One of the first challenges you’ll face in any survival game is finding food. Unlike other threats in Paleolith, hunger is a constant — an ever-present need that doesn’t ebb and flow with the seasons the way cold does. Fortunately, the wilderness offers many ways to fill your stomach.
Foraging
The simplest and most accessible option. Wander through the forest and gather berries, roots, mushrooms, and other edible plants. Not all of them are safe to eat, though — sometimes, learning which plants are nutritious and which are toxic is a matter of trial and error. That knowledge will be essential as you progress.
Hunting
This is where things get more advanced. Animals in Paleolith aren’t just passive targets — they have keen senses and will actively avoid being spotted, let alone attacked. Whether you're trying to bring down a deer or a rabbit, you’ll need to carefully consider your approach, using stealth and planning to get close enough for a clean kill.
Fishing
If hunting is too risky, fishing offers a more accessible — though still challenging — alternative. Without modern tools like fishing lines, you’ll have to wade into streams with a spear in hand. While it’s easier to strike a fish swimming past than to chase down a deer, it still demands patience, timing, and a bit of luck.
Doubting season
Finding food is just the first step. Now you have to figure out whether it's edible and if it needs to be prepared. Meat, for example, is rarely poisonous but almost always requires cooking unless you’re desperate enough to eat it raw. But ignoring the basic art of prehistoric barbecue is a recipe for disaster — raw meat invites sickness and leaves you feeling unsatisfied.
When it comes to vegetarian options, things get trickier. Not everything you gather needs cooking, but that doesn’t make it safe to eat. As we’ve mentioned before, meta knowledge plays a big role here. Learning through experience — both good and bad — will help you identify the safest plants to eat and the ones best avoided.
Plan your diet
Food availability in Paleolith changes drastically with the seasons. Spring and summer offer bountiful foraging opportunities, but as autumn fades into winter, resources become scarce. You’ll need to plan ahead, preserving what you can and learning which foods spoil quickly and which can be stored for longer periods.
Some items will keep for weeks, maybe even months, while others will rot within days if not consumed. Knowing the difference between the two will be vital as you try to survive through the leaner months.
As you can see, food gathering in Paleolith is more than just a repetitive task — it’s a constant, evolving challenge. We’re striving to deliver an authentic experience that forces you to adapt and learn from your mistakes.
What other food-related mechanics would you like to see in Paleolith? Let us know in the comments!