GUIDE · COMBAT
Frozen Ship Enemies & Threats: What's Out There
The cold is your first enemy, but it isn't the only one. Outside the ship you'll meet predators and deadly wildlife, hostile human survivors, and settlements willing to fight. This guide covers what threatens you and how to deal with each.
The Cold (Your Constant Enemy)
Before any creature, the weather is the threat you can't shoot. Body temperature drains fast outside; at night (~−67°C) it's lethal. Plan routes around buildings with stoves you can light, and always keep a margin before the 18:00 curfew. Most "combat deaths" are really cold deaths from over-staying a run.
Predators & Wildlife
The wastes are hunted by predators — reviewers vividly recall "three bears stood between us and an antenna." Wildlife you can also hunt for food (harvesting a rabbit carcass is a real loot action). The rule of thumb:
- Avoid when unarmed or outnumbered. Some set-pieces (like reaching an antenna) are solved by sneaking past dangerous wildlife with no weapon — pure timing and nerve.
- Engage only with advantage. Firearms exist, but ammo becomes "more valuable than almost anything" in the mid-game. Don't burn it on a fight you can walk around.
- Use the environment. Light a stove in a building, warm up, and let the cold or distance work for you.
Hostile Survivors & Armed Conflict
Not every settlement is friendly. You'll find hostile survivor camps and factions locked in prolonged conflict. Encounters can be resolved through firearms, diplomacy, or direct conflict — your choice shapes reputation and local power balance. A paranoid trader might assume you're there to rob him; a hostile camp might shoot first.
| Approach | When it works | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Diplomacy / trade | Settlements with goods you need; paranoid-but-talkable traders | Slow; some factions won't deal |
| Avoidance / stealth | Outnumbered, unarmed, or on a timed errand | Requires patience and route planning |
| Armed conflict | Clear threat to your expedition; you have ammo to spare | Ammo is precious; casualties hurt morale |
Faction Entanglements
Every decision with settlements affects your reputation. An authoritarian settlement may offer fuel or supplies, but accepting their methods can hurt your own crew's confidence. Helping struggling survivors boosts morale but costs resources. There's rarely a universally correct answer — long campaigns reward consistency over risky gambles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there boss enemies?
No scripted bosses confirmed. The pressure comes from predators, hostile camps, and the cold itself — plus the escalating stakes of faction conflict.
Should I fight or avoid wildlife?
Avoid when you can. Engage only with a clear advantage and spare ammo; many objectives (like the antenna set-piece) are solved by sneaking, not shooting.
Can I hunt for food safely?
Yes — harvesting wildlife carcasses is a real food source. Just weigh the danger and the curfew clock against the meal.