Torches, Flares, Brands, and Lanterns v.327 Burn Times

[lupineways]

I did some experimenting with the burn times of the various lighting options and timed the real world burn times (without wind). The goal was to get an idea of the ideal options for extended exploration and looting in dark areas. Here are my findings in minutes and seconds real world burn times (not sure how that translates in exact game world time):

Brand ~ 2:30
Flare ~ 5:00
Torch ~ 7:30
Lantern (0.10 L) ~ 2:00 (requires 0.20 L to make 2 torches)

I was most curious about what was the most fuel efficient option for cave exploration. It looks like it is in our ultimate best interest to craft torches when we have the fuel available. Brands seem viable if we need something to get us quickly from point A to point B in the dark. Just thought I would throw this out there for those who were interested.

[Vhalkyrie]

Thank you!  This is very helpful!

I imagine that lanterns will still be most useful for exploring caves, however.  The amount of light that it gives off is much farther than torches.  This is especially important in some of the Timberwolf caves where a torch light will not adequately light some of the sheer edge drop offs (speaking from experience!)

[lupineways]

48 minutes ago, Vhalkyrie said:

Thank you!  This is very helpful!

I imagine that lanterns will still be most useful for exploring caves, however.  The amount of light that it gives off is much farther than torches.  This is especially important in some of the Timberwolf caves where a torch light will not adequately light some of the sheer edge drop offs (speaking from experience!)

Thanks for the Timberwolf pointer! I have yet to give that map much attention.

[Ruruwawa]

Nice!  I kept meaning to do this test, but now I don't have to!  

2 hours ago, lupineways said:

 Here are my findings in minutes and seconds real world burn times (not sure how that translates in exact game world time):

5 minutes real world time = 1 hour game time.

EDIT (more thoughts):

Very interesting comparison between kerosene use by torches and lanterns.  Torches require matches and cloth as well, so it's still an interesting choice.

Brands last 30 min in-game time?  Woo!  You can pull a brand from the fire with 10 minutes left, so 20 minutes extra light.   Brands also give a little heat while holding them (+5C I think), so 20 minute additional warmth if that's enough.  The downsides, very low light levels (about like a match) and very easy to blow out.  I've had a brand blow out because I brandished it. 

[Lrrr Ruler of OP8]

Wow great findings! I noticed that the lanterns in this update burn kerosene much faster, but I didn't know how much of a gas guzzler they were 

[Dinhammer]

Useful, indeed!  Thanks for doing the leg work for the rest of us!

[Nasdaq401]

Very good info thanks for this!