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The Long Dark

#59 of 98 in PC Games

The Long Dark: A demanding survival sandbox paired with a five-episode story and challenge modes. Ranked #59 of 98 in PC Games by our editors (3.4/10); pricing: Paid; best for players seeking challenging, story-rich survival gameplay.

3.4/10Editor score
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At a glance

  • Editor score
    3.4 / 10
  • Pricing
    Paid
  • Best for
    Players seeking challenging, story-rich survival gameplay
  • Free plan
    No
  • Supported OS
    Multiple
  • Facts checked
    5 Oct 2026

  • Where it wins

    • Balances hunger, thirst, fatigue and cold in open-ended survival play
    • Offers a five-episode WINTERMUTE story alongside the sandbox
    • Includes four difficulty modes and objective-based challenges

  • Where it doesn't

    • Survival Mode uses permadeath
    • Single-player only, with no online multiplayer
    • Paid game; current PC pricing is not stated

Our verdict on The Long Dark

Set in a frozen Northern Canadian wilderness after a geomagnetic disaster, The Long Dark is a single-player exploration-survival game for players who want resource management alongside a narrative campaign. Its open-ended Survival Mode asks players to manage hunger, thirst, fatigue and cold while searching for supplies and contending with wildlife and environmental hazards. WINTERMUTE follows bush pilot Will Mackenzie and Dr. Astrid Greenwood across five episodes, giving the game a story-driven path in addition to sandbox play.

Survival is the defining mode: players can hunt, fish, trap, climb and map as they look for supplies, while four difficulty modes and customizable settings let them adjust the challenge. Permadeath applies in Survival Mode, so a failed run carries lasting consequences. Objective-based Challenge Modes offer a more directed alternative to the open-ended sandbox. That combination suits players who enjoy methodical wilderness survival and are comfortable with a game built around managing basic needs rather than online competition.

The Long Dark is a paid desktop game available for Windows, macOS and Linux. Its single-player focus means it is not a fit for buyers looking for online multiplayer, and the survival mechanics may not suit players who prefer a lighter or less punishing experience. Choose it for its mix of a five-episode story and demanding solo survival; look elsewhere if shared online play is central to your choice. The published store information directs buyers to external stores, so check those listings for purchase details.

The Long Dark pricing

Plans Paid No free plan — trial or paid only. Prices re-checked Oct 2026.
See plans on thelongdark.com

The Long Dark fact sheet

Free planNo
Paid fromNot verified
GenreSimulation
Single-playerYes
Online multiplayerNo
Controller supportNot verified
Mod supportNot verified
Supported OSMultiple
DeploymentDesktop
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux
PricingPaid
Websitethelongdark.com
Facts checked5 Oct 2026

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Featured on iTechGuides

Featured on iTechGuides — The Long Dark 3.4/10

The Long Dark is listed in our PC Games directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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