If you enjoy stylized, atmospheric, exploration-focused games like The Long Dark, Firewatch, and Among Trees, then you’ll love The Faded Trail.

THE Setting

The Faded Trail is a first-person survival game set in the harsh, unforgiving wilderness of the Rocky Mountains.

In 1983, amidst the backdrop of Cold War tensions, a military exercise designed to simulate a NATO nuclear strike was conducted as a show of strength against perceived threats. This operation, dubbed “Able Archer,” involved intricate maneuvers and communications that inadvertently triggered alarm bells within the Soviet Union. Believing that an actual nuclear attack was underway, the Soviets launched missiles in a desperate bid to strike first. NATO retaliated in kind, igniting a nuclear conflict that left civilization in ruins.

A few years later, a lone survivor wanders through the rugged expanse of the Rocky Mountains, largely untouched by fallout thanks to their high elevation and rugged terrain. The trails once carved by mankind are fading back into the wilderness. Abandoned structures dot the landscape, remnants of the past. Amid the whispering winds and rustling pines, this survivor seeks to carve out a new existence, navigating the harsh solitude of the wilderness while uncovering the stories of the past.

THE gameplay

No zombies, no mutants, no aliens.

Simply you against the wind, rain, snow and wildlife.


EXPLORE: Traverse the expansive, rugged landscapes, discovering hidden trails, abandoned structures, and breathtaking vistas. Every corner of the wilderness holds secrets waiting to be uncovered.

HUNT: Utilize your skills to track and hunt wildlife. Whether it's for food, resources, or crafting materials, your survival depends on your ability to adapt and thrive in the wild.

FISH: Find tranquility by the rivers and lakes as you fish for sustenance. Master the art of angling to provide for yourself in a world where every meal counts.

SCAVENGE: The abandoned remnants of civilization not only offer shelter from the elements, they also provide resources essential to survival.

CRAFT: Create tools, weapons, and shelter from the resources you gather. Crafting is key to enhancing your chances of survival as you navigate the challenges of nature.

SURVIVE: Secure water, food, and shelter to endure the harsh wilderness. As the seasons change, resources become scarcer—especially in the cold of winter, where even wildlife becomes harder to find. Adapt to the shifting challenges nature throws at you, or risk being overwhelmed.

Survival Mechanics

MAJOR STATS

HEALTH: decreases when body temperature is too low, hydration is too low, body weight is too low, or when injured from external sources (e.g., animal attacks, falls). To regenerate health, you need adequate water, protein, and rest. Health can still regenerate in a calorie deficit if protein intake is sufficient.

BODY WEIGHT: represents the character’s muscle and fat. Above 165 lbs, there are no negative effects. Below 165 lbs, strength declines, resulting in reduced max carry weight and slower sprint speed. Below 145 lbs (starvation zone), weakness increases, health loss begins (equal to the calorie deficit), and the immune system weakens (increased likelihood of infections).

ENERGY: affects sprint meter capacity and manual labor speed, influenced by food intake, rest, and current body condition (weight).

HYDRATION: has a maximum of 64 ounces (1 gallon). You lose hydration at varying rates (Note: Hot conditions increase fluid loss due to sweating):

  • sleeping: 0.5 oz/hr,

  • sitting: 1 oz/hr,

  • standing: 1.5 oz/hr,

  • walking: 3 oz/hr,

  • running: 8 oz/hr.

TEMPERATURE: is essential for maintaining core temperature. You need a "feels like" temperature above 60°F to keep your core stable. Below 60°F, core temperature drops, eventually leading to health loss and death from cold. Clothing, exertion, and food metabolism can increase warmth.

REST: is vital for recovery. You gain rest by sleeping. It decays at these rates:

  • sleeping:

    • First 3 hours: +8% per hour (light sleep).

    • After 3 hours of consecutive sleep: +14% per hour (deep sleep).

  • sitting: -2% per hour,

  • standing: -4% per hour,

  • walking: -6% per hour,

  • running: -12% per hour.

When rest falls below 15%, the player’s maximum carry weight begins to decrease, leading to slower movement if overburdened. Additionally, their sprint meter is reduced, limiting how long they can sprint. An empty rest meter significantly reduces carry weight and stops health regeneration.

MINOR STATS

CALORIES: affect body weight. You lose calories at these rates:

  • sleeping: 50 calories per hour,

  • sitting: 80 calories per hour,

  • standing: 120 calories per hour,

  • walking: 225 calories per hour,

  • running: 500 calories per hour.

A calorie deficit at the day’s end results in weight loss, while a calorie surplus leads to weight gain. The rate of weight change depends on the difference between calories consumed and calories burned throughout the day.

Nutrition:

Nutrition plays a critical role in maintaining energy, health, and overall survival. Each macro-nutrient has specific effects on short-term and long-term well-being.

  • PROTEIN: Affects short-term energy, providing a significant boost for 3 hours after consumption.
    Max: 40 grams (full benefit for 3 hours).

    • Consuming less than 40 grams (e.g., 20 grams) will still give a partial benefit for 3 hours.

    • Protein is necessary for health recovery, if the player has less than full health, the energy boost of protein will be reduced and instead the health will regenerate (assuming adequate water and rest).

  • CARBS: Influence long-term energy, offering a minor boost lasting 24 hours after consumption.
    Max: 100 grams (full benefit lasting 24 hours).

    • Consuming less than 100 grams (e.g., 50 grams) will still give a partial benefit for 24 hours.

    • Consuming enough carbs will ensure moderate energy for the next 24 hours.

  • FATS: Impact long-term energy and help reduce the impact of a calorie deficit. While fats don't directly cause weight gain (you need a calorie surplus for that), they provide sustained energy over a longer period AND help reduce the negative effects of a calorie deficit, helping the player maintain energy levels during periods of food scarcity. Max: 60 grams (full benefit lasting 24 hours).

    • Consuming fats will slightly reduce the weight loss that occurs from a calorie deficit.

    • Consuming less than 60 grams (e.g., 30 grams) will still provide a partial benefit for 24 hours.

  • SUGARS: Affect very short-term energy, offering a significant boost for the next hour BUT a slight reduction over the following 2 hours (if the maximum is consumed).
    Max: 25 grams (full benefit for 1 hour, slight reduction for 2 hours).

    • Consuming less than 25 grams (e.g., 15 grams) will still provide a partial benefit for 1 hour, and will not reduce energy for the following 2 hours).

    • Example: Eating 20 grams gives a full boost for 1 hour and a slight reduction for 2 hours. Eating 10 grams provides a shorter boost but also reduces the negative after-effect.

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