Permafrost Map Guide: Regions, Key Locations and Getting Around

How the World of Permafrost Is Organized

Permafrost takes place on one frozen open-world map. Official material describes frozen cities, buried forests, caves and camps, all linked by snow-covered routes. There is no separate level select: you travel on foot through the landscape, and the story advances as you reach and repair the settlements along the way.

Distances are dangerous by design. The cold drains your Body Warmth continuously, blizzards can break the line of sight to your destination, and hostile patrols control parts of the wilds. Treat the map as a network of safe points you build yourself, not as a road you can simply sprint along.

Key Locations on the Main Route

The main questline strings the map together through a sequence of settlements and checkpoints:

1. Starting Area → Horizon: Learn the basics and complete Robyn's cooking request to open the road south.
2. Bone Cave: Rescue the injured dog with a Bandage and Raw Meat; you gain a permanent companion.
3. New Home: Build your first real shelter, with a Workbench and a claimed bed.
4. Hunter's Glade: Repair the lookout tower above the treeline — thirteen structural repairs — to catch the next radio transmission.
5. House Camp: Help Anna repair four defensive walls and set up advanced cooking.
6. Tower of Finn → Solar Fields: Push into colder territory to find Finn at the radio tower, then continue to Logan.

Bunker Checkpoint sits along the route and is one of the better salvage spots: the vehicles around it consistently yield Scrap for the repairs at Hunter's Glade and House Camp.

The Woods and the Bunker

The Woods are the forest region that connects several major locations. They offer hunting — deer, moose and other wildlife — plus side content, and they are where you will spend most of your mid-game travel time. The Bunker lies in the surrounding woods and is controlled by the Moon Cult: its patrols operate in the area, so scout ahead with your dog and avoid fighting unprepared.

Warning

Community reports flag shared quest progression in co-op and limited access to the dog companion for non-host players. If you plan to explore the Bunker or the deeper woods with friends, agree on one quest owner before you set out.

Getting Around Safely

• Use your compass and landmarks: Stone towers, radio masts and settlement lights are easier to follow in a blizzard than tiny map markers.
• Build a shelter network: Place campfires and small shelters between settlements so every expedition has a fallback point.
• Respect Cold Zones: These areas deal lethal cold quickly. Bring the Tribal Clothing Set, a Makeshift Heater in good condition, and extra fuel before you enter.
• Let the dog lead: Your companion scouts ahead and warns of danger — keep it close when crossing open ground.
• Watch the sky: When a blizzard warning appears, use the remaining time to reach shelter instead of pushing for one more stop.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fast travel system?

No fast travel has been confirmed. Plan routes between shelters, and keep a campfire's worth of wood in reserve for emergencies.

What is the coldest area on the map?

The southern route toward the Tower of Finn and the Solar Fields enters Cold Zones that require upgraded clothing and a heater. Do not attempt it in starting gear.

Where should I loot first?

The vehicles around Bunker Checkpoint. They give a steady supply of Scrap without forcing you to clear the whole checkpoint.

Does the map change between updates?

Early Access updates can adjust content and balance. Check the in-game map and recent patch notes when a specific location matters to your route.