The Long Dark

Climbing Timberwolf Mountain is more daunting than it sounds. I've done it in the Preview, so I don't know if it is part of the storyline.

If you are doing this in survival, I do not recommend you do this on any difficulty other than Pilgrim. Reaching the summit is a challenge in and of itself. Don't be a hero. You will die.

If you are going for the Faithful Cartographer achievement, you will need to reach the summit to visit those locations. For that reason, I suggest doing this first. That way if you fail, you won't have to redo other locations.

In addition, there is a massive supply cache at the summit which will help you in the game. There is far more than you can carry in one trip. Having a spare mountaineering rope will let you cut off a huge chunk of your travel down from the mountain (and give you a shortcut back up if you want more supplies). If you didn't climb with one, there should be one in the cave across from the summit rope (see the video below).


Preparation before traveling

In order to do this, you need to prepare above and beyond the normal distance preparation. Before leaving, I suggest you look at the map here: https://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/intothelongdark/images/...

If you look carefully, you'll see that there are a minimum of 2 climbs to the summit, denoted on the map by red mountaineering ropes. However, the last climb is probably the hardest climb in the game as you are in cold temperatures. Your fatigue will diminish rapidly. Even if you have slept and have a full stamina gauge, you will tire before you reach the top, and fall.

The reality is that a successful summit will likely require a 3rd climb, since you will likely need to find supplies in another region and bring them in. Although this seems like a lot of work, well, it is. Starting from scratch mean you likely won't start with enough essential supplies (like coffee) to make the final climb, and you'll waste hours getting there only to have to turn around.

Start your supply preparation well before you reach the mountain. There are scant supplies in the Timberwolf Mountain region, so even if you choose to start there, you may not find the supplies you need along the way to successfully summit the mountain. It takes a long time to reach the summit, and you'll waste a lot of supplies should you need to turn around.

You must have the following before setting out for the summit:
Flares or torches (or a lantern with fuel) for traversing the Cave (Cave B to A on the map)
Coffee - absolutely essential
Bedroll
8-12 hours of firewood
Hatchet (optional) for deer carcasses
Hacksaw (optional) for opening plane cargo containers

You need to be fully rested before you start the summit, as this will provide a boost to climbing speed. Coffee is essential since it grants the Fatigue Reduced affliction. Save it until you reach the bottom of the summit.


Hiking in

I suggest beginning in the Pleasant Valley region, going through the transition into the Timberwolf Mountain region and hiking in through Crystal Lake. The Pleasant Valley map is here: https://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/intothelongdark/images/...

Stay overnight at the Mountaineer's Hut and get Well Rested. You will likely be able to make it from this hut to the base of the summit in one day, although there are places to stop along the way if you need to (bring extra supplies just in case).

Travel east from the Mountaineer's Hut across the Fallen Tree Bridge. North of the bridge is a cave along the eastern edge where you can stop. I suggest looking in here for possible supplies in any case. Head north and climb the rope, then head west. Hike toward the Secluded Shelf, since it is much shorter than the western route, and since both paths require a climb.

If you look at the map, the path to the Secluded Shelf it can be a little misleading. As you head west and wrap around south toward the Secluded Shelf, you may accidentally cut through back toward the Deer Crossing (even if it doesn't look like it on the map). Use the sun and the time of day to make sure that you keep moving south to the rope.

At the top, the cave there is absolutely dark, but warm and sheltered. It is easy to get turned around in here. If you do get turned around, don't worry, just find your way through. You've reached the last part of the journey to the summit rope, and you're going to rest on the other side. You will need several flares or a torch (or a lantern, if the weight isn't an issue for you) to travel through the cave. It took me two flares to make it through. Keep the rock wall on your right as you go through. About halfway through, the path will double back on your right and go up a slope, which may be hard to see in the flickering light. Carefully follow this trail, and you will see light a long distance ahead. Here's what I mean:



Outside the cave, curve to the right. There is a small cave on your left, and a clearing with the summit rope on your right. Go look at the rope if you want (you made it this far, might as well look ), then go inside the cave where you will sleep and make final preparations.


Preparation before climbing

Make a fire and boil enough water to drink both before and after you sleep. Herbal tea grants the Improved Rest affliction, which improves your condition while you sleep. Wait until daylight when you can see, and it's warmer. When you wake up, drink your coffee.

Do not try to climb unless your fatigue bar is full and your condition is listed as Rested. You will fall from your rope short of the summit. It looks a lot shorter than it is. The game increases your fatigue on this rope faster than any other I have seen in the game.


If you are well-prepared, this last step shouldn't be overly difficult. It's just a long rope climb. However, just like a true mountain climb, preparation is vital. Prepare properly, and this achievement is yours. Otherwise, enjoy the upside-down view as you fall.

Here is the final ascent.