99 Nights in the Forest first nights: keep the fire alive before exploring

Don't rush far away in the first few nights. Give your camp fuel, food and a clear route home first. Bring supplies back by day and stay near the lit fire after dark; plan a rescue once the fire and supplies are stable.

Day one: get the campfire going

Take your axe, cut nearby trees and bring logs to the fire. Place them on the wood pile beneath the flames and watch the fuel bar; leave a few at camp as a reserve. Look for food and scrap along the way, but remember the direction back to the fire. A distant chest is not worth spending all your return time.

Filling the campfire's bar upgrades it and opens more ground to explore. That is useful, but don't burn the final piece and immediately leave: check that there is fuel nearby to replenish it.

Night one: watch the fire, eat and prepare

Return to the lit area and check fuel and hunger. Add fuel and handle food as needed; raw meat can be cooked at the campfire. Keep supplies together where you can find them, so tomorrow doesn't begin with a search for a missing log or meal.

Firelight keeps threats such as the Deer back, but not every enemy is barred from camp. Cultists can enter, and animals may retaliate if attacked. Don't treat the fire as unconditional protection.

The next two days: expand and leave time to return

In daylight, follow a route you recognize and look for fuel, food and scrap. Return when your bag is filling or the light is fading. Coal and fuel canisters can be brought home for the fire; keep crafting materials you need instead of burning everything. In a group, one person can watch the fire and food while others explore, but agree on a return time before leaving.

Upgrades open more of the map. Before going after a missing child, check your health, food, available weapon and route back. If the enemies outside a cave are too much for your group, retreat to camp and prepare rather than forcing the fight.

The fire is nearly out when you get back?

Put the reserve on the fire first. If you have no reserve, cut nearby wood within a safe area rather than chasing distant supplies into darkness. Stabilize the fire before choosing the next trip.

Sources: beginner camp route, campfire and safe area, finding the missing children.