In this guide, we’ll explore the most dangerous afflictions in The Long Dark, how they work, and how to treat or avoid them. Once you know what to do, none of them are as scary as they seem.
Parasites
- Caused by eating raw or improperly cooked predator meat (wolf and bear).
- Cougar meat currently does not give parasites.
- Raw predator meat gives 75% parasite risk immediately.
- The game rolls for parasites 24 hours after eating meat, or instantly if you hit 100% risk.
- Once infected, take antibiotics or old man’s beard dressing once per day until cured.
- Healing timer resets at midnight, so doses don’t need to be 24h apart.
- Parasites lower max condition (2%) and max fatigue (4%) per day if untreated.
- Endless Night makes parasites deadly (no reset = no healing).
- Positive: You cannot get additional parasite infections while infected. Also allows sleeping when not tired, useful for hibernation.
Broken Ribs
- Caused by moose stomps, typically.
- Prevents rope climbing; otherwise non-lethal.
- Multiple rib breaks increase recovery time.
- Ballistic Vest reduces recovery time by 30%.
- Requires lots of sleep to heal, but you can’t oversleep without fatigue.
- Trick: Induce hypothermia to tire yourself out, then heal while sleeping in a cave.
- Need water, food, and outdoor sleeping space to avoid Cabin Fever.
Cabin Fever
- Triggered by spending >125 hours indoors in the last 150 hours.
- Risk begins at 113 hours.
- Prevents crafting, cooking, sleeping indoors.
- Avoid by spending at least 4h/day outdoors.
- “Settled Mind” Feat prevents cabin fever entirely.
- Buildings with loading screens and warmth bonuses count as indoor. Fishing huts, cars, and some exterior buildings (e.g. BR maintenance shack) count as outdoor.
- Bug: Back parts of caves can remove risk instantly or cause outdoor time not to count. Be careful.
Frostbite
- Permanent 10% max condition loss per Affliction.
- Happens when uncovered body parts are exposed below -20°C.
- Wearing frozen inner layer clothing causes frostbite risk even above -20°C.
- Heals only when near a fire, regardless of outdoor temperature.
- Cannot be cured except by dying and using the temporary penalty option.
Scurvy
- Caused by low vitamin C.
- Once depleted to zero, you get scurvy. Only cured by restoring vitamin C to max.
- Risk reappears if you only raise it slightly.
- Requires long-term management through diet (mainly fish).
- Fish are best source. Once infected, vitamin C stops depleting, so you can rebuild levels more easily.
- Penalty includes stamina drain, even on ropes. Dangerous.
Severe Lacerations
- Unique to cougar attacks.
- Drops max condition by 50% and causes blood loss and infection risk every 12 hours.
- Lasts 72 hours.
- Predictable: prepare for affliction waves to avoid sudden death.
- Only acquired from cougars (which are being reworked).
Suffocation
- Occurs only in Last Prospect Mine (Blackrock) and Langstone Mine (Zone of Contamination).
- Entering gas areas gives Suffocation risk in real-time seconds.
- If timer runs out: instant death.
- Use Gas Mask and Canisters to move safely.
- Canisters deplete in real-time. Sprint, pause, repeat to maximize distance.
- Gas mask not always necessary, especially in Last Prospect if not encumbered.
- Only first floor of Langstone requires canister to pass.
Other Notable Afflictions
- Food Poisoning: Annoying but not lethal.
- Dysentery: Avoid by never keeping unsafe water.
- Infection: Dangerous because it’s easy to forget. Treat infection risk early or die in your sleep.
Stay prepared, and most afflictions won’t be a threat. Plan ahead, manage your exposure, and prioritize healing—especially for parasites, broken ribs, and scurvy.
Stay safe out there, survivor!
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