given Red’s aquatic performance today, I wasn’t worried. We collected it — raised suspension for the Scout — which might just drag him out of retirement. While I was at it, Red got another refuel before heading back to the garage, where I discovered he’d been on stock suspension all this time. No wonder he’d been so bouncy. Raised suspension went on immediately.

“Boulders” and the To-Do List

Before calling it a day, I checked out a new task called Boulders. It involves two service spare parts to clear a road — easy enough in theory, but the waterlogged section leading there will be a problem until Frank gets his own raised suspension. I’m adding that one to the to-do list for now.

All in all, Red outdid himself today. From quarries to questionable road conditions, he handled everything without a tow truck rescue. He’s earned a well-deserved rest.

Continue the Journey

Day 10 |
You Are Here |
Day 12

More from SnowRunner Survival: The Permagear Diaries

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Seven Days to Survive – Day 3: Honey, Zombies, and Home Improvements

Difficulty: Default Survival
Optional Rules: Permadeath, one horde night per week
“If you ever find yourself cornered by two zombies in a stranger’s living room, just remember: honey is nature’s antibiotic. Who knew bee juice would keep me alive?”

The Fetch Quest of Doom

The morning began with me jogging toward the latest house that Trader Rekt wanted looted for supplies. From the outside, it looked quiet — shutters drawn, roof sagging slightly, just another abandoned suburban home. But this is 7 Days to Die, so I knew the interior would be less “suburban charm” and more “screaming corpses.”

Sure enough, as soon as I hit the flag at the back of the property and stepped inside, the soundscape turned into a zombie alarm clock. Two of them barreled toward me, cutting off my escape. I managed to fight my way out, but not without a parting gift: infection. Perfect.

After clearing the stragglers and pocketing the supplies, I searched my pack for antibiotics. Nothing. A return trip to Papaw Residence confirmed the same — unless you count decorative piles of junk and a near-useless jar of murky water. But buried in a chest was salvation: honey. Exactly the right cure for my low-level infection. Bee magic saves the day.

Medical Centre Run

I staggered back to Rekt’s, handed over the supplies, and chose skill books as my reward. Then I spent some coin on more honey, because clearly zombies see me as a chew toy. Another fetch quest? Why not. This one sent me toward what looked like a pop-up medical centre — white tarps, overturned stretchers, and the distinct impression that the last patients didn’t leave voluntarily.

The zombies inside were fewer and slower, which suited my still-throbbing wounds. Looting the shelves, I stumbled on something that felt like Christmas morning: a cooking grill. Finally, the days of choking down charred snake meat are behind me. Now I can prepare food that doesn’t taste like it came out of a campfire accident.

I cleared the building, snagged the supplies, and returned to Rekt. My reward? Charred meat. Honestly, I think the man is trolling me. “Here’s some food, survivor.” Yes, Rekt, I literally just looted the thing that makes your reward obsolete. Thanks for nothing, champ.

Dew Collector Dreams

Back at Papaw, I started eyeing my supplies. Between yesterday’s scavenging and today’s haul, I realised I was close to crafting a Dew Collector. After a bit more rummaging and resource-gathering, the parts came together. I placed the contraption outside, whispered a hopeful prayer to the condensation gods, and waited.

After five minutes of staring at a metal bucket with mesh, I admitted that Dew Collectors are not exciting to watch in real time. With thirst still an issue, I decided to channel my boredom into base-building. The first layer of the horde base is now fully cobblestone. The second layer is patchwork, half cobble, half wood. The third layer? Still dreams and dust. At least I can say progress is being made, even if it looks more like a construction site than a fortress.

Thirst, the Silent Killer

The Dew Collector is great in theory, but water production is glacial. By mid-afternoon I was dehydrated again — stumbling around with blurry vision like I’d been on a pub crawl with the undead. Tomorrow, water is priority number one. Either the trader sells me a stash, or I’m boiling every murky puddle I find.

Still, the looming problem isn’t just thirst. It’s the horde night clock. Day 4 is practically here, and my base is still an empty shell. If I don’t switch gears soon, the zombies will be less “contained threat” and more “unwanted guests knocking down my half-finished walls.” Tomorrow, the hammer and cobblestone get priority — fetch quests can wait.

Continue the Journey

Day 2 | Day 3 (You Are Here) | Day 4 (Coming Soon)

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Surviving the Milky Way: An Elite Dangerous Survival Diary – Day 5: Day 5 – Rustbucket Retired, Rustfang Rises

Day 5 – Rustbucket Retired, Rustfang Rises

Difficulty: Standard Piloting
Optional Features: Tradepad-assisted profiteering

“These are the voyages of Commander Incognito: to deliver questionable amounts of data, dabble in Tritium trading, and retire ships faster than common sense would recommend.”

Courier by Day, Trader by Accident

I began the day staring down a tempting 13-jump courier mission and immediately said “absolutely not.” Instead, I poked around the mission board until I found something saner: data delivery for the Casual Crew over at Stargate’s Pride in Col 285 Sector II-P B20-8. Two jumps, easy life. Or at least that was the plan.

Meanwhile, the station was plastered with “donate to the cause” missions. Good causes, I’m sure. My cause, however, is not going broke. Instead, I tried my hand at trading. Thanks to the ED Tradepad app (my new best friend), I saw Tritium could net me a tidy profit. In-universe justification? A friendly dockworker at Tenn Terminal whispered: “You’ll make a few credits shifting this stuff.” Sold.

Three Jumps, Not Two

The trip was supposed to be straightforward. Supposed to be. With the cargo on board, my plotted course decided it wanted to add a bonus jump. I blame the Tritium, because blaming fuel makes me sound like I know what I’m doing. Still, it was a useful chance to fumble around the galaxy map and pretend I understood what all those filters do.

I delivered the data without trouble, pocketed my Tritium profit, and looked around Stargate’s Pride for what else it could offer. The answer: temptation.

Goodbye Rustbucket, Hello Rustfang

The shipyard beckoned. The ISS Rustbucket had been my loyal workhorse, but it was time for an upgrade. After much internal debate (and wallet screaming), I settled on a Cobra Mk IV. Tougher, meaner, and actually able to hold its own if someone looked at it funny. After some kitting out, I proudly christened it:
ISS Rustfang (RFN-5).

Naturally, I also gave it a vehicle bay and a shiny new Scorpion, because if you’re going to upgrade, you may as well go full “space SUV with off-road capabilities.”

First Spin in the Rustfang

To break it in, I accepted a modest courier job to Farris’ Remembrance in the Col 285 Sector DC-R b19-7 system. Easy enough — though I somehow managed to plot my course to an entirely different system on the galaxy map. Don’t ask. Let’s just say the navigation computer and I are still getting to know one another.

Despite the detour, the Rustfang flew beautifully. Nimble for its size, sturdy, and most importantly: mine. Mission complete, credits banked, and one very satisfied Commander.

Day 5 Wrap-Up

Rustbucket has been retired, Rustfang is born, and I even made a little profit along the way. Courier work? Handled. Trading? Profitable. Galaxy map? Still confusing. Tomorrow might be the day I finally see if bounty hunting agrees with me… emphasis on might.

Continue the journey:
Day 4 | Day 5 (You Are Here) | Day 6 (Coming Soon)
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Isolation Protocol – Log 4: The Joes Aren’t Alright

Rule Set: Three Strikes (Xenomorph only)
Location: Seegson Communications
“I’ve seen enough sci-fi to know that when the friendly android offers you a seat, you probably shouldn’t sit down.”

Back Upstairs, Back in Trouble

After possibly releasing the galaxy’s worst houseguest, I have no choice but to keep moving toward Seegson Communications. The other survivors? They can fend for themselves—if they’re still breathing.

I creep upstairs just in time to hear the Xenomorph deal with the group who wanted me dead. That’s… justice? Karma? Either way, I don’t plan on joining the casualty list. I get a quick glimpse of the creature before ducking behind a box. No thanks, not burning Strike One yet.

Moments later, I slip into the elevator, tuner in hand, praying it doesn’t decide to test its claws on the doors.

Welcome to Seegson Communications

The elevator opens, and who’s waiting? A Working Joe android. I can tell the designers blew the budget on “creepy plastic skin” and “unsettling stare mode.” Still, the first one politely offers me a seat. I decline. I’ve already got chairs at home.

Exploring further, I try to explain I need to contact the Torrens. The Joes, in their usual customer-service-death-mask tone, tell me that Communications is off-limits. Naturally, this means I’m going to have to sneak in.

Tracker, Toys, and Trust Issues

In the middle of poking around, I find something glorious: the motion tracker. Not only does it point toward objectives, but it immediately informs me that something is behind me. Cue panic—until I realise it’s just another Joe, calmly asking if everything is alright. (No, everything is not alright, pal.)

I also stumble on a blueprint for a noisemaker. Given how much stomping and hissing I’ve heard lately, this feels like crafting salvation.

But then I see it: Joes can’t be trusted. A human survivor argues with one, pulls a gun, fires—does nothing. The Joe responds by snapping him in half like a breadstick. Great. Now I know they’re not just weird, they’re actively homicidal. Thanks, random gun guy. You doomed us all.

Shut Down the Cameras

My objective: disable the surveillance cameras so I can sneak through. Problem: I have no idea where I’m going. Solution: follow the magic beeping rectangle.

The tracker points me toward the controls, while also telling me there are two Joes nearby. Excellent—nothing like disabling security while feeling like the least secure person alive.

I find the panel, turn off the cameras, and pocket a survivor’s ID tag because looting under pressure is apparently my thing. Then I wait. And wait. And wait for the world’s slowest elevator. I swear it was coming from the far side of the station.

Hope on the Airwaves

At last, I reach Communications. And then I hear it: the voice of the Torrens, cutting through the static. Actual hope, actual contact, actual chance of escape. For a moment, Sevastopol doesn’t feel like a tomb—it feels like a finish line I might actually reach.

Of course, the Joes are still wandering the halls, the Xenomorph is still on the loose, and the whole station feels one breath away from falling apart. But right now? I’ve got a signal. And that’s enough to keep going.

Log 4 Pro Tips

  • Never assume the Joes are harmless. They’re not.
  • Motion tracker = survival MVP. Treasure it.
  • Don’t trust other survivors with guns—they’ll get you all killed.
  • If an elevator takes too long, assume it’s mocking you.
Continue the journey:
Log 3 |
Log 4 (You Are Here) |
Log 5
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SnowRunner Survival: The Permagear Diaries – Day Ten: Bridges, Bumps, and Broken Dreams

SnowRunner Survival: The Permagear Diaries – Day 10: Bridges, Bumps, and Broken Dreams

Mode: Permagear Rules | Optional Features: Winch-assisted woodland detours

Back to the Dam

I start the day by taking Red back to the Smithville Dam garage to decide on my next move. Both of my current main objectives need wooden planks, and as far as I can tell, the only viable source is back in Black River. The plan: build the bridge first, then worry about the rest.

I hop into Frank for the job, only to be faced with the first challenge — actually getting him there. Instead of taking the standard road, I opt for a less-beaten path through the trees, using the winch liberally and clambering over rocks like a determined mountain goat in truck form. If Frank had feelings, I’d say he was trying to prove something.

Frank: The Reliable Workhorse

Once in Black River, I load up the planks and head back to Smithville Dam. Along the way, I can’t help but admire Frank’s handling — reliable, sturdy, and never letting you down. He’s the truck equivalent of that one friend who always brings snacks and never cancels plans.

I top him up at the fuel station as a precaution (he probably didn’t need it, but who doesn’t like a full tank?). Crossing the Dam, I briefly flash back to the Dam level in GoldenEye 64, half-expecting to see polygons of Soviet guards wandering about.

Bridge Complete

The delivery goes smoothly, and with the wooden planks in place, the bridge is now a reality. Objective one: done. Frank earns a well-deserved rest while I swap into Red for some post-bridge exploration.

Red’s Bouncy Adventure

Immediately, I’m reminded of the difference in handling: Frank sticks to the ground like he’s got magnetic tyres; Red prefers to bounce along it like an over-caffeinated pogo stick. Past the bridge, I find a promising-looking track and decide to follow it.

The path is a mix of mud, stones, and one dodgy river crossing that all but confirms Red will need a raised exhaust if such a thing exists. After wrestling through, I spot an upgrade ahead and let my hopes soar — could this be the elusive raised suspension for Frank I’ve been searching for? In my head, I’m already firing him up for a triumphant drive back to the garage.

Reality Check

It isn’t. Instead, it’s Engageable AWD for a White Star truck — a vehicle I don’t own. Still, at least it’s unlocked for the future. I follow the road and, somewhat anticlimactically, end up back on the other side of the bridge.

That’s where I call it for the day. Tomorrow, Red will keep exploring, and maybe — just maybe — I’ll finally complete The Essentials task.

Continue the Journey

Day 9 | Day 10 (You Are Here) | Day 11

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Surviving the Milky Way: An Elite Dangerous Survival Diary – Day 4: Pirates, Powerplay, and Pointless Terminals

Day 4 – Pirates, Powerplay, and Pointless Terminals

Playstyle: Courier–Bounty Hybrid (very heavy on the “hybrid”)
Optional Features: Unplanned NPC babysitting, mild existential dread

“These are the voyages of Commander Incognito aboard the Rustbucket: to dodge charity collectors, fail gracefully at space combat, and boldly lean on NPCs where no pride has survived before.”

Ramaswamy Point greeted me with the kind of smile you see on a fundraiser who’s already holding your wallet. Donation missions everywhere. Worthy causes, sure—if your definition of “worthy” includes me being broke. I decided to invest my credits in something more sustainable: self-preservation and very questionable career choices.

Mission Board Math: Credits Out vs. Hull Intact

After declining the interstellar charity gala, I grabbed two bounties that looked doable (or at least survivable): Emily Santopietro lurking in Col 285 Sector GJ-I a39-0, and a flamboyantly named menace called The Universal Alchemist in HR 7674. The order was obvious: Emily first. Why? Because between me and the Alchemist was a moon, and contrary to popular belief, I can’t Frame Shift through solid rock. Goals are good; physics is better.

Target #1: Emily Santopietro (Featuring: My Aim)

I dropped into the instance with the confidence of a pilot who’s watched several tutorials but retained none of the important bits. Pulse lasers primed, target locked, heroic music in my head—then reality. If I landed a single shot, it must have been by accident. Thankfully, the galaxy delivered: a few NPC bounty hunters showed up and treated Emily like an overdue library book. I contributed… moral support. And evasive maneuvers. Mostly evasive maneuvers.

Result: Emily down. My pride? Also down, but technically not on the mission summary screen, so we’re calling it a win.

Target #2: The Universal Alchemist (and the Loosely Organized Lunatics)

Next up: the Alchemist, a local headache apparently on the radar of an outfit calling themselves the Loosely Organized Lunatics. They asked me to “deal with him,” which feels like strong wording for someone who just discovered their own safety is optional. Still, I accepted and engaged.

Combat went much like the last one—lasers buzzing, shields whining, me squinting at the reticle like it owed me money. Once again, NPCs took the hint and piled in. Team effort! Where “team” is doing a lot of heavy lifting and I’m mostly yelling “pew pew” in the background. Nevertheless: bounty complete, hull intact, dignity negotiable.

Back to Ramaswamy Point: Rewards Claimed, Dreams Denied

I returned to Ramaswamy Point, strutted into the Contacts office like I alone had saved civilized space, and cashed out both bounties. Then I did the sensible thing: straight to Outfitting to improve my “combat performance,” which is a generous phrase for “I would like my lasers to hit things now.”

Outfitting, however, had the vibe of a pawn shop at closing time. No better pulse lasers. No real upgrades worth selling my soul for. The Rustbucket remained exactly that: rusty, bucket-shaped, and underarmed.

Courier Hop to HR 7674 (A Detour Into Powerplay)

Spotting a courier contract to HR 7674, I took it and set course for Tenn Terminal, hoping their stock list wasn’t just “no.” En route, the nav panel dangled a shiny new concept: Powerplay, where twelve galactic powers offer perks in exchange for loyalty and a suspicious amount of paperwork. Interesting, but I’m still figuring out how to keep my nose pointed at the enemy. Filing under: research later, pledge never (for now).

Tenn Terminal: Nothing to See Here, Keep Moving

I delivered the courier package, collected the pay, and jogged over to Outfitting like a kid on Life Day. The shelves? Empty of anything useful. Not a single upgrade I needed. Not even a pity laser. Apparently, HR 7674 believes in character growth via disappointment.

The mission board was heavy on bounties, which would’ve been poetic if I hadn’t just proven my lasers are purely ornamental. I parked the Rustbucket, powered down, and promised myself tomorrow would be more… accurate.

Ship Log: Rustbucket Status & Notes

  • Combat reality check: Pulse lasers feel like sternly worded emails. Consider gimballed weapons or multis when I find a station that isn’t allergic to upgrades.
  • Allies matter: NPC bounty hunters are my current business model. Must not rely on this forever (or at least learn to pretend I don’t).
  • Route planning: “There’s a moon in the way” is a valid operational constraint. Add to checklist: confirm approach vector before heroic declarations.
  • Powerplay: Interesting benefits, but I should actually win a 1v1 before choosing a galactic overlord.

Lessons Learned (So I Stop Re-Learning Them)

  • Target practice is not optional: Practice in a Resource Extraction Site (Low) or a training scenario before accepting anything with the word “notorious” in it.
  • Shields save lives: If I can’t upgrade guns yet, upgrade survival: boosters, better shield generator, maybe a hull reinforcement or two.
  • Stations aren’t equal: When looking for gear, prioritize High Tech / Large starports. “We sell dreams” is code for “we sell nothing you need.”

Continue the Journey

Elite Dangerous Hub |
Day 1 |
Day 2 |
Day 3 |
Day 4 (You Are Here) |
Day 5

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Isolation Protocol – Log 3: Revolvers, Rewires, and the Thing in the Vents

Difficulty: Survival Diary Rule – Three Strikes
Optional Rules: NPC kills = game over, Alien kills = limited chances

“Axel didn’t make it. Now it’s just me, a ship full of strangers who want me dead, and something in the vents that definitely isn’t paying rent.”

Humans Are Worse

With Axel gone, my only hope of reaching the Torrens lies in the communications deck. Easy enough — except the moment I step into the elevator area, another survivor decides that today is a good day to introduce me to firearms, up close and personal.

I manage to grab the gadget he dropped (which, of course, is missing a power cell), but before I can even inspect it, her mates show up, heavily armed and highly motivated. Rewiring becomes my best friend: a quick distraction lures three away, but I forgot about the fourth. He has a revolver, and apparently the aim of a cowboy.

Running seems like the best life choice, and surprisingly, they don’t chase me. Probably union rules.

Scavenger’s Delight

With my heart rate only slightly higher than a microwave on full blast, I take stock. A revolver. A keycard. And a flashbang blueprint that reminds me of my Counter-Strike 2 days, where I was just as likely to blind myself as the enemy.

I find a black box from the Nostromo and for one terrible moment think I’ll finally learn what happened to my mother — except, of course, the recordings are gone. Figures.

Lockdowns and Maintenance Jacks

The room seals tight with a full lockdown. The gadget I picked up earlier? Now powered thanks to a conveniently placed cell. My shiny new Security Access Tuner opens doors like magic, but the ship clearly didn’t get the memo: it wants me stuck.

I dig around, crack open a door with my trusty maintenance jack (still my favourite tool), and finally find the terminal to lift the lockdown.

That’s when the vents begin to whisper.

The Monster Appears

It drops down from the ceiling — long, sleek, and infinitely uninterested in human conversation. The same thing that took Axel.

I crawl under a table, holding my breath as it sniffs around. That’s when I remember: I just unlocked extra exits for myself… which also means extra exits for it. Oops.

It slips into the vent and vanishes, leaving me shaken but alive. I follow at a very safe distance and then beeline for the nearest save point, head swivelling like I’m in a budget Exorcist remake.

Game saved. Nerves fried.

Log 3 Closing Thoughts

  • Survivors are hostile and revolvers hurt.
  • Rewiring saves lives.
  • Flashbangs will probably kill me, not the Alien.
  • The Xenomorph exists, it knows I exist, and we’re now on a collision course.

Next time: I find out if my revolver is a comfort, or just six shiny excuses to die loudly.

Continue the journey:
Log 2 | Log 3 (You Are Here) | Coming Soon: Log 4
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Snowrunner Survival: The Permagear Diaries – Day Nine

SnowRunner Survival: The Permagear Diaries – Day 9

Day 9 in SnowRunner: Delivering fuel to the wrong farm, braving flooded roads, scouting with Red for upgrades, unlocking a long trailer, and freeing Frank from a rogue stone.

Missed the start of the series?
Visit the SnowRunner Hub |
Read the Permagear Rules |
Why Permagear Works

Previous Entry: SnowRunner Survival: The Permagear Diaries – Day 8

Wrong Farm, Right Intentions

The day began with what I thought was a simple task: take a load of fuel on Frank over to the farm in Smithville Dam. The mission briefing seemed straightforward enough, and I had coffee in hand, confidence at maximum. I set off, happily trundling my way to the farm… or so I thought. There was one small problem: the farm I arrived at was in Black River. Wrong farm. Wrong map. Right truck, though, so points for consistency.

The moment of realisation hit when the delivery prompt didn’t appear, and I stared at the job list wondering why the game had suddenly decided to ignore me. After a closer look at the contract, I realised the truth: I’d wasted fuel, time, and what little dignity Frank has left after the last eight days. With a sigh, I plotted the correct route to Smithville Dam’s farm and promised myself I’d read the brief properly next time.

Flooded Roads and Missing Suspension

The road to Smithville’s farm was less of a road and more of a seasonal river. Every puddle was a knee-deep swamp, and without raised suspension for Frank, I had to pick my line like a tightrope walker with commitment issues. Each dip threatened to drown the engine, and I could almost hear Frank grumbling in protest.

Somehow, we made it without stalling. But I’ve decided that finding that raised suspension is now a top priority. The truck can’t keep doing its best submarine impression every time it rains.

Scouting with Red

With Frank resting at the farm, I swapped over to Red for a little exploration. A nearby Watchtower looked promising, and Red’s smaller size made it a safer bet for off-road detours. Still, caution was the name of the game — one wrong move and Red would be cartwheeling down a slope again, and I’m still not over the last incident.

The Watchtower revealed an upgrade not too far away, so I crept towards it, carefully negotiating mud pits and narrow bends. The prize? An engine upgrade for an International Transtar. Useful if I had one, but otherwise about as helpful as a snorkel on a fish. The search for Frank’s suspension continues.

Long Trailer, New Rank

Back at the logging station, I noticed a stack of wooden planks and got my hopes up. My excitement dimmed when I realised they were attached to a rather long trailer I didn’t yet own. A quick detour later, I unlocked the ability to purchase it and, as a bonus, hit Rank 5. Sure, it wasn’t the suspension I wanted, but new toys are always good for morale.

Bridge Work and Rogue Stones

With options running thin, I headed to the warehouse beyond the dam to collect bricks for the farm. Along the way, I activated the Smithville Bridge task, which — naturally — also requires wooden planks. Luckily, I know Black River has a stash, though it’s going to mean a lot of back-and-forth tomorrow.

On the way back with the bricks, disaster struck. Frank found himself completely immobilised on what can only be described as a rogue stone — the kind that hides in plain sight until your truck is perfectly balanced on it like some kind of unwanted hood ornament. With no winch points nearby, I had to call in Red for rescue duty. In an uncharacteristic display of teamwork, Red dug in, pulled Frank free, and somehow managed not to flip in the process. Small victories.

Tomorrow’s Plan

Tomorrow will be all about wooden planks. Lots of wooden planks. I’ll be running between Black River and Smithville like a glorified delivery service with mud in its teeth. The bridge won’t build itself, and neither will my suspension — though if I find that upgrade in the process, it might just be the happiest day Frank’s ever had.

Continue the Journey

SnowRunner Survival: The Permagear Diaries – Day 10

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Snowrunner Survival: The Permagear Diaries – Day Eight: Flips, Fuel, and a Double Rescue Mission

Red goes rogue in Smithville Dam, flipping twice while chasing a Watchtower. Frank clears a blocked road, performs a double rescue, secures an engine upgrade, then hauls fuel back to Black River to set up tomorrow’s delivery for “The Essentials.”

📜 Series Hub: SnowRunner Survival: The Permagear Diaries Main Hub

🛠 Rules: SnowRunner Permagear Rules

💡 Why Permagear Works: Read the reasoning behind the challenge

Missed Day Seven? Find it here.

🛣️ Crossing the Dam (and the Line)

With most of Black River mapped and missions cleared, I decide it’s time to see what Smithville Dam has to offer. Red’s fired up and we set “The Essentials” as the main task — one item in Smithville, the rest in Black River. Easy on paper. Reality had other plans.

🚧 First Roadblock: Literal Roadblock

After finding the Smithville garage, I immediately hit a blocked road needing Service Parts. Luckily, there’s a depot basically around the corner. I pencil that in for after I grab the nearby Watchtower.

🔄 Red Goes Rogue (Twice)

I point Red up the Watchtower track and—whoops—he flips onto his side. Full turtle. There’s only one truck for this kind of drama: Frank.

I transport Frank into Smithville, pick up the Service Parts, clear the roadblock, and roll out to rescue Red. Frank rights him like the dependable legend he is… and Red immediately repays the kindness by rolling over again. Cue rescue mission #2. Frank handles it without breaking a sweat.

🔍 Watchtower Found, Upgrade Secured

With Red back on his wheels (twice), we nab the Watchtower and ping a nearby upgrade: an engine that fits both Red and Scout. Whether it’s actually better is a question for the next garage visit — I’ll compare stats when we’re back under a roof.

⛽ Frank Hauls, Like a Pro

While Red takes a breather, Frank gets back to business. He grabs Fuel for “The Essentials,” hauls it over to Black River, and calls it a night — textbook veteran move.

📅 Tomorrow’s Mission

Fuel staged, Frank is ready to finish “The Essentials” delivery tomorrow. Red? He’s on probation until he proves he can stay upright for more than ten minutes.

Want more SnowRunner? Day 9 link coming soon.

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