Studio Hinterland has talked about plans to develop survival simulator The Long Dark after the story mode is completed. In the next few years, the developers will focus on survival mode, for which they are preparing free updates and two new features. At the same time, the production of the sequel to “Blackfrost” will continue, and early access has been extended to 2027.
The developers explain the change in priorities due to the end of Wintermute mode. With the release of episode five on March 31, the team was able to focus on long-stalled areas to complete the story. The studio believes that survival mode is the main element that will keep players interested in The Long Dark.
Over the next 24 months, the studio plans to develop in three areas. The first version is tentatively called TLD Core and will be dedicated to survival mode as a free update. They will include bug fixes, interface and usability improvements, new features and content. The developers also hope to retain the shotgun and clockwork handlamp from Episode 5, and continue to work on mod support and expanded customization options.
Hinterland is also considering adding the Episode 5 area to Survival Mode for free. However, migrating a large number of locations from Wintermute will require a lot of work. A final decision has not yet been made.
There are two other areas related to paid add-ons. There are no details about them yet, but the developers say both DLCs will expand The Long Dark in new ways. One of them will develop according to the model of “Far Distance”, that is, it will gradually receive most of the content. The second one will have different arrangements. The studio expects to provide more information and the TLD Core roadmap in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The completion of Wintermute does not mean abandoning the plot completely, but there are currently no new episodes planned. Hinterland plans to focus on survival mode and Blackfrost development until the sequel is ready for early access release.
Development of Blackfrost continues with a dedicated team. Some staff were removed from the project to support The Long Dark and future DLC, while the sequel’s main development team continued to work on its systems and world. Early access is currently planned for 2027. The first demonstration of gameplay is planned before the end of 2026, after which a series of regular publications about the development will begin.
The studio also decided to remain independent and self-financed and publish Blackfrost. Interest from publishers and other potential partners is reportedly high, but none are offering terms that the developers feel are right for them and players.
Prices may also change. Hinterland is considering raising the cost of the game because it believes that survival mode currently costs $19.99, and that the price of Tales from Beyond does not match the amount of content in the game (799 rubles in Russia). However, a final decision has not yet been made. The developer promises to continue offering regular discounts and bundles for owners of various parts of the game.
Another issue involves older consoles. According to Hinterland, approximately 85% of console gamers are already using current-generation devices. As a result, the studio is discussing declining to release future DLC on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. If support for the first-generation Nintendo Switch version is discontinued, it will only be discontinued when the native version is available on Nintendo Switch 2.
