Day 1 Survival Guide

Welcome to Peräjärvi

Your first day in the frozen Finnish municipality of Peräjärvi will determine whether you survive or become another frozen statistic. Unlike My Summer Car's relaxed pace, winter demands immediate action, careful planning, and respect for the deadly cold.

You begin in a rented apartment—your only guaranteed warmth source—surrounded by unfamiliar darkness and sub-zero temperatures. Everything you learned from the summer version is obsolete. This is survival.

Pre-Game Understanding

What Makes Day 1 Critical

New Survival Factors:

• Weekly rent (500-1,000 mk) - Failure = locked out, no save point
• Body temperature system - Monitor constantly or die
• Winter clothing requirement - Proper gear essential
• Economic pressure - Money now matters desperately
• Limited daylight - 6 hours of light, then darkness

Your Starting Situation:

• Apartment in Peräjärvi town center
• Minimal money (~500-1,000 mk)
• No guaranteed vehicle
• Winter clothing status unknown
• Save point: Apartment bed (only)

Mental Preparation

This is NOT a driving game—it's a survival game.

The Corris Rivett project is your long-term goal, but Day 1 is about survival only. Don't waste money or time on the project car on day one. Focus on:

1. Establishing economic stability
2. Securing reliable transportation
3. Understanding the survival mechanics
4. Building relationships (information network)

Hour-by-Hour Day 1 Plan

Hour 0-1: Apartment Orientation

Upon Waking:

Check Your Situation:

1. Look around - Understand apartment layout
2. Check wallet - Count available money
3. Check inventory - What do you have?
4. Check temperature - Is heating working?
5. Check time - What hour is it?

Critical Information:

• Rent due date - When must you pay?
• Heating cost - Is it on/running?
• Supplies - Food, money, clothing
• Time of day - Plan around daylight

If starting with NO money:

• EMERGENCY: You must earn money TODAY
• Apply for Futufon job immediately (PSK Service Centre)
• Sell anything valuable (check apartment)
• Survival is impossible without money in winter

Hour 1-2: Equipment Check

Before Going Outside:

Essential Preparation:

1. Dress warmly - All available clothing layers
2. Check temperature - Use F12 stats screen
3. Plan route - Know where you're going
4. Pack essentials - Money, list of needs
5. Check weather - Look outside

Minimum Winter Clothing:

• Hat (prevents 30% heat loss)
• Heavy coat/jacket
• Warm pants (not summer clothes)
• Gloves/mittens
• Warm socks (wool if available)
• Insulated boots

If inadequately dressed:

• DO NOT GO OUTSIDE - Certain death
• Stay warm, save money
• Plan clothing purchase at PSK

Hour 2-4: First Expedition - PSK Service Centre

Objective: Establish economic foundation and gather supplies

Route to PSK:

1. Exit apartment
2. Follow main road toward highway
3. PSK is clearly signposted
4. Distance: ~500m walk (5-10 minutes in winter)

What to Buy (Priority Order):

CRITICAL SURVIVAL:

1. Classifieds Magazine (~20 mk) - Find cars/parts
2. Food (50-100 mk) - Sausages, fish & chips, coffee
3. Check fuel prices - Note for future reference

IF YOU HAVE A CAR: 4. Fuel (200-300 mk) - Fill tank completely 5. Block heater (~400 mk) - Essential for tomorrow 6. Winter clothing (800-1,200 mk) - If needed

IF YOU DON'T HAVE A CAR: 4. Study classifieds - Find affordable Sorbett 5. Ask about buses - How to reach Futufon job

At PSK:

• Eat immediately - Restore hunger, gain warmth
• Study classifieds carefully - Circle potential vehicles
• Ask employees - Any advice for newcomers?
• Use restroom - Facilities are warm

Time Management:

• Spend maximum 2 hours at PSK
• Return before darkness (if daylight)
• ALWAYS have exit strategy - Don't get locked out

Hour 4-6: Information Gathering

Back at PSK or Apartment:

Classifieds Analysis:

1. List all vehicles under 5,000 mk
2. Calculate total cost including taxes, repairs
3. Identify best value - Running vs. needs work
4. Note seller locations - Plan routes

Research Priorities:

Affordable Transportation:

• Sorbett: 2,000-3,500 mk (recommended starter)
• Check condition, mileage, location
• Call sellers immediately if promising

Income Opportunities:

• Futufon job - 1,500-2,000 mk/day (apply tomorrow)
• Part-time work - Ask at PSK, Teimo's
• Sell items - What can you liquidate?

Essential Information:

• Shop hours - Plan around opening times
• Bus schedule - If no car
• Weather forecast - Plan tomorrow
• Emergency locations - Hospitals, shelters

Hour 6-8: Teimo's Pub Visit (Optional)

Why Visit Teimo's:

• Social information - Locals know everything
• Stress relief - Reduces stress bar
• Food/warmth - Hot meal, heated building
• Gossip network - Cars for sale, parts, jobs

At Teimo's Pub:

1. Buy a beer (15 mk) - Talk to regulars
2. Order food (45-55 mk) - Reindeer sausage experience
3. Ask questions:
   • "Where's the best place to find a cheap car?"
   • "How do you survive winter here?"
   • "Any advice for newcomers?"
4. Listen to conversations - Valuable intel
5. Don't drink too much - Need to return home safely

Information to Gather:

• Reliable mechanics (beyond Fleetari)
• Hidden classifieds (word-of-mouth sales)
• Road conditions, weather patterns
• Local customs, unwritten rules

Hour 8-10: Return and Planning

Back at Apartment:

Financial Assessment:

1. Total money remaining - Subtract all purchases
2. Essential expenses - Rent, food, fuel
3. Income opportunities - Futufon application tomorrow
4. Emergency fund - Keep 200-500 mk reserve

Route Planning:

1. Map all potential vehicles from classifieds
2. Calculate fuel costs for test drives
3. Plan viewing order - Most promising first
4. Backup plans - If first choice unavailable

Tomorrow's Priorities:

1. Apply for Futufon job - Economic stability
2. View recommended vehicles - Secure transportation
3. Buy winter clothing - If not yet purchased
4. Stock up on food - Don't starve

Hour 10-12: Rest and Preparation

Evening Routine:

Apartment Tasks:

1. Eat dinner - Use apartment kitchen or takeaway
2. Check heating - Ensure apartment stays warm
3. Review classifieds - Final vehicle shortlist
4. Prepare for bed - Warm, comfortable sleep

Mental Preparation:

• Accept challenges - Winter is hard
• Plan realistically - Don't overextend
• Budget carefully - Money is life
• Prepare for setbacks - Things will go wrong

Before Sleep:

• Check all windows closed
• Ensure heating adequate
• Set alarm (early start recommended)
• Save game (sleep in bed)

Critical Survival Systems

Body Temperature Management

Understanding Hypothermia:

| Temperature | Stage | Symptoms | Action Required | |-------------|-------|----------|-----------------| | 37°C | Normal | Optimal function | Maintain | | 35°C | Mild | Shivering, clumsy | Seek warmth | | 33°C | Moderate | Violent shivering | URGENT warmth | | 31°C | Severe | Shivering stops | EMERGENCY medical | | < 30°C | Critical | Unconsciousness | LIKELY DEATH |

Temperature Loss Prevention:

• Dress in layers - Base, insulation, shell
• Stay dry - Wet clothes = 5x faster heat loss
• Stay fed - Hunger reduces heat production
• Avoid wind - Wind chill is deadly
• Keep moving - (sparingly, conserves energy)

Warming Strategies:

• Enter heated buildings (PSK, Teimo's, apartment)
• Hot food and drinks (coffee best: 8 mk, +15°C)
• Physical activity (limited help)
• Alcohol (temporary +5-8°C, but dehydrating)
• Sleep (full restore if in warm bed)

Hunger and Energy

Hunger Levels:

• 100-70%: Optimal, no penalties
• 70-40%: Health slowly declines
• 40-20%: Severe health loss
• < 20%: Critical, urgent eating required

Food Strategy:

• Eat regularly - Every 3-4 hours minimum
• Hot foods优先 - Provide warmth bonus
• Coffee - Cheapest warmth (8 mk, +15°C)
• Don't rely on alcohol - Dehydrating, expensive

Budget for Food:

• Minimum 50-60 mk/day for survival
• Best value: Fish & chips at PSK (55 mk, very filling)
• Teimo's reindeer sausage (55 mk, cultural experience)

Stress Management

Stress Sources:

• Cold exposure
• Financial pressure
• Vehicle problems
• Isolation
• Time pressure

Stress Relief:

1. Teimo's pub - 2-3 beers (15 mk each)
2. Social interaction - Talk to NPCs
3. Accomplishing goals - Complete daily tasks
4. Good sleep - 8+ hours in warm bed
5. Hot food - Temporary mood boost

Alcohol Strategy:

• Benefits: Major stress reduction, temporary warmth
• Risks: Impaired driving, dehydration, cost
• Safe limit: 2-3 beers if walking home
• NEVER drive after drinking

Economic Survival

Mandatory Expenses:

| Expense | Cost | Frequency | Consequence | |---------|------|-----------|-------------| | Rent | 500-1,000 mk | Weekly | Locked out, no save | | Food | 50-100 mk | Daily | Hunger, health loss | | Fuel | 200-300 mk | 2-3 days | Stranded, no heat | | Heating | 100-200 mk | Weekly | Freeze to death |

Total Survival Cost: ~900-1,600 mk/week minimum

Earning Money:

1. Futufon job (1,500-2,000 mk/day) - APPLY DAY 2
2. Sell possessions - Check apartment for valuables
3. Complete NPC tasks - Odd jobs around town
4. Vehicle flipping - Buy cheap, repair, sell (advanced)

Budgeting Rules:

1. Never spend more than 70% of money - Keep emergency fund
2. Pay rent FIRST - Before anything else
3. Food budget sacred - Don't starve
4. Fuel investment - Don't run empty

Transportation Decisions

If You Start with a Car

Congratulations! You have massive advantage.

Immediate Actions:

1. Check fuel - Fill tank completely
2. Test heater - Critical for survival
3. Check tires - Summer tires = death
4. Plan fuel stops - Know PSK location

Winter Readiness Assessment:

| Component | Good | Needs Work | Critical | |-----------|------|------------|----------| | Tires | Winter tires | All-season | Summer tires = BUY NEW | | Battery | New/Good | 2+ years old | REPLACE | | Heater | Works well | Weak | REPAIR | | Fuel | Full tank | Half tank | FILL UP | | Wipers | Winter blades | Summer blades | REPLACE |

Priority Purchases:

1. Winter tires (800-1,200 mk) - MANDATORY
2. Block heater (400 mk) - Reliable starts
3. Battery blanket (150 mk) - Cold weather protection
4. Emergency kit - Blankets, food, tools

If You Don't Have a Car

Major disadvantage but not impossible.

Day 1 Without Car:

Immediate Priorities:

1. Find bus schedule - How to reach PSK, work
2. Apply for Futufon - Stable income needed
3. Study classifieds - Find affordable Sorbett
4. Ask about rentals - Short-term vehicle rental

Transportation Options:

Public Transit:

• Buses to PSK - Check schedule
• Limited service - Plan around hours
• Cost effective - ~20 mk/day
• Schedule constraint - Can't go anywhere anytime

Walking:

• PSK: 500m - Manageable in winter gear
• Teimo's: 400m - Close to apartment
• Other locations: May be impossible

Bicycle:

• NOT RECOMMENDED - Deadly in winter
• High risk - Ice, cold, darkness
• Last resort only - Short distances only

Finding Your First Car:

Budget Targets:

• 2,000-3,500 mk - Running Sorbett
• 1,200-2,000 mk - Needs minor work
• < 1,200 mk - Parts car (not drivable)

Classifieds Strategy:

1. Call immediately - Good cars sell fast
2. Ask key questions:
   • "Does it start in cold weather?"
   • "What's the condition?"
   • "Any major problems?"
   • "Negotiable on price?"
3. View promptly - Same day if possible
4. Bring money - If promising

Common Day 1 Mistakes

Fatal Errors (Will Kill You)

1. Going outside without proper clothing

   • Result: Hypothermia, death
   • Prevention: Buy winter gear at PSK

2. Letting fuel tank get low

   • Result: Stranded, freeze to death
   • Prevention: Fill tank at half full

3. Spending all money on project car

   • Result: Can't afford rent, food, survival
   • Prevention: Focus on survival first

4. Ignoring body temperature

   • Result: Hypothermia, death
   • Prevention: Monitor constantly (F12 stats)

5. Driving without winter tires

   • Result: Crash, injury, death
   • Prevention: Buy winter tires immediately

Serious Mistakes (Will Hamper Progress)

1. Not buying Classifieds Magazine

   • Result: Can't find cars, parts
   • Prevention: Buy at PSK day 1

2. Skipping Teimo's pub visit

   • Result: Miss valuable information
   • Prevention: Visit for intel gathering

3. Not applying for Futufon job

   • Result: No stable income
   • Prevention: Apply day 2

4. Buying diesel by mistake

   • Result: Destroyed gasoline engine
   • Prevention: Know fuel types

5. Getting locked out of apartment

   • Result: No save point, exposure risk
   • Prevention: Pay rent on time

Minor Mistakes (Learning Opportunities)

1. Overpaying for first purchases

   • Result: Reduced budget
   • Prevention: Check prices, negotiate

2. Not eating regularly

   • Result: Hunger penalties
   • Prevention: Budget for food

3. Forgetting to save game

   • Result: Lost progress
   • Prevention: Sleep in bed regularly

4. Not reading signs/weather

   • Result: Getting caught in storm
   • Prevention: Check conditions before travel

Day 1 Success Checklist

Survival Tasks ✓

• [ ] Check apartment, inventory, money
• [ ] Dress in all available warm clothing
• [ ] Visit PSK Service Centre
• [ ] Buy Classifieds Magazine
• [ ] Eat hot food (restore hunger, gain warmth)
• [ ] Check fuel prices
• [ ] Study classifieds for vehicles
• [ ] Visit Teimo's pub (gather information)
• [ ] Return to apartment before dark
• [ ] Save game (sleep in bed)

Economic Tasks ✓

• [ ] Assess total money
• [ ] Calculate survival expenses
• [ ] Identify income opportunities
• [ ] Plan rent payment
• [ ] Budget for tomorrow

Information Gathering ✓

• [ ] Learn PSK hours and services
• [ ] Learn Teimo's hours and services
• [ ] Identify vehicle options
• [ ] Learn bus routes (if no car)
• [ ] Ask locals for advice
• [ ] Understand shop locations

Preparation for Day 2 ✓

• [ ] Plan Futufon job application
• [ ] Shortlist vehicles to view
• [ ] Plan clothing purchases
• [ ] Check weather forecast
• [ ] Prepare early start

Advanced Day 1 Strategies

Optimized Playthrough

For Experienced Players:

Fast Track (If Starting with Money):

1. PSK → Buy winter clothing (immediate)
2. Classifieds → Identify Sorbett under 3k
3. Call seller → Arrange viewing
4. Test drive → Negotiate price
5. Purchase → Secure transportation
6. Fuel up → Full tank
7. Futufon office → Apply for job
8. Return apartment → Save progress

Efficiency Tips:

• Bundle trips - Combine multiple errands
• Call ahead - Save time on vehicle viewings
• Negotiate - 30-50% off asking price typical
• Prioritize - Survival before luxury

Risk Mitigation

Emergency Protocols:

If Stranded:

1. Stay with vehicle - Mobile shelter
2. Run engine periodically - 10 min/hour
3. Conserve fuel - Don't waste
4. Signal for help - Lights, horn, flares
5. Stay calm - Panic kills

If Cold Emergency:

1. Find shelter - Building, vehicle
2. Remove wet clothes - If possible
3. Bundle up - All available clothing
4. Hot drink - If available
5. Call for help - Emergency services

If Low on Money:

1. Sell possessions - Anything valuable
2. Skip non-essentials - Entertainment, luxury
3. Apply for job - Futufon immediately
4. Reduce food budget - But don't starve
5. Emergency fund - Keep 200 mk minimum

Conclusion

Day 1 in My Winter Car is about survival, not optimization. Focus on these three priorities:

1. Stay Warm - Monitor temperature, dress properly
2. Secure Income - Apply for Futufon job
3. Find Transportation - Sorbett from classifieds

Everything else is secondary. The Corris Rivett project will wait—you need to survive first.

Key Principles:

• Money is survival - Budget carefully
• Warmth is life - Monitor temperature
• Information is power - Visit Teimo's
• Transportation is freedom - Find car quickly
• Planning prevents panic - Think ahead

Survive Day 1, and you'll have the foundation to build toward your Finnish winter driving dreams. Fail Day 1, and you'll freeze in the dark—another cautionary tale for future survivors.

The frozen heart of Peräjärvi awaits. Stay warm, stay smart, survive.