Episode 5: The Light At The End Of All Things

"Separated by events on Great Bear Island, Astrid and Mackenzie struggle to make sense of The Quiet Apocalypse. In Perseverance Mills, Astrid investigates the quarantine established in the remote town. Lost in the wilderness with Jace, Mackenzie pushes on to deliver the WINTERMUTE message to Dr. Atwood. Will they finally uncover the mystery of the Aurora, and what it means for the world?"

Spoiler Warning: This page may contain spoilers from the story of The Long Dark.

The Light At The End Of All Things is the 5th and final chapter of the Wintermute story of The Long Dark. It is preceded by Episode 4: Fury, Then Silence.

Hinterland released Episode 5 of The Long Dark for free to all current owners on March 31, 2026. It takes place in both the mysterious Perseverance Mills and Suzuki Radio Telescope and completes the story of Mackenzie and Astrid, while also tying up most of the loose threads left within the story (including the conflict involving Mathis and his gang of Convicts, the contents of Astrid's Hardcase, what caused the First Flare, and the message Mackenzie must carry to Atwood, "Wintermute").

Both Mackenzie and Astrid are playable characters in the Episode, switching perspectives between multiple parts of the story between missions.

Overview

Missions

Part One: Perseverance

Perseverance is the first chapter of Episode 5. Astrid Greenwood is the only playable character in this chapter. The chapter takes place at Perseverance Mills and in the surrounding Perseverance Countryside. It contains 3 different missions.

Perseverance

Main article: Perseverance

"A strange illness has taken hold in Perseverance Mils. People are missing. Investigate the town and see what you can find out."

— In-game description

It is the first mission of the game. This mission starts with a conversation between Astrid and Jane Yang. Jane states there are some missing people of the town. Hence, in order to find out what happened to these missing people, Astrid goes to the Cooper's Blind and Dr. Larson's clinic.

To Those Who Are Missing

Main article: To Those Who Are Missing

"Find the Constable along the river in Perseverance Wilds."

— In-game description

A Cry For Help

Main article: A Cry For Help

"Investigate the strange transmission Terry intercepted."

— In-game description

Part Two: Strange History

The player plays as Will Mackenzie while accompanying Jace to the Suzuki Radio Telescope, containing 2 missions.

The Cold, Broken Road

Main article: The Cold, Broken Road

"Find Atwood."

— In-game description

High Energy

Main article: High Energy

"Activate each Substation before the aurora returns."

— In-game description

Part Three: Do No Harm

The player takes control of Astrid again for a single mission.

To SAR And Back

Main article: To SAR And Back

"Save Donner to save the townsfolk."

— In-game description

Part Four: Terminus

The player takes control of Mackenzie again for the last mission.

Conflagration

Main article: Conflagration

"Prepare for the Quiet Apocalypse."

— In-game description

Side Missions

This is the only Episode to not contain any Side Missions.

Cast

Major Characters

Will Mackenzie - Mark Meer
Astrid Greenwood - Jennifer Hale
Mathis - Elias Toufexis
Jane Yang - Jessica Wong
Atwood - Mayumi Yoshida
Jace - Tina Grant

Minor Characters

Cooper - Shawn Youngchief
Terry - Nick Wolfhard
Donner - Vincent Tong
Methuselah - Richard Newman
Molly - Jennifer Kitchen
Jeremiah - David Hayter
Vachon - Jacques Lalonde
Heller - Jordan Waunch
Freya
Mill Workers -Joe Allard, Michael Daingerfield
Bar Patron - Ashley O'Connell, Caitlyn Bairstow, Ceara Morgana, Joe Allard, Shawn Youngchief, Victor Hunter
Dr. Larsen - Jordan Waunch
Ship Cargo Captain - Jacques Lalonde
Medical Officer - Vincent Tong
Convicts/Sentries - Michael Daingerfield, Victor Hunter / Joe Allard, Victor Hunter

Affliction Availability

Achievements

Gallery

Announcement poster for Episode 5