Wasteland briefing Assembling field manual Loading navigation, squad notes, and survival records...

Avoiding Early Death Beginner

Avoiding Early Death — Kenshi Survival Guides reference image

Most early runs do not end in a heroic last stand. They end in a careless fight that never had to happen.

Stay near guards, never travel alone, route around your race's enemies, and accept that retreat is a win.

Stay Near Safety

For the early game, keep your squad within reach of a guarded town. Town guards turn most dangerous encounters into survivable ones.

Never Travel Alone

A solo character who goes down is finished — eaten, enslaved or bled out. A second character can fight on or drag them clear. Recruit early.

Respect The Map

Regions and factions are not balanced for a fresh squad. Route around predator zones and your race's faction enemies until you are strong enough to cross them.

Retreat Is A Win

The single biggest cause of early death is fighting something you should have walked away from. If in doubt, leave. The run continuing is the only victory that matters.

Wanderer's Note

“Buy a Bonedog puppy early and raise it through your squad’s fights.”