(Written by "Strider," bunker-born and trained to outthink and outlast the wasteland. If you’re looking for fluff, look elsewhere.)
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Welcome to hell, recruit. Or at least it’ll feel like it if you don’t pay attention. The wasteland isn’t just a pile of ruins and bad weather—it’s an enemy. One that’s smarter than you, meaner than you, and doesn’t care how tough you think you are. This guide isn’t optional reading—it’s survival. Commit it to memory, or commit to becoming dust. Your call.
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1. SALVAGING LIKE A PRO
Ruin doesn’t mean useless. Anything out here can have value if you know how to look. Stick to these basics:
* Tires: Good rubber’s as rare as clean water. If you find any, take it. It’ll patch leaks, make straps, or even burn as a smoke signal if you’re desperate.
* Trunks and Glove Boxes: People hid useful stuff in their vehicles. Tools, first aid kits, even food. Always check.
* Under Seats: Don’t dismiss what people forgot. Water bottles, knives, or even personal logs can be hidden there. Logs aren’t useless—they’ll teach you more about the area than you’d think.
Safety first: If it stinks or glows, step away. Chemical spills or dead bodies can kill you faster than a bad shot. And don’t trust anything too clean—it’s either a trap or worse.
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2. FIRE—NOT JUST FOR COOKING
Fire’s survival. Period. Here’s how to make it when you’re short on luck:
* Flint and Steel: Old-world kits still turn up in scavenger caches. Keep one if you find it.
* Magnifying Glass (or Glass Fragments): Takes patience, but sunlight’s free.
* Battery and Steel Wool: Improvised, but effective. Just don’t waste a good battery unless your life depends on it.
Tinder is half the battle. Dry moss, grass, or cloth work best. Stack wood carefully—small to large. If you rush, you’re stuck with smoke and no heat.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
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3. EATING YOUR GREENS
The good news: plants are everywhere. The bad news: most of them want to kill you.
* What’s Safe: Anything bland-looking, earthy-smelling, or familiar to old-world books is your best bet. Always test: rub a small piece on your skin first. Wait. Then a nibble.
* Avoid at All Costs: Bright colors, weird smells, or moving plants. Seriously. If it’s twitching, it’s hunting.
Test everything. A full belly isn’t worth poison. When in doubt, bugs are safer protein. Less picky, less deadly.
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4. THE RULE OF THREES
Drill this into your head. It’s the only law out here:
* Three minutes without air: Underground or enclosed spaces? Always test the air with a match. No flame, no entry.
* Three days without water: Water’s your top priority. If it’s not flowing, purify it before drinking.
* Three weeks without food: Starvation takes longer, but it makes you reckless. Bugs, rats, or small game beat wasting energy hunting bigger prey.
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5. KEEP AN EYE ON THE SKY
Your best scout is above your head. The sky tells you what’s coming if you know how to read it:
* Red Skies: Dust storms. Find shelter or get buried.
* Birds Fleeing: Follow their lead. They sense danger long before you do.
* Weird Clouds: Tall, pillar-like shapes? That’s a storm brewing, and probably acid rain. Don’t test it.
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Survival is a test of patience and precision. The wasteland will try to lure you into stupid risks. Stay sharp, stay disciplined, and you might just see tomorrow. Remember: the strong aren’t the ones who survive—the smart are.
—Strider