Revision 1

Overview

Outbound describes itself as a "cozyvival" — blending survival game mechanics with a cozy, non-punitive philosophy. Players manage basic survival needs including hunger, health, and the camper van's battery power. Unlike traditional survival games, there is no permanent death or harsh penalty for failure. Instead, the consequences of neglecting survival needs are time-based setbacks that slow progress without erasing it.

Hunger

The player's hunger gradually depletes over time and through physical activity. Eating raw berries and plants provides a small benefit, while cooked meals restore significantly more. An empty hunger meter reduces the player's movement speed and work efficiency, but does not cause death.

Health

Health can be lost through environmental hazards like falls from heights. Injuries are healed by crafting and consuming healing items — herbal teas made at the Portable Food Processor are a common remedy. Health does not regenerate passively, making crafting healing supplies an important part of exploration preparation.

Van Battery

The camper van's battery powers all installed workstations and automated systems. If the battery runs empty, production halts until energy generation catches up or the player refuels biomass converters. Battery management is the closest Outbound comes to traditional survival pressure.

The Cozyvival Philosophy

The developers have been explicit that Outbound is not intended to punish players. The survival mechanics exist to provide structure and motivation — hunger encourages cooking, health encourages caution, and energy management encourages strategic thinking. But none of these systems can permanently ruin a player's progress. The game is designed to be relaxing, even when things go wrong.