Use Environmental Context Clues
There is no map in The Long Dark and as such the ability to read your surroundings is key when searching for tools and materials that will aid you in outlasting the harsh environment. Surviving for long periods of time will require you as a player to create a sort of mental map of the area, but luckily there are a few tricks that will help you develop one.
A lot of real life survival advice tends to translate very well to The Long Dark. When searching for shelter and abandoned base camps, you’ll want to follow any rivers, power lines, roads, or train tracks you might happen upon. Also, crows will circle above dead animals and humans, which tends to lead to useful supplies. Always look for bones in front of any caves you find, as bones tend to indicate animals living inside which will almost always be hostile. Listen for the howling of wolves and if your unlucky enough to hear them then find shelter immediately. Finally, each area you discover will have a name which you can write down or mentally note in order to keep track of your location. In a serious playthrough, drawing a rough map of your area can be extremely helpful in keeping track of your location and important landmarks.
