This article contains major spoilers. Reader discretion is advised.

Chapter 1 starts after completing the Prologue, the Protagonist wakes up in Dry Meadow Hideout. His main goal is to retrieve his stolen key from the Doctor, but first he mentions checking the Underground Entrance (bringing a Shovel there can collect hidden, valuable loot).

Walkthrough

Dry Meadow

In Dry Meadow, the Protagonist has to adapt to the hostile environment. After the first night, if he hasn't been found first, Wolfman pays a visit to the Hideout. He will have a deal for the Protagonist, but only if one proves to be capable by reaching him in his second camp, in the Silent Forest. After the second night, the Protagonist is visited by the Trader, who is his main helping figure throughout this chapter. Once the Protagonist settles in this location's hideout, he must then find Wolfman's second Camp as instructed.

Silent Forest

The Protagonist reaches Silent Forest to search for clues to the Doctor's location. It is noted that there is a village in Silent Forest. After investigating the Village, it appears that the only way to find the Doctor is to complete Wolfman's or the Musician's questline, which takes part mostly in the Village. Wolfman's quest can be completed within Silent Forest while the Musician's quest cannot be finished here. Either way, the next step is to proceed to the next zone. After some preparations, the Protagonist must go through The Bridge, into a dangerous place.

Old Woods

The Protagonist ventures into Old Woods to find the Doctor. He has to finish the quest of the Musician if chosen to help him prior. By now, the Doctor is found to be in the Train Wreck. This area contains many more lore-rich locations so its advised to search them as well. The Protagonist then confronts the Doctor and decides his fate (depending on questline). The key is taken back and the Protagonist must go through the Bunker Entrance to the Swamp, starting Chapter 2.

Preparations for Chapter 2

After completing the Bunker Entrance section (accessed with the Big, Metal Key, or by following the Doctor after he steals said key), the player will be given a warning on-screen to prepare well for the journey to the Swamp - it is not possible to return. However, many players note that they are not being warned when following the Musician's quest line.

• The Workbench should be upgraded to level 5 (maximum level in Chapter 1).
• All Hallucinogens should be used in the Old Woods Hideout Oven.
• Both inventory and hotbar should be fully upgraded to bring more things.

It will be impossible to use the Bike Bell to bring resources from Chapter 1. All quest items in Chapter 1 will also not be relevant in Chapter 2. Therefore, they should all be left behind.

Reputations from the Trader do not persist in Chapter 2. Bringing something valuable to sell proves to be a good strategy. The best candidate for such valuables is Weapon Parts, two of them can be fit into one inventory slot, totalling 450 reputations.

Here is a list of things advised to bring:

Icon	Items	Quantity	Note
	upgraded Shovel	1-2	upgraded with Sharpened and Sturdy Blade
	Single Shot Shotgun	1
	Pistol	1
	Lantern	1	long-lasting light source
	Bandages With Alcohol	3-6	versatile healing item
	Lockpick	5
	Watch	0-1	may not be needed, can be bought after a day
	Shotgun Shell		the more, the better
	Small Caliber Magazine		prioritise bringing Shotgun Shells
	Weapon Parts		valuables for selling, each full stack worth 450 Reputations

As a challenge, it is possible to bring nothing to Chapter 2 and survive.