The First Encounter
As you regain consciousness after the truck crash, your immediate priority is to find Ethan. You'll be disoriented and unarmed, making this initial segment particularly tense. Follow the linear path through the snowy woods. Pay close attention to environmental cues and listen for any sounds that might indicate danger or a clue to Ethan's whereabouts.
Your first real interaction will be with a group of Lycans. This encounter is desed to teach you the basics of evasion and resource management under pressure. You won't have a weapon yet, so your best strategy is to run and hide. Utilize the dense foliage and abandoned structures to break line of sight. Look for opportunities to slip past them without engaging. Remember, stealth is your friend here. If you're spotted, sprint to the nearest safe zone or bottleneck to try and lose them.
Eventually, you'll stumble upon a small, dilapidated shack. Inside, you'll find your first weapon: a Knife. While not ideal for direct combat against Lycans, it's crucial for breaking crates and fending off individual attackers if absolutely necessary. Continue your search, keeping an eye out for any sparkling objects that indicate potential crafting materials or minor resources.