View source for Cut/Discontinued Content

The following list contains discontinued features that existed in ''[[The Long Dark]]'' throughout its early access versions but were removed and/or replaced. It also includes content found through the game's life that was cut and never made it into the game. Some icons remain in the game's files to this day, but cannot be spawned in game.

Many items that have been cut here can be re-experienced by using the [[Time Capsule]].

== Cut Tools/Mechanics ==
Several items/mechanics have been cut from the game over the years. Many items found below are still in the game files, but cannot be accessed normally.

=== Brand ===
{{Quote2|The Brand is a burning stick that serves as a small torch. Provides a bit of light, and might be useful against wildlife.|In-game description}}
There was a tool called a [[Brand]] in the early Alpha that was just a stick on fire. It could be taken only from active fires (campfires, etc). It was not throwable, but could instead be brandished. This item could not be placed in the player's backpack, weighed 0.30 kg, and would disappear from the game world after it burned out and was picked up.

It was eventually cut in the Faithful Cartographer update and replaced by taking [[Torch|Torches]] out of fireboxes instead. This item is still in the Wintermute game files.
<gallery>
Brand description.png
Brand light.png
</gallery>

===Brandishing===
There was a cut Mechanic where a player could brandish (swinging sideways) their [[Flare|Flares]], [[Torch|Torches]], and Brands to scare away wolves. Before the introduction of Brands it was only possible to brandish Torches at the expense of around 12% [[Fatigue]] and 15% of the torch condition per swing, after the introduction of Brands it became possible to swing all three types of light sources at the expense of 5% of [[Stamina]] and around 10 minutes of fire duration of Torches and Brands. This feature was removed and reverted back to throwing torches and flares at wildlife instead.

===Shovel===

A Shovel was originally in the game as seen on the title screen but was never found outside of console commands. It has no item description or gameplay functionality. This item was removed from the title screen menu in 2017 with the release of V1.00 (Wintermute Predux Update). It was most likely either going to be used to build a [[Snow Shelter]], with earlier in-game art icons showing shovels being used to build them, or was just a simple scenery item for the title screen.

It can be found in the mission [[Memories]] in [[Episode 1: Do Not Go Gentle]], next to the bathroom, but cannot be picked up. This item is still in the Wintermute game files but has no description or backpack model.

Raph responded that this item was meant to be used for 'internal purposes' and never meant to be in public game. [[https://hinterlandforums.com/forums/topic/47078-april-dev-diary/page/6/#findComment-297548 source]]<gallery>
File:Shovel.jpg
File:Alpha main menu.jpg|The Alpha Main menu, with a shovel for the Snow Shelter icon
File:Shovel Memories.jpg|The shovel in [[Memories]]
File:Penitent Scholar Title Screen.jpg|The shovel on the title screen of Penitent Scholar
File:The Long Dark Halloween main menu theme.jpg|In the 4DON main menu
</gallery>

===Fire Axe===
{{Quote2|A large axe of the kind used to break down doors during fires.|In game description}}
A Fire Axe remains in the game files as far back as 2015, but cannot be found outside of console commands. It has an item description but can only be used during [[Carcass Harvesting]], and has no other functionality. This item is still in the Wintermute game files, has a model, and can be repaired in 1.5 hours with 1 Scrap Metal and 1 Fir Firewood.

Raph responded that the item was used for prop only. [[https://hinterlandforums.com/forums/topic/47078-april-dev-diary/page/6/#findComment-297548 source]]<gallery>
File:Fire axe icon.png
</gallery>

=== Compression Bandage ===
{{Quote2|A compression bandage, used to constrict movement on an injury.|In game description}}There is an item in the Wintermute game files called the Compression Bandage. It has no Backpack model, and can only be dropped. It was likely replaced by the regular [[Bandage]], and may have been used to heal Sprains.<gallery>
File:Compression Bandage.png
</gallery>

=== Charcoal Accelerant ===
{{Quote2|Low-volume fuel source designed to help start fires; ex. charcoal fuel.|In game description}}There is an item in the Wintermute game files called the Accelerant, but it is different from the normal [[Accelerant]]. The description of this item suggest that it was originally going to be used to fuel charcoal fires. The item does not have a backpack model, but has a physical model. It weighs 0.10kg.<gallery>
File:Charcoal Accelerant Description.png|Item description
File:Accelerant Charcoal.png
File:Accelerant Charcoal Ref.png|A regular Accelerant compared to the unused one.
</gallery>

=== Flint and Steel ===
{{Quote2|Flint and steel striker to create hot sparks and ignite tinder.|In game description}}There is an item in the Wintermute game files called the Flint and Steel. It is a Fire Starting tool that does not have a backpack model, and takes the form of a green plastic first aid box when dropped. Unlike most other items, the Flint and Steel is immediately picked up, and cannot be examined. It was most likely replaced by the [[Firestriker]].<gallery>
File:Flint and Steel Tool.png|The 3d model
File:Flint icon.png|Possible scrapped icon
</gallery>

=== Heated Car Seats ===
An option for Heated Seats would appear during an Aurora inside several trucks in [[Keeper's Pass South]] following the Perilous Constraint update. Hovering over the dashboard would make the option appear, but ultimately did not raise the player's [[Warmth]] since the feature was not complete (given the obvious string of gameplay code presented). The option was ultimately removed in a patch, and Heated Seats as a potential mechanic have yet to return.<gallery>
File:Heated Seats.png|The Heated Seats option
</gallery>

=== Dark Room ===
The [[Camera]] was originally teased as "A Photo Mode for THE LONG DARK, but contextualized with an in-game camera and Dark Room chemicals so that you can process your own film." This meant that the original Camera used a model that required its pictures to be processed first before they could be displayed, which was also shown in the teaser image showing polaroids hanging out to develop.

* An interview by Hinterland later revealed that the Dark Room was cut "because it would have required electrical equipment that we'd only be able to let player use during an active aurora. We came up with a good solution that is true to our lore and also gives players a lot of freedom for self-expression."<ref>https://www.shacknews.com/article/142391/the-long-dark-raphael-van-lierop-interview-2024</ref>
<gallery>
File:Icon-camera-and-dark-room.svg|The teaser image for the Camera and Dark Room
</gallery>

=== Fresh Leather ===
An [[Curing|uncured]] variant of [[Cured Leather]] was originally present in the earlier builds of the game and was present past the 1.00 launch of the game. [[Fresh Leather]] was originally harvested from animals instead of animal hides, and would cure indoors for 5 days before becoming Cured Leather. Eventually animal hides would replace Fresh Leather, but the item could occasionally be found in the game world, with indoor spawns of the items eventually turning into Cured Leather over time. This item has ultimately been removed from the game's loot tables in Survival Mode, and is impossible to find anywhere without console commands, and only appears in Survival Mode.<gallery>
File:Fresh Leather.jpg
</gallery>

=== Pumpkin Pie and 2500 Calorie Chocolate Bar ===
In a previous event that ran for 4 years every October, Hinterland introduced a game mode called the [[4 Days of Night Event]]. 2 items unique to this game mode, [[Pumpkin Pie]] and a 2500 calorie [[Chocolate Bar (4 Days of Night)|Candy Bar]], have since been removed from the game, and are unable to be found outside of console commands. Several other items, such as [[Jack-o-Lantern|Jack-o-Lanterns]], have also been cut but are still in the game files.

A second version of the Pumpkin Pie would appear in the 2020 [[Escape the Darkwalker]] release, with a new description. Both Pumpkin Pies are still found in the Wintermute game files.<gallery>
File:Pumpkin Pie icon.png|Pumpkin Pie
File:Pumpkin pie.png|4DON version
File:Pumpkin Pie Darkwalker.png|Escape the Darkwalker 2020 event version
File:4DON pumpkin cache.png|Jack o Lanterns
File:CandyBowl.jpg|The 2500 Candy Bars
File:Nutsnstuff.jpg
</gallery>

== Past Events ==
3 limited time game modes/events have been discontinued over the course of the game's lifetime. They are currently inaccessible even via the [[Time Capsule]] (having been patched into and out of the game via their own unique update), and feature unique gameplay modifiers sometimes not found even in Custom Survival Mode experiences. Several limited time event [[Badges]] could be earned from playing these game modes, and are still shown in the Badges screen even for players that have never participated in the events.

* [[4 Days of Night Event]]

{| class="wikitable sortable" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="border: 1px solid grey;"
|-
! scope="col" style="background: #3C3A53;" |Year
! scope="col" style="background: #3C3A53;" | Start date
! scope="col" style="background: #3C3A53;" |End date
|-
|2016
|28 October 10AM PST
|1 November 10AM PST
|-
|2017
|27 October 11PM PST
|31 October 11PM PST
|-
|2018
|27 October 11PM PDT
|1 November 10AM PDT
|-
| 2019
| 27 October 10PM PST
|1 November 10AM PDT
|}
4 Limited time Badges were available during the 2018 and 2019 versions of the game.

* [[Winter's Embrace]]
** Ran from June 29th to July 31st. Introduced the [[Ketchup Chips]] and [[Maple Syrup]] items, as well as 2 unique Badges.
* [[Escape the Darkwalker]]
** Originally a 2 week long event (October 29, 2020 to November 12, 2020), this game mode replaced 4DON since players were upset with how short the Halloween event 4DON was, not being able to find time to play the limited 4 day long event. Escape the Darkwalker is currently the only game mode that was turned into a permanent addition to the game as a Challenge.
<gallery>
File:4DON titlecard.jpg|4 Days of Night
File:The Long Dark -- 4 Days of Night 2018 (Halloween Event)
File:The Long Dark - 4 Days of Night (Halloween Event)
File:Winters embrace poster.png|Winter's Embrace
File:Darkwalker-Blog-Featured-Img.png|Escape the Darkwalker
</gallery>

==Early Survival Mode==

===Struggle===
<gallery>
File:Alpha Wolf Struggle.jpg|The early Struggle menu
</gallery>When the Long Dark entered in Early Access, [[Struggle]] with hostile [[Wildlife]] underwent several changes throughout its development.

Initially, once a Wolf pounced on the player, the player had to click the left button of their mouse to build up strength as indicated in a red progress bar and once it was full, they could click the right button of their mouse and repeat until the process kills the wolf or causes it to flee from the player. This method proved very difficult to players, often proving fatal.

In Early Access update 0.163 (Released November 2014), the struggle system underwent a complete overhaul and behaves similarly the way it behaves in full release version except that there was no weapon choice to fight the wolf. If the player had a knife on them (backpack), the game would automatically choose this weapon to fight the wolf. Also, gone is the build up strength mechanic and introduced the "Fight" button by just clicking the right button of the mouse until the wolf flees.

Finally, in Early Access update 0.423 (June 2017), it introduced weapon choice to select right before the struggle (the game would be slowed down for few seconds to give you enough time to react).

===Running instead of Sprinting===
Early Survival Mode gave the player the option to toggle or hold the ability to run, and the player could always run without a cooldown (infinite running) or effecting [[Fatigue]]. Becoming Exhausted however would prevent the player from running. Eventually, this system was replaced in the Deep Forest update, giving the player a [[Stamina]] meter, and endlessly running was instead replaced by occasional Sprinting that lowers Fatigue quickly.

===Abstract Foraging for Fuel===
Early Survival Mode gave players the menu option to spend time and calories searching the area for fuel. This system was eventually replaced in the Deep Forest update, providing a Direct Harvesting and Foraging system that is still in place today, adding Sticks and Harvestable Objects throughout the game world. 

===Searching Containers===
Originally, searching a container would yield items as the search bar filled up. Multiple items inside a container would appear halfway through the search until the bar was fully filled and could be claimed or left inside. It was eventually changed so that items are only yielded once the search bar reaches 100%.

=== Calorie Store ===
Maximum Calories for the earliest time was capped at 3000 stored calories. It was eventually changed to the current 2500 Calorie Store.

===Drop Decoy===
Drop Decoy originally allowed you to drop any food in your inventory as [[Scent#Baiting/Decoys|Baiting]] for predators. It was eventually changed so that only meat and guts could be dropped.

===Item Model/Name Changes ===
Several items and their in-game models have been changed throughout the years, mostly from the early Alpha days to the present. Below is a list of name/model changes (items with changed names will have the current name in a hyperlink):

====Fire Staring====
<gallery>
File:Accelerant.png|[[Accelerant]]
File:Tinder plug.png|[[Tinder Plug]]
File:Cardboard Matches.png|[[Cardboard Matches]]
File:Wood matches.png|[[Wood Matches]]
File:Magnifying lens.png|[[Magnifying Lens]]
File:Lantern fuel.png|[[Lantern Fuel]]
File:Cat tail head.png|[[Cat Tail Head]]
File:Newsprint.png|[[Newsprint]]
File:Newsprint roll.png|[[Newsprint Roll]]
File:Firelog.png|[[Firelog]]
</gallery>

====Clothing====
<gallery>
File:Wolfskin Coat - back.png|[[Wolfskin Coat]]
File:Cotton socks (historical).png|Cotton Socks ([[Sport Socks]])
File:Wool socks (historical).png|[[Wool Socks]]
File:Rabbitskin mitts (historical).png|[[Rabbitskin Mitts]]
File:Mittens (historical).png|[[Fleece Mittens]]
File:Basic gloves (historical).png|Basic Gloves ([[Ski Gloves]])
File:Basic boots (historical).png|Basic Boots [[Trail Boots]]
File:Basic wool scarf (historical).png|Basic Scarf ([[Wool Scarf]])
File:Basic wool hat (historical).png|Wool Hat ([[Cotton Toque]])
File:Toque (historical).png|[[Wool Toque]]
File:Basic winter coat (historical).png|Basic Winter Coat
File:Fleece sweater (historical).png|Fleece Sweater ([[Cowichan Sweater]])
File:Sneakers.png|Sneakers ([[Running Shoes]])
File:Insulated vest (historical).png|Insulated Vest ([[Down Vest]])
File:Deerskin pants (historical).png|[[Deerskin Pants]]
File:Thermal underwear (historical).png|[[Thermal Underwear]]
File:Insulated boots (historical).png|[[Insulated Boots]]
File:Mariner's pea coat (historical).png|[[Mariner's Pea Coat]]
File:Mackenzie's Pants Old icon.png|Will's Pants ([[Mackenzie's Pants]])
File:Mackenzie's Parka icon.png|Will's Parka ([[Mackenzie's Parka]])
File:Mackenzie's Shirt icon.png|Will's Shirt ([[Mackenzie's Shirt]])
File:Mackenzie's Sweater icon.png|Will's Sweater ([[Mackenzie's Sweater]])
File:Mackenzie's Toque icon.png|Will's Toque ([[Mackenzie's Toque]])
File:Mackenzie's Boots icon.png|Will's Boots ([[Mackenzie's Boots]])
File:Work boots (historical).png|[[Work Boots]]
File:Expedition parka (historical).png|[[Expedition Parka]]
File:Thin wool sweater (historical).png|[[Thin Wool Sweater]]
</gallery>

====Food and Drink====
<gallery>
File:Granola bar.png|[[Granola Bar]]
File:Energy Bar.png|[[Energy Bar]]
File:Candy bar.png|Candy Bar ([[Chocolate Bar]])
File:Herbal tea cup.png|[[Cup of Herbal Tea]]
File:Cup of herbal tea icon old.png|ditto, icon
File:Cup of coffee.png|[[Cup of Coffee]]
File:Tin of coffee.png|[[Tin of Coffee]]
File:Herbal tea.png|[[Herbal Tea]]
File:Salty crackers.png|[[Salty Crackers]]
File:Military grade mre.png|[[Military-Grade MRE]]
File:Condensed milk.png|[[Condensed Milk]]
File:Pork and beans.png|[[Pork and Beans]]
File:Tomato soup.png|[[Tomato Soup]]
File:Pinnacle peaches.png|[[Pinnacle Peaches]]
File:Tin of Sardines.png|[[Tin of Sardines]]
File:Dog food.png|[[Dog Food]]
File:Beef Jerky.png|[[Beef Jerky]]
File:Peanut butter.png|[[Peanut Butter]]
File:Summit Soda.png|[[Summit Soda]]
File:Orange soda.png|[[Orange Soda]]
File:Stacy's grape soda.png|Grape Soda ([[Stacy's Grape Soda]])
File:Home-made Soup old icon.jpg|[[Home-made Soup]] icon
File:Water potable.png|Old water bottle for [[Water (Potable)]] or [[Water (Unsafe)]]
File:Water500ml.png|Old 500ml icon (small bottle)
File:Water1000ml.png|Old 1000ml icon (Large bottle)
File:Water (unsafe).png|[[Water (Unsafe)]]
File:Rabbit raw.png|[[Rabbit (Raw)]]
File:Rabbit cooked.png|[[Rabbit (Cooked)]]
File:Black bear meat.png|Black Bear Meat Raw ([[Bear Meat (Raw)]])
File:Bear Meat (cooked).png|Black Bear Meat Raw ([[Bear Meat (Cooked)]])
File:Wolf meat raw.png|[[Wolf Meat (Raw)]]
File:Wolf meat cooked.png|[[Wolf Meat (Cooked)]]
File:Venison raw.png|[[Venison (Raw)]]
File:Venison cooked.png|[[Venison (Cooked)]]
File:Cat tail stalk.png|[[Cat Tail Stalk]]
</gallery>

====First Aid====
<gallery>
File:Painkillers.png|[[Painkillers]]
File:Antibiotics.png|[[Antibiotics]]
File:Antiseptic.png|[[Antiseptic]]
File:Old mans beard wound dressing.png|[[Old Man's Beard Wound Dressing]]
File:Bandage.png|[[Bandage]]
File:Water purification tablets.png|[[Water Purification Tablets]]
File:Rose hip tea.png|[[Rose Hip Tea]]
File:Rose hip tea icon old.png|ditto, icon
File:Reishi Tea.png|[[Reishi Tea]]
File:Reishi tea icon old.png|ditto, icon
File:Sewing kit old model.png|[[Sewing Kit]]
</gallery>

====Tools====
<gallery>
File:Storm lantern.png|[[Storm Lantern]]
File:Prybar.png|[[Prybar]]
File:Simple Arrow.png|[[Simple Arrow]]
File:Broken Arrow.png|[[Broken Arrow]]
File:Quality tools.png|[[Quality Tools]]
File:Torch - unused.png|[[Torch]]
File:Alpha Flare 3D model.png|[[Flare]]
File:Hatchet.png|[[Hatchet]]
File:Heavy hammer.png|[[Heavy Hammer]]
File:Can opener.png|[[Can Opener]]
File:Rifle Cartridge Old.png|[[Rifle Ammunition]] (Catridge)
File:Rifleammooldmodel.png|[[Rifle Ammunition]] (Box)
File:Survive The Outdoors Old.png|Survive The Outdoors! [[Research Book]]
File:Advanced Guns Guns Guns Old.png|Advanced Guns Guns Guns! [[Research Book]]
File:Frontier Shooting Guide Old.png|Frontier Shooting Guide [[Research Book]]
File:Frozen Angler Old.png|The Frozen Angler [[Research Book]]
File:Wilderness Kitchen Old.png|Wilderness Kitchen [[Research Book]]
File:Field Dressing Your Kill Old.png|Field Dressing Your Kill, Vol 1 [[Research Book]]
</gallery>

====Materials====
<gallery>
File:Cloth old model.png|[[Cloth]]
File:Scrap metal.png|[[Scrap Metal]]
File:Cured leather.png|[[Leather]] (and early hides/pelts)
File:Old man's beard lichen.png|[[Old Man's Beard Lichen]]
File:Rose hip.png|[[Rose Hip]]
File:Reishi Mushroom icon historical.png|[[Reishi Mushroom]]
File:Prepared Rose Hips icon historic.png|[[Prepared Rose Hips]]
File:Prepared Reishi Mushrooms icon historic.png|[[Prepared Reishi Mushrooms]]
File:Rabbit pelt.png|[[Fresh Rabbit Pelt]]
File:Cured wolf pelt.png|[[Cured Wolf Pelt]]
File:Fresh wolf pelt.png|[[Fresh Wolf Pelt]]
File:Cured Black Bear Hide.png|[[Cured Black Bear Hide]]
File:Fresh Black Bear Hide.png|[[Fresh Black Bear Hide]]
File:Deer Hide old icon.png|Deer Pelt
File:Arrowhead.png|[[Arrowhead]]
File:Crow feather.png|[[Crow Feather]]
File:Arrow Shaft.png|[[Arrow Shaft]]
File:Green Maple Sapling.png|[[Green Maple Sapling]]
File:Green Birch Sapling.png|[[Green Birch Sapling]]
File:Old Cured Cougar Hide icon.png|[[Cured Cougar Hide]]
File:Cougar Hide icon.png|[[Fresh Cougar Hide]]
</gallery>

===Old Survival Menu/UI backgrounds===
Most of the [[Survival Menu]] backgrounds have changed from an actual book to stylized floating text. A physical book can still be heard closing when closing the Survival Menu despite the modernized changes.<gallery>
File:Skills journal3.png|Skills Journal
File:Almanac.png|[[Coming Storm]] [[Almanac]]
File:Old Forging menu.png|[[Forge]] Menu
File:Summary sample.jpg|Locations menu
File:LogBook sample.jpg|Days survived menu
File:Survival page.jpg|Old Status menu
File:Survival page.png|ditto
File:Old Status menu 2.png|ditto
File:Old Status menu.png|ditto
File:Nomad.png|[[Nomad]] Challenge menu
File:Nomad Challenge.png|Nomad [[Challenge]] selection screen
File:Clothing interface old.png|Clothing Interface (2017)
File:Radialmenu.jpg|The Radial Menu underwent a complete overhaul in the Faithful Cartographer update.
File:Old Backpack Menu.png|Old Backpack inventory menu
File:Ruined flare.png|Ditto
File:Old Map ui.jpg|Old Map location ui
File:Rifle load.png|Old [[Hunting Rifle]] ammo ui
File:Old Overlay.png|Old [[Survival Overlay]]
File:Survival Overlay old.png|ditto
File:Needs old.png|Old [[Needs]] HUD
</gallery>

===Survival Skills ===
The survival skills originally did not have a dedicated menu, but instead appeared when they were leveled up similarly to [[Skills#Secondary skills|Secondary Skills]]. Eventually  players could see their survival skills in the "basic skills" tab in a book, before it was changed to a modern-style book.<gallery>
Skills journal3.png
</gallery>

=== Clock and Time of day===
In the pre-alpha version, players would have a digital clock shown on HUD UI stating the exact time of day (could be changed to 12 or 24 hour display). This was later removed and replaced by "Time of Day" which showed how many hours of either light or darkness are left until the next 12 hours of the day begins. 

Time of day would later undergo a few changes until it was replaced with the current rotating sun and moon icons.

==Discontinued Wintermute Content ==
Many of these features were in the original Predux releases of [[Episode 1: Do Not Go Gentle|Episode 1]] and [[Episode 2: Luminance Fugue|Episode 2]] and were removed following the Redux re-release.

===The original Wintermute storyline ===
The original Wintermute Storyline was largely changed in the Redux rerelease, heavily changing the plot and mission structure of the story. The original missions went in the following order:

Episode 1

*[[Survival Of The Fittest]]
*[[Echoes Of Astrid]]
* [[The Grey Mother (Predux)]]
*[[Paradise Lost (Predux)]]

Episode 2

*[[Risk of Infection]]
*[[You Fix My Rifle?]]
*[[Survival School (Predux)]]
*[[Jeremiah's Folly]]
*[[Renewed Hope (Predux)]]

===Hatch in Trapper's Homestead Floorboards===

In the pre Redux version of [[Episode 2: Luminance Fugue|Episode 2]], Jeremiah would walk over to the middle of the floor and open a hatch with a ham radio inside after Mackenzie left in order to send a message out to an unknown party. This hatch is still present in the floorboards of the cabin to this day, but cannot be opened. The same radio was reworked into the mission [[Signal to Noise]], as Mackenzie must now repair it with Jeremiah.<gallery>
File:Jeremiah Floor Hatch Opening.jpg|Jeremiah getting out of bed to open the floor panel
File:Trapper's Cabin Hidden Ham Radio.jpg|The Ham Radio in the floor panel was eventually reworked into the Redux version
File:Trapper's Homestead hidden hatch.jpg|The current hatch as seen in Redux Episode 2, though it cannot be opened
File:Episode 2 radio.jpg|The hidden ham radio is now on the work bench in the Redux version
</gallery>

===Side Missions ===
Several side missions were cut or reworked into the Redux version of Episode 1 and 2:  

*[[Light Up The Night]] was cut from Episode 1 and was replaced by [[Highway Robbery (mission)]], and was unlocked by raising Grey Mother's Trust.
*[[Forge Blueprints (mission)]] was cut from Episode 2 entirely, and was given by Jeremiah as a reward for raising his Trust. The player would go to the [[Old Spence Family Homestead]] and unlock the ability to Forge improvised tools.
*[[Jeremiah's Hideout]] was a location replaced by the [[Aurora Hatch]] in Episode 2 following the Redux re-release. Jeremiah would give the player the side mission once their Trust level was at max and would ask Mackenzie to burn some of his old letters.

===Trust ===
[[File:Trust menu.jpg|thumb|An example of the old Trust trading menu.]]
{{Quote2|Trust. A hard thing to come by these days. Many people you meet will be suspicious of you. But most of them have needs they may not be able to fulfill without your help. Helping them will earn you Trust, which will in turn unlock useful Knowledge, Locations, Items, and more. Check the character's Trust entry in your Journal to learn more about them, their needs, and how they can help you.|In game Tutorial message Pre Redux}}
In the original Wintermute releases of Episodes 1 and 2, [[Grey Mother]] and [[Jeremiah]] could be given items to build up their trust with Mackenzie. Taking or breaking down items from their homes would lower trust, whereas bringing them items they wished for would increase trust (sticks, cured rabbit pelts, etc). Having a higher Trust would grant the player access to additional dialogue options, which would reveal more worldbuilding information or give access to entire side quests (such as finding a Distress Pistol in Episode 1 or Jeremiah giving the coordinates to [[Jeremiah's Hideout]]). The system was ultimately removed following the Redux re-releases of both episodes and was replaced with standard dialogue options. Trust rewards always maxed out at 375 Trust, making donating more items useless. Unlocked Trust items/knowledge/blueprints would remain unlocked, even it Trust fell below the unlocking requirements.

It is possible to steal food items from Grey Mother and Jeremiah by opening canned goods and canceling halfway through, thus claiming the item and not lowering Trust. Jeremiah will know the player has taken his things even when he is passed out at the start of Episode 2.

====Grey Mother's Trust====
The following would have unlocked as Trust continued to increase:

====Items That Increase Trust====   

*+1 [[Stick]]
*+3 [[Reishi Mushroom]]
*+5 [[Bandage]]
*+10 [[Military-Grade MRE]]
*+25 [[Can Opener]]
*+30 [[Fresh Rabbit Pelt]] or [[Cured Rabbit Pelt]]

=== Things that lose Trust ===

* -5 Searching containers (even if you don't take anything)
* -15 Taking items
* -25 Breaking down furniture

====Trust Levels And Unlocks ====

* 25 Trust: Knowledge: Milton History - Worldbuilding information about the history of Milton. (Gives [[Town of Milton]] [[What I Know]] Knowledge)
* 50 Trust: Gameplay Tip: Sharpening - Gameplay tip about how to maintain Bladed tools. (Gives [[Whetstone]])
* 75 Trust: Knowledge: The Collapse - Worldbuilding information about the Collapse. (Gives [[History of The Collapse]] Part One [[What I Know]] Knowledge)
* 125 Trust: Cache Location - The location of a Supply Cache, updated on your Map. (Gives new [[Milton Supply Caches]])
* 175 Trust: Side Mission: Distress Pistol - Information about where you might find a Distress Pistol. ([[Light Up The Night]])
* 225 Trust: Blueprint: Rabbit Skin Mittens - Unlocks the Crafting Blueprint for Rabbit Skin Mittens.
* 300 Trust: Knowledge: [[Perseverance Mills]] - Worldbuilding information about Perseverance Mills. (Gives [[History of The Collapse]] Part Two [[What I Know]] Knowledge)
* 375 Trust: Item: [[Mountaineering Boots]] - Grey Mother gives you with Mountaineering Boots. (sic) (Gives [[Mountaineering Boots]])

====Jeremiah's Trust====

====Items That Increase Trust====   

*+1 [[Stick]]
*+3 [[Cloth]] 
*+3 [[Old Man's Beard Wound Dressing]]
*+10 [[Pork and Beans]]
*+25 [[Fresh Rabbit Pelt]] or [[Cured Rabbit Pelt]]
* +30 [[Fresh Deer Hide]] or [[Cured Deer Hide]]

=== Things that lose Trust ===

* -5 Searching containers (even if you don't take anything)
* -15 Taking items
* -25 Breaking down furniture

====Trust Levels And Unlocks ====

* 25 Trust: Knowledge: Mystery Lake - Worldbuilding information about Mystery Lake. (Unlocks [[Mystery Lake & Area]] [[What I Know]] Knowledge)
* 50 Trust: Cache Location - The location of a Supply Cache, updated on your Map. (Unlocks a cache for [[Mystery Lake Supply Caches]])
* 75 Trust: Knowledge: Blueprint: Improvised Hatchet - Unlocks the Crafting Blueprint for Improvised Hatchet (unlocks the [[Forge Blueprints]] side mission)
*125 Trust: Knowledge: Carter Dam - Worldbuilding information about Carter Hydro Dam. (Unlocks [[Carter Hydro Dam (Collectible)|Carter Hydro Dam]] [[What I Know]] Knowledge)
*175 Trust: Blueprint: Deerskin Pants and Deerskin Boots - Unlocks the Crafting Blueprint for Deerskin Pants and Deerskin Boots.
*225 Trust: Blueprint: Snow Shelter - Unlocks the Crafting Blueprint for the Snow Shelter.
*300 Trust: Knowledge: Aurora Observations - Worldbuilding information about the Aurora. (Unlocks [[History of The Collapse]] Part 3 and 4 [[What I Know]] Knowledge)
*375 Trust: Side Mission: Old Letters - Jeremiah Wants you to find and destroy some of his old letters. (Unlocks [[Jeremiah's Hideout]] side mission)
<gallery>
File:GreyMotherTrustOutdated.jpg|The Journal Trust Menu for Grey Mother
File:Jeremiah Trust Menu.jpg|Jeremiah's Trust info
File:Jeremiah Trust Menu bed.jpg|Ditto
</gallery>

===3rd Person Cutscenes===
With the original Predux release of Episode 1 and 2, Mackenzie would appear in 3rd person in each cutscene. He would always wear his default clothing, regardless of what was chosen to be worn by the player, and was far more expressive and interactive when meeting with other characters.

Following the Redux updates, all cutscenes were replaced with a first person perspective and were completely redesigned from Makenzie's perspective. All cutscenes in future Episodes still feature first person character interactions to date.<gallery>
File:Prisonbus2.jpg|Mackenzie finding the Crashed Prison Bus and activating a 3rd person cutscene
</gallery>

===Jeremiah's Bearskin Coat===
As part of the [[Survival School (Predux)]] mission, Mackenzie needed to repair [[Jeremiah's Bearskin Coat]] in order to learn about [[Mending]]. This was the same coat that Jeremiah was wearing when the [[Old Bear]] attacked him at the end of Episode 1. The coat was not a Collectible, but rather a [[Clothing]] item, and had no clothing stats, could not be worn, and weighed 5.00 kg. It would be repaired with 1 [[Cured Black Bear Hide]], and later be returned to Jeremiah.

===Cut Tools===

====Bolt Cutters====
The '''[[Bolt Cutters]]''' were a tool found exclusively in [[Episode_2:_Luminance_Fugue|Episode 2]] of [[Wintermute]]. They could be found in the [[Maintenance Yard]] in [[Broken Railroad]] and were used to open the gate that led to the [[Hunting Lodge]].

The bolt cutters were removed from the game entirely after the Redux update, however they were re-introduced in the ending of [[Episode 3: Crossroads Elegy|Episode 3]] as a puzzle tool, and later in [[Episode 4: Fury, then Silence|Episode 4]], both being used to cut open a single gate again. They were also introduced in Survival Mode as part of the [[Buried Echoes]] Tale, and are used to cut open several gates as part of the Tale to access parts of the [[Zone of Contamination]].<gallery>
File:Bolt Cutters old.png|Old icon
File:Bolt Cutters icon.png|Current icon
</gallery>

====Jeremiah's Knife====
[[Jeremiah's Knife]] was a tool found exclusively in [[Episode_2:_Luminance_Fugue|Episode 2]] of [[Wintermute]]. It was removed from Episode and the game entirely after the Redux update, however the icon can still be seen occasionally in Survival Mode when crafting at a Work Bench. The knife is still present as a spawnable object in the Wintermute game files. It has been seen in an official trailer as late as December 5th 2023, as well as an icon for Misery Mode during the May 13th 2024 News update.<gallery>
File:Jeremiah's Knife icon.png
File:Misery Mode.jpg|The knife in the Misery Mode icon
</gallery>

====Jeremiah's Broken Rifle and Hunting Lodge Rifle ====

Jeremiah's rifle originally breaks after Mackenzie fires it at the end of Episode 2, with an entire mission dedicated to fixing [[Jeremiah's Broken Rifle]] while looking for your own rifle. A unique Hunting Rifle would be found in the mission [[You Fix My Rifle?]] and was used for the rest of the Story. The Hunting Lodge Rifle was eventually replaced by the [[Broken Bear Spear]], with a Jeremiah's Rifle being available from the start of Episode 2 in the Redux [[The Wounded Trapper]] mission. Features of the [[Hunting Lodge Rifle]] would later be recycled into the [[Curator's Rifle]] and [[Vaughn's Rifle]].<gallery>
File:Hunting Lodge Rifle menu.jpg|menu ui model
File:Hunting Lodge Rifle Rack.jpg|The Hunting Lodge Rifle in the Hunting Lodge
File:Hunting Lodge Rifle icon.png|Hunting Lodge Rifle icon
File:Jeremiah's Broken Rifle icon.png|Jeremiah's Broken/Repaired Rifle icon
</gallery>

===Cut Collectibles===
In the Predux version of [[Episode 1: Do Not Go Gentle|Episode 1]] and [[Episode 2: Luminance Fugue|Episode 2]], several collectibles did not make the transition to Redux:

Episode 1   

*A [[Lock Box Key (Predux)|key]] on the body of [[Martin Barker]] was cut from the game.
*The key would open a lockbox containing an [[Emergency Kit Note]] inside. This same lockbox would later be found next to [[Hobbs]] in the Redux, minus the note, and would be filled with [[Cash]] instead of Emergency Supplies.

Episode 2  

*[[Jeremiah's Broken Rifle]], and [[Jeremiah's Repaired Rifle]] would be cut from the game.
*A side mission involving burning [[Jeremiah's Papers]] would be replaced by the side mission [[Aurora Hatch]].
*Mackenzie was required to shoot and cut the ear off of the [[Old Bear]] and then return it to [[Jeremiah]] in order to prove that the Old Bear was slain.
<gallery>
File:The Old Bear's Ear.jpg|The Ear after killing the Old Bear
File:The Old Bear's Ear icon.png|collectible icon
File:Jeremiah's Papers icon.png|Jeremiah's Papers
</gallery>

==Early Item Designs== 

*An early version of the [[Revolver]] was planned but ultimately never introduced into the game until the Steadfast Ranger update, including [[Revolver Ammunition]] and [[Revolver Shell Casing|Revolver Shell Casings]]. Textures for Revolver Ammunition can be found as early as the Early Access Launch Update.
*Hinterland released a teaser image of the [[Bear Spear]] in their News Update shortly before the Wintermute Redux update.
*An early screenshot showed the [[Spray Paint]] with a blue cap instead of the orange cap in the final release.

<gallery>
File:Pre Alpha Revolver.webp|Early Revolver, Ammunitions, Cartridges, and Casings
File:Early Bear Spear.png|Early Bear Spear teaser image
File:Spray-can-comp.jpg|Early Spray Paint
</gallery>
==Unused Icons==

Several icons can be found in the game files as far back as the alpha builds, yet these items have not been seen or used in game yet. They are considered cut content.

* The Wolf Carcass is a Wolf Carcass that can be carried around and harvested, likely for testing reasons.
* Newsprint Insulation can be harvested for a Newsprint, also likely for testing purposes.
<gallery>
File:Badge feat MountainGoat.png|Mountain Goat Feat (added 2019)
File:Badge feat ExpertCrafter.png|Expert Crafter Feat
File:Wolf carcass icon.png|Wolf Carcass
File:Ico GearItem Newsprint Insulation.png|Newsprint Insulation
File:Fire axe icon.png|Fire Axe
File:The Long Dark Key Art-1500px.png|The Fire Axe seen in a promotional image circa 2015
File:Fishing line icon.png|Fishing Line
File:Leather Strips icon.png|Leather Strips
File:Nylon icon.png|Nylon
File:Revolver 44 Mag Bullet icon.png|Revolver 44 Mag Bullet
File:Rifle Ammo Single Bullet icon.png|Rifle Bullet
File:Cloth Sheet icon.png|Cloth Sheet
File:Unknown cut shoe icon.png|Unknown Socks icon (Possibly Improvised Socks)
File:Unknown cut shoe damaged icon.png.png|ditto, damaged
File:Unknown cut shoe icon 2.png.png|Unknown Socks icon (possibly Technical Socks)
File:Unknown cut shoe icon 2 damaged.png.png|Ditto
File:Journal Texture icon.png|Journal Texture
File:Lean To icon.png|Lean To
File:Cat Tail plant.png|Cat Tail Plant
File:GEAR CoffeeTin Dif.png|[[Tin of Coffee]] cut texture
File:GEAR FoodSodaSummit Dif.png|[[Summit Soda]] cut texture
File:GEAR FoodSodaOrange Dif.png|[[Orange Soda]] cut texture
File:GEAR FoodSodaGrape Dif.png|[[Stacy's Grape Soda]] cut texture
File:GEAR FoodMRE Dif.png|[[MRE]] cut texture
File:GEAR FoodPorkAndBeans Dif.png|[[Pork and Beans]] cut texture
File:GEAR FoodCannedPeaches Dif.png|[[Pinnacle Peaches]] cut texture
File:GEAR BoxedCrackers Dif.png|[[Salty Crackers]] cut texture
</gallery>

==Cut Achievements/Badges==
Several Achievements and icons were changed with the release of ''The Long Dark'' V1.00 Wintermute release. The previous Achievements' stylized appearance would later be reworked into the [[Badges]] and [[Feats]] systems.

A list of achievements that were cut from the game include:
{| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 660px;"
|'''Image'''
|'''Name'''
|'''Description'''
|-
|[[File:Two_for_Two.jpg]]
|'''[[Two for Two]]'''
|Survive for 2 days in a single Survival Mode game.
|-
|[[File:Wolfbait.jpg]]
|'''[[Wolfbait]]'''
|Survive 5 days in a single Survival Mode game.
|-
|[[File:It's Getting Cold Out There.jpg]]
| '''[[It's Getting Cold Out There]]'''
|Survive 15 days in a single Survival Mode game.
|-
|[[File:Tough as Nails.jpg]]
|'''[[Tough as Nails]]'''
|Survive 20 days in a single Survival Mode game.
|-
|[[File:You Prep the Preppers.jpg]]
| '''[[You Prep the Preppers]]'''
|Survive 30 days in a single Survival Mode game.
|-
|[[File:Master Survivor.jpg]]
|'''[[Master Survivor]]'''
|Survive 40 days in a single Survival Mode game.
|-
|[[File:One_With_Nature.jpg]]
|'''[[One With Nature]]'''
|Survive for 200 days in a single Survival Mode game.
|}
The following achievements were kept but received a new achievement icon:
{| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 660px;"
|'''Image'''
|'''Name'''
|'''Description'''
|-
|[[File:The First of Many old icon.webp]]
|'''First of Many'''
| Survive for 1 day in a single Survival Mode game.
|-
|[[File:You Made It! old icon.webp]]
|'''You Made It!'''
|Survive 10 days in a single Survival Mode game.
|-
| [[File:Ready for when the SHTF! old icon.webp]]
| '''Ready for when the SHTF!''' 
|Survive for 50 days in a single Survival Mode game.
|-
|[[File:Centurion old icon.webp]]
|'''Centurion'''
|Survive for 100 days in a single Survival Mode game.
|-
|[[File:Exploration Game old icon.webp]]
|'''Exploration Game'''
|Visit every interior location in both [[Mystery Lake (region)|Mystery Lake]] and [[Coastal Highway]] (single game)
|-
| [[File:Waste Not, Want Not old icon.webp]]
|'''Waste Not, Want Not'''
|Harvest 10 Complete [[Deer Carcass|Deer Carcasses]] (single game)
|-
|[[File:Night Walker old icon.webp]]
|'''Night Walker'''
| Survive an entire Night outside (single game)
|-
|[[File:Beneath a Starry Sky old icon.webp]]
|'''Beneath a Stary Sky'''
|Survive 3 consecutive Nights outside (single game)
|-
|[[File:Silent Hunter old icon.webp]]
|'''Silent Hunter'''
| Survive the first 50 days without firing the [[Hunting Rifle|hunting rifle]], [[revolver]] or the [[Distress Pistol|distress pistol]] (single game)
|-
|[[File:Pacifist old icon.webp]]
|'''Pacifist'''
| Survive the first 25 days without killing anything (single game)
|-
|[[File:It was THIS Big! old icon.webp]] 
|'''It was THIS Big!'''
| [[fishing|Catch]] a fish weighing over 5kg (11 lbs).
|-
| [[File:Wrapped in Furs old icon.webp]]
|'''Wrapped in Furs'''
| Sleep in a [[Bear Skin Bedroll]] while wearing a [[Wolfskin Coat]], [[Deerskin Boots]], and [[Rabbitskin Mitts|Rabbitskin Mittens]].
|-
| [[File:Living Off the Land old icon.webp]]
|'''Living Off the Land'''
|Survive 25 consecutive full days only consuming calories harvested from wild plants and animals (single game)
|-
|[[File:Natural Healer old icon.webp]]
|'''Natural Healer'''
|Heal yourself using all types of natural [[First Aid|medicines]] (single game)
|-
|[[File:Happy Harvester old icon.webp]]
|'''Happy Harvester'''
|Harvest 25 of each kind of plant (single game)
|}<gallery>
File:Achievements collage 22.png|All 22 achievement icons, pre V1.15.
File:Whiteout badge.png|Old Whiteout Badge
File:Nomad badge.png|Old Nomad Badge
</gallery>

==Discontinued Icons==

===Afflictions===
<gallery>
File:Dysentery.png|Dysentary
File:Food poisoning.png|Food Poisoning
File:Minor brusing 2.png|Minor Bruising
File:Clean bruise.png|Major Bruising
File:Laceration png.png|Laceration
File:Sprained Wrist.png|Sprained Wrist
File:Clean ankle sprain.png|Sprained Ankle
File:Burns.png|Burns
File:Clean blood loss.png|Blood Loss
File:Frostbite old.png|Frostbite
File:Parasite icon-1.png|Intestinal Parasites
File:Hypothermia.png|Hypothermia
File:Afflictions Cross icon.png|Affliction symbol present when suffering from an affliction
File:No Afflictions icon.png|Symbol for no Afflictions
File:Fatigue reduced.png|Fatigue Reduced
File:Warming up.png|Warming Up
File:Improved rest.png|Improved Sleep
</gallery>

===Skills===
<gallery>
File:Ice fishing skill icon.png|Ice Fishing
File:Carcass harvesting skill icon.png|Carcass Harvesting
File:Mending skill icon.png|Mending
File:Firestarting skill icon.png|Firestarting
File:Cooking skill icon.png|Cooking
File:Firearms skill icon.png|Rifle Firearm Skill (Formerly named Firearms Skill)
</gallery>

===Other===
<gallery>
File:Windshield2.png|Windshield
</gallery>

===Challenge Portraits===
<gallery>
File:Whiteout plate.png|[[Whiteout]]
File:RegionAtlas-resources.assets-562 (9).png|[[Nomad]]
File:Hopeless Rescue.png|[[Hopeless Rescue]]
File:The Hunted, Part One.png|[[The Hunted, Part One]]
</gallery>

=== Region Portraits ===
<gallery>
File:Mystery Lake title card.png|[[Mystery Lake (location)|Mystery Lake]]
File:RegionAtlas-resources.assets-562 (1).png|[[The Ravine]]
File:Coastal Highway title card.png|[[Coastal Highway]]
File:Pleasant Valley title card.png|[[Pleasant Valley]]
File:RegionAtlas-resources.assets-562 (5).png|[[Winding River]]
File:OldIslandConnector.png|[[Crumbling Highway]]
File:Desolation Point title card.png|[[Desolation Point]]
File:Timberwolf Mountain title card.png|[[Timberwolf Mountain]]
File:Forlorn Muskeg Thumbnail.png|[[Forlorn Muskeg]]
File:Broken railway titlecard small.png|[[Broken Railroad]]
File:Mountain town titlecard.png|[[Mountain Town]]
File:Hushed River Valley title card.png|[[Hushed River Valley]]
File:Bleak inlet.png|[[Bleak Inlet]]
File:RegionAtlas-resources.assets-562 (6).png
File:Broken railroad titlecard new.png
File:Coastal highway titlecard new.png
File:Pleasant valley titlecard new.png
File:Forlorn muskeg titlecard new.png
File:Mystery lake titlecard new.png
File:Desolation point titlecard new.png
File:Broken railway titlecard.jpg|Broken Railroad Selection
</gallery>

===Old Region Maps===
<gallery>
File:Global map Published by development team.jpg|0.298 (Timberwolf Mountain Update) World Map released by Hinterland. Never officially in game
File:World Map 1.00 (Wintermute Launch).jpg|1.00 (Wintermute Update) This was the first in game world map. Mountain Town was only available for Wintermute at the time
File:Lower Great Bear 1.16.jpg|1.16 (Rugged Sentinel Update)
File:Lower Great Bear V1.33.jpg|1.33 (Vigilant Flame Update) World Map
File:World Map 1.64.jpg|1.64 (Errant Pilgrim Update)
File:World Map Overview V1.89.jpg|1.89 (Hesitant Prospect Update)
File:TLD regions.png|1.89 (Hesitant Prospect Update) Selection Screen
File:Lower Great Bear 1.98.jpg|1.98 (Perilous Constraint Update)
File:TLD regions1.jpg|1.98 Selection Screen
File:Lower Great Bear Map 2024.png|2.03 (Tales from the Far Territory Part 1)(Current Map)
File:Far Territory World Map V2.03.png|V2.03 (Part One Forsaken Airfield Update)
File:The Far Territory Region Selection Part One.png|2.03 selection region map (missing Far Range Branch Line)
File:Far Territory Map 2024.png|2.25 (TFTFT PART FOUR: Buried Echoes Update) World Map
File:TLD regions list2.jpg|ditto, region selection
File:Far Territory Part 5 Map.jpg|2.28 (Part 5 Last Horizon Update) Current Map
File:Far Territory Selection Part 5.jpg|Ditto, selection screen
</gallery>
===Title Screens===
<gallery>
File:Main Menu Alpha Sandbox.jpg|Pre Alpha Menu
File:Penitent Scholar Title Screen.jpg|Penitent Scholar
File:In game cabin.jpg|Aurora Version
File:The Long Dark Halloween main menu theme.jpg|[[4 Days of Night Event|4DON]] Version (Pre Alpha)
File:4DON Main Menu.jpg|4DON
File:The Long Dark main menu theme.jpg|V1.00-1.60
File:Crossroads Elegy Main Menu.jpg|Crossroads Elegy
File:Crossroads Elegy Main Menu Night.jpg|Crossroads Elegy (Night)
File:Hesitant Prospect Main Menu.jpg|Hesitant Prospect
File:Episode 4 Main Menu.jpg|Fury, Then Silence
File:Perilous Constraint Main Menu.jpg|Perilous Constraint
File:Forsaken Airfield Menu.jpg|Forsaken Airfield Update
File:Transfer Pass Main Menu.jpg|2.09 Part 2 and 3 Signal Void/Frontier Comforts
File:Buried Echoes Main Menu.jpg|Buried Echoes Update
File:Main Menu Last Horizon.jpg|Last Horizon
File:Broken Silence Menu.jpg|Broken Silence Update
</gallery>{{The Long Dark}}