Weather is the primary survival pressure in Go Wayback! Temperature, wind, wetness, and visibility determine how quickly you lose heat, whether you can dry off, whether you can build a fire, and how far you can see. Understanding these systems is the foundation of staying alive.
This guide breaks down each weather type in detail and outlines the essential principles for warmth, dryness, and recovery.
Weather Types
Clear Sky
Temperature: -4°C
Wind: Low
Visibility: High
Wetness: Low
Clear Sky is cold but calm, making it ideal for travel and resource gathering.
Survival Notes:
• Heat loss is slow but constant.
• Basic clothing works; insulated clothing reduces heat loss significantly.
• Gather dry tinder, kindling, and firewood during these conditions.
• Visibility is excellent for navigation.
Overcast
Temperature: -1°C
Wind: Low
Visibility: High
Wetness: Low
Safe, but too cold for natural drying.
Survival Notes:
• Good conditions for long movement with minimal risk.
• Wet clothing will not dry naturally at -1°C; a fire is required.
• Basic clothing is acceptable; insulated clothing reduces heat loss during stops.
• Visibility is clear and reliable.
Wet Haze (Fog)
Temperature: +2°C
Wind: Low
Visibility: Low
Wetness: Low
Warm, dense air with poor visibility. This is the threshold for natural drying.
Survival Notes:
• At 2°C, wet clothing and materials can slowly air-dry.
• Drying depends on temperature only, not wind.
• Safe for travel without cold stress.
• Navigation is challenging; use your compass and landmarks.
Light → Heavy Rain
Temperature: +1°C
Wind: Low
Visibility: Medium
Wetness: High
Rain wets clothing and fire-starting resources rapidly.
Survival Notes:
• Anything overhead blocks rain: trees, cliffs, roofs, and rock overhangs.
• Waterproof clothing prevents dangerous heat loss.
• Matches, tinder, and fuel become unreliable when wet.
• Fires must be built under shelter.
• Avoid water crossings; wetness spikes instantly.
Light → Heavy Snow
Temperature: -5°C
Wind: Low
Visibility: Low
Wetness: Low → High during thaw
Snow keeps you dry while frozen, but melting snow soaks gear and fire materials quickly.
Survival Notes:
• Insulated clothing is required for prolonged exposure.
• Waterproof clothing helps during thaw periods.
• Fire-starting materials found in snow may be damp or icy.
• Seek covered locations (trees, structures, rock formations) for dry resources.
• Even light wind increases heat loss significantly at -5°C.
Thunder Storm
Temperature: -1°C
Wind: High
Visibility: Medium
Wetness: High
Heavy rain and strong wind combine to cause rapid heat loss.
Survival Notes:
• Windchill is severe; find windbreaks immediately.
• Waterproof clothing helps but cannot prevent wind-driven heat loss.
• Fire-starting is extremely difficult due to wet materials and wind gusts.
• Take shelter under cliffs, dense forest, or natural overheads.
• Try to store matches and tinder in waterproof backpacks.
Image captured by jimmyb101
Blizzard
Temperature: -25°C
Wind: High
Visibility: Low
Wetness: Low → High during thaw
The most lethal weather. Extreme cold, wind, and whiteout conditions demand immediate shelter.
Survival Notes:
• Insulated clothing is mandatory.
• Exposure can be deadly within minutes; find shelter quickly.
• Navigation becomes nearly impossible.
• Fires must be built in deep, enclosed spaces.
• Try to store matches and tinder in waterproof backpacks.
• Thawing snow will soak gear; plan for it.
Image captured by FupDuk
Hail
Temperature: -1°C
Wind: Medium
Visibility: Medium
Wetness: Medium
Hail acts like a colder, harder rain.
Survival Notes:
• Waterproof clothing prevents immediate soaking.
• Hail melts quickly and increases wetness.
• Fire-starting materials get wet easily in this weather.
• Seek thick tree cover or rock formations when gathering resources.
Survival Principles
• Wear insulated clothing in all subzero conditions.
• Use natural windbreaks: cliffs, dips, and dense forest.
• Build fires only in sheltered locations.
• Stay dry; wet clothing removes insulation instantly.
• Avoid exposed heights in cold or windy weather.
Warmth = insulation + dryness + shelter.
Get Warm - Recover from Exposure
• Escape wind exposure first.
• Build a fire under natural cover.
• Remove wet clothing and dry it by the fire.
• Eat calorie-rich food to support heat recovery.
Warmth returns fastest when dry, sheltered, and fed.
Keep Dry - Prevent Wetness Buildup
• Wetness affects heat loss and fire-making.
• Try to store matches and tinder in waterproof backpacks.
• Gather fire-starting materials under cover before storms or snow.
• Use natural roofs whenever possible.
• Avoid river crossings in wet conditions.
• Expect thaw after snow or blizzards; wetness will spike.
Dryness is the backbone of survival.
Get Dry - Recover from Wetness
• Dry clothing and materials only by fire or in temperatures of 2°C or higher.
• Wind does not affect drying speed.
• Dry firewood and kindling with radiant heat, not direct flame.
• Store dried materials immediately in waterproof containers or backpacks.
Fire is the fastest path to dryness, but only if something stayed dry enough to ignite.
Final Note
Weather in Prologue: Go Wayback! isn’t cosmetic, it’s the core survival challenge. Temperature, wetness, wind, and shelter create a world that can turn hostile quickly. Learn how to prepare, and the wilderness becomes a place you can survive.
