The Long Dark: Episode 2 – Sidequest: Aurora Hatch Walkthrough & Guide.
The Long Dark: Aurora Hatch Walkthrough
You unlock this quest by finding the note in the Hunting Lodge cache (Broken Railroad region) so check the “Mystery Lake Supply Caches” sidequest for more information. The note indicates that there’s a secret bunker in the Forlorn Muskeg region, although it’s only accessible during an aurora.
Well back we go. The bunker is located near the north radio tower. There are a few ways to get there, but I prefer approaching from Hat Creek.
Once you get to the tower, turn so that your back is to the railroad, and head to the rocks that are a little to the right. The bunker hatch is hidden behind them.
Will has to wait for an aurora to gain access to the bunker so you’re just going to have to wait for a bit. Auroras can happen anytime during the night if the weather is clear. To ensure you don’t miss it, you want to sleep in one hour increments during the night. There’s a cave near Hat Creek (where my player maker is) if you need somewhere warm to wait, but you’ll have to risk aurora wolves on the way back to the bunker.
Another tactic is to save before sundown and see if an aurora happens that night. If it doesn’t, reload your save and try again. Weather is randomized in The Long Dark, so you may get aurora weather on a reloaded attempt. My only other recommendation is to trying doing this quest during Chapter 4: Renewed Hope. The chances of an aurora are slightly increased during this chapter since it’s required to progress in the story.
Once the aurora is in the sky, head inside. There’ll be a door, which you can unlock by clicking on the keypad next to it. Once the door is open, be careful of the live wires in the hallway. You can dodge them, but it’s a little tricky. Still, don’t worry too much; there are medical supplies in the bunker room that you can use to heal.
There are nice goodies inside, like snow pants and a cowichan sweater, so be sure to loot the place. However, you do need an aurora to get out. I recommend leaving that same night. If you do get stuck, you’ll have to wait for another aurora night. At this point, you want to practice rationing. Don’t eat unless you’re going to sleep for 8-10 hours, and make sure to fill your thirst meter with sodas and condensed milk before going for the water. As when you were trying to get in the bunker, make sure to sleep for only an hour at a time.