Survival Basics

Life in the Wasteland is hostile by default. Food, water, radiation, and weather all matter - neglecting any of them for too long will kill you.

To survive long term, you need food and water. The day-night cycle lasts one hour, and during that span you need to eat and drink at least once.

Water

Clean water is one of the most important resources in Nuclear 14. Many water sources are dirty or irradiated, so drinking whatever you find is a fast way to get sick.

Water Type	Safety
Filtered Water	Safe to drink. Purified from a clean source.
Dirty Water	Illness risk. Carries bacteria and contaminants.
Irradiated Water	Radiation exposure. Avoid unless treated.

Purify water with filters, chemistry, or boiling whenever you can. See Materials for water purification recipes.

Food

You need a steady food supply. Gather wild plants, hunt animals, trade for supplies, or grow crops if your settlement has the space.

Cook raw meat before eating it - raw meat carries illness risk.
Do not assume every plant or scavenged meal is safe.
See Cooking for meal recipes and Botany for growing your own food supply.

Quick food options:

Raw plants (carrots, cabbage, corn) - safe to eat immediately.
Pre-war packaged food (Blamco, Cram, Instamash) - safe and filling.
Cooked meals - best value for nutrition and safety.

Radiation

Radiation is everywhere in the Wasteland. Watch your exposure levels, carry treatment when possible, and avoid contaminated areas unless you are equipped for them.

Tool / Treatment	Use
Geiger Counter	Measures current radiation level in your environment.
RadAway Inhaler	Flushes accumulated radiation from your body. See Medicine Crafting to craft your own.
Rad-X	Reduces radiation absorption rate while active. Found in medical caches or purchased from doctors.

If a zone is hot: move quickly, wear protection, and clear the dose before it stacks up.

Weather and Exposure

Weather can be as deadly as combat. Sandstorms, acid rain, and sharp temperature swings all punish unprepared survivors.

Gear	Protection
Gas Mask	Covers airways during sandstorms and toxic environments.
Leather Duster Coat	Full-body weather protection for open Wasteland travel.

Keep protective clothing, a face covering, and spare supplies ready before you travel far from shelter.