Sundered Pass: A Frigid, Frightening, Fantastic Challenge! (Spoilers!)

[Sherri]

I'm wrapping up my time in this unforgiving new region having followed the clues for the Last Horizon chapter. Almost done! But oh boy was I stunned by this region!

For reference I'm playing on Voyager. And you would think that this relatively easy difficulty level would make for a pretty low-key experience while completing Tales... and for the most part that's been true. But wow, even my 500+ Steam hours into the TLD didn't prepare me for this new awesome challenge! Love this region in no small part for how difficult and frustrating it is. Like a slap in the face to wake you up, but from a friend who you know wants the best for you! 😆

Highlights (Spoilers below!)

• Players have said this already, but this region is the coldest I've spent extended time in. Even with top tier gear, and insulated lining... I still had to make ample use of strategies like drinking warm teas, carrying torches, warming up by a fire while travelling, etc. Things I've rarely been forced to do on Voyager difficulty. Really rewarding to be able to use more advanced strategies.
• The Timberwolves are insane. At one point they were yelping and running away from me, only to be driven into a 2nd and 3rd pack who then all triggered at once! I had over 10 wolves after me for a period- all nipping at my heels and shredding my clothes while I pumped revolver bullets into them and frantically tried to figure out how to get into a half-buried cabin. Terrifying! Bring tons of ammo here! And thank goodness for them because timberwolf meat became a staple - this region is sparse on food.
• The abundant ptarmigans are a nice touch - I was able to level up my bow skill on them and reached level 5 for the first time. Often I was hungry, cold, waiting for an aurora and just desperately trying to bag the birds to keep starvation at bay.
• The design of this map is utterly crazy. You can't get anywhere easily because the vertical layering of the map is very extensive. High bridges, frozen waterfalls, many rope climbs, and some routes that just require you to mountain goat down in places, nail-biting the whole time. It really requires you to plan out your route and pray for good weather. You end up taking a circuitous route which takes longer, passes by wolves and is just so darn cold. One rope climb was so long, despite having a coffee in my belly and crampons on my feet, and starting with 3/4 full energy... I almost didn't make it. In fact I reached the top with utterly empty energy and stamina bars - I should have fallen but I can only assume the game has a bit of grace if you're at the top. So scary.
• The interiors I did manage to find have some fun unique features. I really loved opening doors in the buried cabin only to see a solid wall of snow. What a great touch! The triangle shaped cabins are also really lovely, and the high wooden walkways and rope bridges are something I really love.

Loved Sundered Pass. Really excited to leave! LOL. It was wonderful to feel like the challenge is getting higher as I reach the end of the Tales. I feel like I'm earning the end of this story and stretching my survival skills. Well done Hinterland! 

 

Edited July 18 by Sherri

[Leeanda]

Well said😊.   Even in pilgrim you have to be really careful and plan for everything and anything..   it's beautiful but deadly if you're unprepared..

Love it😁💗

Edited July 18 by Leeanda