It starts with Fear.

Let's sidestep that for a little while, congratulations. Having reached this guide, you already have taken your first steps. You've seen the game's title, you've seen some screenshots, a trailer or two, most probably purchased it, maybe booted the title, or even quite likely played the first hour of the game, including the small intro perhaps. Now what?

It all starts with your thoughts. You've already formed a preconception, a ghost-projection about this game. Based on the evidence you've seen so far, you might think many things about this game. Throw all of that away. There is an important distinction to make - this game does not hold your hand, as it has said, however, when it tells you something - it means it. Listen to the cryptic advice you receive. Do not disregard it, and do not doubt it. It can lead you astray, but for now, any information is crucial.

Secondly, immerse yourself in the world and your circumstance. The only thoughts you need to have are of Survival first and foremost, and Fear second. Disregard everything else.

Thirdly, this is the only time I believe a "spoiler" will be necessary, and it's not a shocker at all - night will come. The Night is dangerous and you should rightfully be paranoid about it. Time progresses at a steady pace, you have exactly 20 minutes each day. How long the night takes to pass, you'll figure out. Search your immediate surroundings with care, but also with intent. Do not dawdle too much, and once you open your map, there you have it, your first immediate objective.

Search that place, get everything you need. And what you need, first of all, is a weapon. Conflict can be avoided, but not when it's breaking down your door. A hint - if you cannot find a reliable weapon on your first day, have a good look in the workbench crafting selection. There might be something there at your disposal. Use it.

Before night sets in, you get a very visible warning - the sunset. Be prepared. Listen to Survival and Fear. They mean you well.

Depending on your actions during your first night, you may now have an idea of what to do. You've listened to Survival and Fear, and chose to confide in one of them. Prepare for what is to come, get your bearings. You have an inordinate amount of time at your disposal now, make use of it. Invite Survival and Fear back to your table, and discuss the plans you'll undertake. And if things don't go according to your plan, it's perfectly fine to let either of them take over. They will try their best.

Now go, explore. The world is not as dangerous as it may seem, and you are more cunning than you think. At least, for now.

THERE WILL BE A TIME WHEN YOU THINK YOURSELF PREPARED, WHEN YOU THINK YOU HAVE CONQUERED YOUR SURROUNDINGS, WHEN SURVIVAL AND FEAR FEEL OLD AND VESTIGIAL. WHEN YOU THINK YOU HAVE REACHED THIS POINT, READ BEYOND THIS THRESHOLD...

Congratulations. You think you're in Control. But really, Control is the one who's in control. Fear & Survival helped you get here, and for what? You left them to rot. But that's okay. You'll soon find out what Control entails, and how to master it.

You might be in the Dry Meadow, the Silent Forest, the Old Woods. You may be on your sixth day, on your thirteenth, the thirty-first, hell, even beyond the threshold of sixty. Your circumstances do not matter. What matters is that you invited Control into your house. And Control intends to strip you away from Fear & Survival. Do not let it, chain Control and let it know its place. I write this now, in the hideout of Old Woods. I write this because I've faced adversity, and learned how to Control it. Nothing to come can stop me now. All this not in spite of Fear & Survival, but thanks to them, for they taught me well. Let Fear inside you, so it reminds you of failure. Let Survival extrude from you, so it can foretell success. Face the darkness with a brave heart, and live in spite of the unknown. The unknown should drive you. Why? Because if you never experience it first-hand, if you don't keep your torch tight and lit in the darkness, it will envelop you. Braving past the unknown, even if all your instincts scream and shout "NO!", knowing that you are one step closer to truth, piece by piece, this is what Darkwood set to teach you in the first place. Leave your comfort zone. Be ready to face change.

I love you.