What changed in The Long Dark in 2026
70 updates · 17 main milestones · Mar 13, 2026 to May 5, 2026
- 3 eventsUpdate to Previous Volumes of Soundtrackaudio
Previous two volumes updated to include lossless FLAC versions of tracks.
SteamRelease of Music for The Long Dark, Volume 3audioVolume 3 includes music from WINTERMUTE Episode Four and Five, and TALES FROM THE FAR TERRITORY DLC.
SteamCorrection of Track Duplication in Volume 2audioRemoved duplicate track 'Hope' from Volume 2 and added never-before-released Survival Mode music.
Steam - 11 eventsFixed persistent bloody hands issue after harvestingbug fix
Players' hands will now be cleaned off after harvesting is complete.
SteamUpdated shotgun muzzle flash and shell ejection smokevisualsSteamFixed terrain and environmental issues in Perseverance and Desperation Baybug fixAddressed multiple terrain traps and visual issues in various regions.
SteamResolved issues with closed captions during cinematicsbug fixFixed issues where closed captions would run concurrently with cinematic dialogue.
SteamFixed various issues with map markers and objectivesbug fixCorrected multiple instances where map markers did not update or referenced incorrect objectives.
SteamFixed audio issues related to character comments and sound effectsaudioCorrected instances where character comments and sound effects triggered inappropriately.
SteamReduced shotgun ammo frequency in Geothermal sectionbalance changeAdjusted the spawn rate of shotgun ammo to appear less frequently.
SteamFixed issues with save files and loading mechanicsbug fixMilestoneResolved problems that prevented older WINTERMUTE save files from being resumed or caused incorrect save file information.
SteamFixed Steam Deck mission panel log issueui uxResolved an issue that caused the Mission Panel Log to close unexpectedly on Steam Deck.
SteamFixed crash issues related to mission objectives and save filesbug fixMilestoneAddressed multiple crash issues including those triggered by mission objectives and specific save file conditions.
SteamImproved performance during Cargo Ship and Perseverance sectionsbug fixOptimized performance to enhance gameplay experience in specific areas.
Steam - 1 eventThe Long Dark Soundtrack Volume 3 Launchdlc release
Volume 3 offers nearly 2 hours of original music and launches on April 22nd, 2026.
Steam - 25 eventsFixed issue where some walls and floor went missing in Suzuki Radio Telescope after High Energy missionbug fixSteamFixed potential hang when exiting the Constable's Officebug fixMilestoneSteamFixed crash when saving after finding missing bodies in 'To Those Who Are Missing' Missionbug fixMilestoneSteamFixed crash when shooting a 'near miss' on a charging Cougarbug fixMilestoneSteamOptimized texture layers in Perseverance Wilds, Suzuki Radio Telescope, and Desperation Bayperformance
Improved performance.
SteamFixed issue where last played Episode was not considered when launching WINTERMUTEbug fixSteamFixed Cable Cars Map icon remaining as current Mission objective after completionbug fixSteamFixed issue causing Mission objectives to fail to update after exiting Abandoned Minebug fixSteamFixed issue causing multiple Crank Lamps, Flares, and Torches to spawn in Abandoned Minebug fixSteamFixed hundreds of general environment art issues including floating itemsbug fixSteamFixed issue where player could die suddenly in Abandoned Mine when opening blast doorbug fixSteamFixed issue allowing players to skip to Cable Car section earlybug fixSteamFixed multiple performance issues in the Cargo Ship resulting in reduced FPSperformanceSteamFixed issue where Jace could fall underground during tremor event in Abandoned Minebug fixSteamFixed inaccurate Shotgunbug fixSteamFixed issue where Crank Lamp could not be equipped via hotkeybug fixSteamFixed missing captions during Cable Car sectionbug fixSteamFixed issue where player could interact with Crane in Abandoned Mine after Saving/Loadingbug fixSteamFixed missing visuals in Jace's dream cinematic on PlayStation 4bug fixSteamFixed issue where player could get stuck in terrain trap in Perseverance Wildsbug fixSteamFixed issue causing mission timer to refresh upon loading a save during High Energy Missionbug fixSteamFixed issue where player could exit Train on bridge, ending up in river belowbug fixSteamFixed sudden death during Cable Car cinematic if holding 'forward'bug fixSteamFixed issue where camera could slip outside Train cab when slowing and reversingbug fixSteamFixed crash when opening Journal after loading autosave post Dr. Atwood's explanationbug fixMilestoneSteam - 13 eventsPlayers Getting Stuckbug fix
The hotfix will address issues where players get stuck or can exit the intended play area.
SteamPerseverance Mills Objective Confusionbug fixThe hotfix will address confusion related to objectives in Perseverance Mills.
SteamTales from the Far Territory DLC Promotiondlc releasePlayers are encouraged to consider purchasing the Tales from the Far Territory DLC as The Long Dark returns to Xbox Game Pass.
SteamProgression and UI Objective Text Issuesbug fixFixes for multiple issues with progression and UI objective text in Suzuki are included in the upcoming hotfix.
SteamEpisode Five Launchnew contentMilestoneEpisode Five of The Long Dark has been successfully launched, attracting a peak concurrent player count of 14,878 on Steam.
SteamJace Issues in the Minebug fixFixes for issues related to Jace while traversing the Mine will be included in the hotfix.
SteamUpcoming Hotfix for Episode Fivebug fixMilestoneA hotfix is scheduled for release on April 8th, addressing approximately 300 bugs including progression blockers and UI issues.
SteamCertain Trailers Trapping Playersbug fixThe hotfix will fix issues with certain trailers trapping players.
SteamEpisode Five Content in Survival ModegameplayPlans to incorporate Episode Five regions and mechanics into Survival mode are being considered.
SteamShotgun Adjustmentsbalance changeAdjustments to the shotgun will be made in the upcoming hotfix.
SteamUnexplained Deaths During Gameplaybug fixMilestoneThe hotfix aims to fix issues causing unexplained deaths during gameplay.
SteamSoundtrack Volume 3 Releasenew contentVolume 3 of the soundtrack for The Long Dark will launch on April 22nd.
SteamCheckpoint/Autosave Crashesbug fixMilestoneThe hotfix will resolve multiple crashes and progression blockers involving checkpoints and autosaves in Part 2.
Steam - 13 eventsCrash fix when transitioning Regions with a Travois on PS5/PS4bug fixSteamEpisode Five: The Light at the End of All Things Launchdlc releaseMilestone
Episode Five launches on March 31st, 2026.
SteamCrash fix when dropping gear item near open water on PS4bug fixSteamEpisode Five Focus on StorytellinggameplayEpisode Five emphasizes storytelling and cinematics, with both open-world and linear sections.
SteamEnd of WINTERMUTE ErachangesMilestoneThe completion of Episode Five marks the end of the WINTERMUTE storyline.
SteamFix for indefinite loading screen on PC/Xbox Appbug fixSteamEpisode Five Launch Announcementdlc releaseMilestoneEpisode Five of WINTERMUTE launches on March 31st, 2026.
SteamIntroduction of Episode Five in WINTERMUTEnew contentMilestoneCompletes Story Mode with the addition of Episode Five.
SteamSwitch Launch Delay for Episode FivesystemMilestoneThe Switch version of Episode Five will not launch on March 31st due to certification delays.
SteamEpisode Five Launch Announcementnew contentMilestoneEpisode Five of WINTERMUTE will launch on March 31st at 10AM Pacific Time.
SteamEpisode Five: The Light at the End of All Things Releasednew contentMilestonePlay as Mackenzie and Astrid as they battle the elements and uncover the mystery of the Aurora.
SteamExpectations for Episode Five Playtimequality of lifePlayers can expect 12-15 hours of playtime for Episode Five.
SteamCrash fix when accessing Survivor inventory on PS5/PS4bug fixSteam - 1 event90% Discount Extended Until April 9thshop
90% discount on The Long Dark extended during the launch window for Episode Five.
Steam - 1 eventEpisode Five Key Art Revealnew content
Showcases the dual struggles of Mackenzie and Astrid in Episode Five.
Steam