The Fields Beginner’s Guide (March 2026) Survive Your First Nights

Updated by Priyanshu Sagar
December 3, 2025
RobloxGaming

Welcome to the most comprehensive The Fields: A Beginner’s Guide for Roblox! If you’re diving into this intense survival horror experience, you’re in for a brutal but rewarding adventure. As someone who’s spent countless hours surviving the infected quarantine zone, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to go from complete newbie to seasoned survivor.

Topic	Key Focus	Difficulty Level
Basic Controls & UI	Movement, interaction, combat	Beginner
Core Game Systems	Day/night cycle, generator, sanity	Beginner
First Run Strategy	Step-by-step survival route	Beginner
Essential Items	Must-have equipment and tools	Beginner
Location Guide	Where to go and what to find	Intermediate
Crafting System	Recipes and workbench upgrades	Intermediate
Combat & Enemies	How to fight and survive	Intermediate
Advanced Tips	Pro strategies for long runs	Advanced

What Is The Fields?

The Fields is a brutal, atmospheric Roblox survival horror game developed by Not-a-social Studio that released in September 2026. You’re dropped into an infected quarantine zone with one simple goal: survive. The game draws heavy inspiration from titles like TRAVERSAL, Darkwood, and Isle, creating a unique blend of exploration, resource management, and psychological horror.

In this infected world, you’ll face:

Exploration: A massive open map with multiple locations, NPCs, and secrets
Resource Management: Scavenging tools, crafting materials, and ammo
Base Defense: Keeping your generator running and your base lit at night
Sanity & Survival: Staying sane, alive, and prepared through multiple nights

The latest update, v0.3 – Arms & Combatants (released August 2026), has added even more depth to the combat system and introduced new weapons to help you survive the infected hordes.

Basic Controls & UI

The Fields uses standard Roblox PC controls with a clean, minimalist HUD that keeps you focused on survival rather than cluttered interfaces.

Default PC Controls

Action	Key / Input
Move	W / A / S / D
Interact (use/pick up)	E
Attack/swing/shoot	Mouse 1 (LMB)
Item hotbar slots	1, 2, 3, 4…

Core HUD Elements

Your survival depends on monitoring these crucial HUD elements:

Health: Your life bar. If it hits zero, your run is over
Sanity: Drains in the dark or under certain conditions; low sanity causes debuffs and can unlock “Lost” or “Lapsing into Madness” states
Time of Day: Tracked precisely if you have a Watch equipped
Compass/Directions: Shown at the top of your HUD when you equip a Compass

Core Systems: Days, Nights, Generator & Sanity

Understanding these core systems is absolutely essential for survival in The Fields. Master them, and you’ll survive longer. Ignore them, and you’ll become another victim of the infection.

Day–Night Cycle

The entire game revolves around the clock, and understanding this cycle is crucial for your survival:

Daytime (7:00 AM – 8:00 PM): Your window to explore, loot, trade, and complete quests
Nighttime (8:00 PM – 7:00 AM): When zombies and infected enemies roam aggressively, sanity loss kicks in, and the game transforms from quiet tension to full horror

Pro Tip: Always head back to your base by 6:00-7:00 PM game time. Cutting it close is a rookie mistake that often ends in death or madness.

Generator & Power

At your Warehouse (Base), you’ll find a Generator – your lifeline during the night:

You start the game with two gasoline cans right away
Insert gas into the generator early, but don’t turn it on until night – save fuel for when you actually need light
When the generator is on, your base is lit and significantly safer
Without light, your sanity drops rapidly at night, causing debuffs and eventually the “Lost” status
Zombies can attack and turn off your generator – if it goes out, sprint to it and flip it back on before debuffs stack

Special Enemy Alert: Watch out for the Gas Drinker, a special enemy who appears to drink from your generator’s fuel. Killing him with ranged weapons unlocks the Unhealthy Addiction/Cruel badge and keeps your fuel safe.

Sanity System

Sanity is what makes The Fields truly terrifying. Here’s how it works:

Sanity drains when you’re in darkness during nighttime
Low sanity causes:
- Movement speed debuffs
- Visual distortions
- Audio hallucinations
- Eventually, the “Lost” or “Madness” status
Restore sanity by:
- Staying in lit areas (generator-powered base)
- Using Purple Inhalers
- Managing your time wisely to avoid being caught in the dark

Your First Run: Step-by-Step Beginner Route

Follow this exact route for your first few runs, and you’ll dramatically increase your survival chances. This is the path I wish I knew when I started!

1. Spawn & Intro

When you start a new run:

You’ll see a short intro explaining the world and the outbreak
You wake up in a field near your Warehouse (Base)
Follow the on-screen prompt pointing you to the generator (highlighted in orange)

2. Secure the Base (Day 1)

Don’t rush out into the wilderness on Day 1! This is the most common beginner mistake. Instead:

Fuel the generator, but leave it off
- Insert your two starting gas cans into the generator
- Don’t turn it on yet – you’ll need it when night falls
Loot the Base thoroughly Inside your Warehouse, you’ll find:
- Workbench (crafting table) – upgrade this as early as possible
- Scattered materials like Rags, Nails, Planks, Wood Scrap, Metal Scrap, Electrical Tape
- Early equipment like the Compass (on stacked pallets)
Drag everything to the Workbench area
- Treat the workbench room as your main storage hub
- You’ll use these materials later for weapons, traps, and workbench upgrades
Talk to the Merchant (Trader)
- During the day, a Trader/Merchant appears in a small shack near your base
- Sell junk (extra scrap, materials) for Reputation
- Use Reputation to buy essential tools:
  - Survivor’s Backpack (extra carry slots) – 600 Reputation
  - Ammo, crafting supplies, and eventually firearms

Early Goal: Unlock the Prepared/Survivalist setup: Compass, Watch, Tactical Flashlight, and Backpack. There’s even a badge called Prepared for equipping all four together!

3. First Exploration Targets (Still Day 1)

Once your base is secure and you’ve visited the Merchant, it’s time for cautious exploration. Hit these safest & most rewarding nearby locations:

Radio Station (West of Base)

The Radio Station is one of the most important early spots:

Located west of your Warehouse
Almost always contains:
- Multiple Walkie-Talkies (for team communication in co-op)
- A Watch (critical for tracking time)
- Sometimes weapons
Key Part Two (underneath a desk) – combine with Key Part One for the HEMCOR key

Why it’s crucial: Walkies let you coordinate with friends, but even solo, the Watch is game-changing. Knowing exactly when 8:00 PM is coming can be the difference between calmly heading home and getting caught outside in madness territory.

Construction Site

Another essential early hotspot is the Construction Site, which contains:

Tactical Flashlight (first floor) – massive help at night
Wiring (first floor) – needed for the Hunter’s Trial quest
Key Part One – combine with Key Part Two from Radio Station
Other crafting materials (nails, planks, scrap)

Pro Tip: To get the Tactical Flashlight, go to the upper floor and jump down to a room below where 2 zombies spawn. Be prepared for a fight!

Other Key Early-Game Locations

From my research and experience, these locations are also worth knowing about:

Hunter’s Cabin – where you’ll meet the Hunter for an important questline; also near bear traps
Storage Hangar – where you can find the Survivor’s Backpack and use the HEMCOR key for the Ritual Blade
Barn – spawns enemies like Brutes and sometimes a Heavy Duty Toolbox
Giant Tree – tied to sanity/madness events and the Treebound badge

Day 1 Rule: Don’t overextend! Hit Radio Station and Construction Site if time allows, then head back before dark. Survival is about patience, not greed.

4. Night 1: How to Not Die Immediately

When the clock ticks toward 8:00 PM, follow this exact protocol:

Return to Base early
- Don’t cut it close. Try to be home by around 6:00-7:00 PM game time
- Being caught outside at night is a death sentence for beginners
Turn on the Generator at Dusk
- Flip the generator on as the sun sets
- Make sure your base lights up; if the generator shuts off, you’ll need to sprint back and restart it
Prepare for a zombie attack
- Nights bring waves of infected enemies around your base
- Early on, you’ll mostly be using melee weapons like crafted planks and basic guns if you’re lucky
- Position yourself near the generator so you can quickly restart it if zombies attack it
Stay inside the lit area
- Being outside in the dark causes sanity loss
- Let zombies come to you; don’t go wandering off into pitch black unless you know what you’re doing
Watch for special events
- The Gas Drinker can appear to drink your generator’s gas – shooting him down grants a badge and keeps your fuel safe
- Later nights can spawn Spores, Spitters, and Raiders, each tied to specific badges and strategies

Survival Milestone: Once you make it through your first night, you’ll unlock the Survivor badge and officially get over the first big hump!

Items, Crafting & Workbench Progression

Items in The Fields fall into three broad categories: Equipment, Crafting Items, and Ammo/Weapons. Understanding each category is crucial for your survival progression.

Equipment Items (Must-Have Tools)

These items provide passive benefits that dramatically improve your survival chances:

Compass

Found: On top of two stacked wooden palettes inside your Warehouse
Effect: Shows directions at the top of your HUD when equipped
Why it’s essential: Navigation is crucial in The Fields’ large map
Buy/Sell: 200 Reputation / 100 Reputation

Walkie-Talkie

Found: Inside the Radio Station (usually 5 available)
Effect: Allows communication with teammates who also have one
Why it’s essential: Coordination can mean the difference between life and death in co-op

Watch

Found: Next to a corpse outside the Radio Station
Effect: Shows the exact time when equipped
Why it’s essential: Time management is critical – knowing when night approaches saves your sanity
Buy/Sell: 200 Reputation

Tactical Flashlight

Found: First floor of the Construction Site (requires jumping down)
Effect: Provides light when equipped or chest-mounted
Why it’s essential: Night vision without sanity loss – game-changing for exploration

Survivor’s Backpack

Found: Inside the Storage Hangar or bought from Merchant
Effect: Increases carrying capacity by 3 slots
Why it’s essential: More inventory space means more resources and better survival chances
Cost: 600 Reputation

Bear Traps

Found: Near Hunter’s Cabin or as quest rewards
Effect: Can be placed to immobilize enemies (but you can also step on them!)
Why it’s essential: Great for base defense and crowd control
Buy/Sell: 150 Reputation / 75 Reputation

Crafting Items & Workbench Upgrades

Crafting is the backbone of progression in The Fields. Here are the most important crafting materials:

Essential Crafting Materials

Material	Common Locations	Primary Uses
Rags	Anywhere	Bandages, Molotovs, Torch
Nails	Anywhere	Weapon crafting, workbench upgrades
Planks	Anywhere	Weapon crafting, workbench upgrades
Metal Scrap	Anywhere	Advanced crafting, sellable
Wood Scrap	Anywhere	Workbench upgrades
Electrical Tape	Anywhere	Weapon repairs, crafting
Wiring	Construction Site	Hunter’s Trial quest, advanced crafting

Workbench Upgrade Progression

Your Workbench is the heart of your base. Upgrading it unlocks new crafting recipes and better equipment:

Level 1: Basic crafting (starting level)
Level 2: Requires basic materials, unlocks simple weapons and tools
Level 3: Requires Blowtorch (from Hunter’s Trial), unlocks advanced weapons
Level 4: Requires Heavy Duty Toolbox (from Hunter’s quest or Barn), unlocks endgame crafting

Pro Tip: Always prioritize Workbench upgrades when you have the materials. A higher-level Workbench means better weapons and better survival chances.

Key NPCs & Questlines

The world of The Fields isn’t completely empty. NPCs provide quests, trading opportunities, and valuable rewards.

The Merchant (Trader)

Location: Small shack north-west of your Warehouse
Appears: During daytime only
Function: Buy/sell items for Reputation
Strategy: Sell excess materials early to build up Reputation for essential purchases

The Hunter & Hunter’s Trials

Location: Hunter’s Cabin (east of Warehouse)
Function: Provides quests and special rewards
Key Quest:
1. Bring Wiring (from Construction Site)
2. Bring Blighted Salve (crafted from Blightcap + Empty Vial)
3. Receive Blowtorch and Medical Crate Key
4. Use key at Security Checkpoint Alpha for medical supplies
Rewards: Blowtorch, Shotgun access, special items

HEMCOR Key & Ritual Blade

HEMCOR Key: Combine Key Part One (Construction Site) + Key Part Two (Radio Station)
Ritual Blade: Found in black HEMCOR crate in Storage Hangar
Value: Sells for 1,000 Reputation – massive boost to your economy

Complete Location Guide

Understanding the map and knowing where to go is crucial for survival. Here’s every major location in The Fields:

Starting Area & Safe Zones

Warehouse (Your Base)

Description: Your starting base and safe haven
Key Features: Generator, Workbench, storage area
Always Spawns: Compass, basic crafting materials
Strategy: Treat this as your home base and storage hub

Merchant Shack

Location: North-west of Warehouse
Key Features: Trader NPC, buying/selling
Appears: Daytime only
Strategy: Visit daily to sell excess items and buy essentials

Early Game Locations (Day 1 Targets)

Radio Station

Location: West of Warehouse
Key Features: Walkie-Talkies, Watch, Key Part Two
Dangers: 1 zombie inside
Strategy: Priority target on Day 1 – the Watch is essential

Construction Site

Location: North-east of Warehouse
Key Features: Tactical Flashlight, Wiring, Key Part One
Dangers: 2 zombies on upper floor
Strategy: Second priority after Radio Station

Mid-Game Locations

Church

Location: North of Warehouse
Key Features: Crowbar, crafting materials
Dangers: Multiple zombies inside
Strategy: Visit when equipped for combat

Bunker

Location: North-west of Warehouse, west of Church
Key Features: Notes, crafting materials
Dangers: 1 zombie spawns on approach
Strategy: Quick loot run for story items

Hunter’s Cabin

Location: East of Warehouse
Key Features: Hunter NPC, Bear Traps, Shotgun (after quest)
Dangers: Bear traps around the area
Strategy: Visit after basic equipment for quest progression

Advanced Locations

Security Checkpoint Alpha

Location: South-west of Warehouse
Key Features: White HEMCOR crate (Medical Kit)
Dangers: Brutes spawn from ground
Strategy: Requires Hunter’s quest key, high-risk high-reward

Storage Hangar

Location: South-west of Warehouse, east of Security Checkpoint
Key Features: Survivor’s Backpack, black HEMCOR crate (Ritual Blade)
Dangers: 1 zombie inside
Strategy: Requires HEMCOR key, essential for economy

Barn And Field of Maize

Location: South-west of Warehouse
Key Features: Crafting materials, Heavy Duty Toolbox (chance)
Dangers: Brute blocks upper floor
Strategy: Advanced location, requires good equipment

Boarded Up Warehouse

Location: South-east of Warehouse
Key Features: Blowtorch, Bear Traps, Blighted items
Dangers: Brutes and zombies, requires Crowbar
Strategy: Late-game location, high risk high reward

Special Locations

Giant Tree

Location: South-east of Warehouse
Key Features: Blighted Poppy, Treebound badge opportunity
Dangers: Sanity effects, special events
Strategy: Mysterious location tied to sanity mechanics

Enemies, Combat & Survival Strategies

Survival in The Fields isn’t just about managing resources – it’s about fighting effectively and understanding your enemies.

Common Enemy Types

Basic Zombies

Health: Low
Damage: Low
Speed: Slow
Strategy: Easy to defeat with basic melee weapons, don’t underestimate in groups

Brutes

Health: High
Damage: High
Speed: Medium
Strategy: Use Bear Traps, ranged weapons, or hit-and-run tactics
Locations: Barn, Security Checkpoint Alpha, Boarded Up Warehouse

Spitters (Late Game)

Health: Medium
Damage: Medium (ranged)
Special: Spit attacks from distance
Strategy: Keep moving, use ranged weapons, avoid close quarters

Gas Drinker (Special Event)

Health: Medium
Damage: Low
Special: Drinks generator fuel, appears during generator events
Strategy: Kill with ranged weapons for Unhealthy Addiction badge

Combat Strategies

Early Game Combat (Days 1-3)

Primary Weapons: Crafted planks, basic melee weapons
Strategy:
- Fight one enemy at a time
- Use hit-and-run tactics
- Lure enemies to your base’s lit area
- Prioritize survival over kills

Mid Game Combat (Days 4-10)

Primary Weapons: Upgraded melee, basic firearms if available
Strategy:
- Use Bear Traps for crowd control
- Aim for headshots with ranged weapons
- Manage stamina carefully
- Use environmental advantages

Late Game Combat (Days 10+)

Primary Weapons: Advanced firearms, special weapons
Strategy:
- Efficient resource management
- Advanced positioning and tactics
- Special event preparation
- Economy optimization

Sanity Management Strategies

Sanity is what makes The Fields unique and terrifying. Here’s how to manage it effectively:

Prevention (Best Strategy)

Always be back at base by 7:00 PM
Keep your generator fueled and running
Carry a Tactical Flashlight for emergencies
Plan your routes to avoid being caught outside

Recovery (When Things Go Wrong)

Purple Inhalers: Instant sanity restore
Get to light immediately: Any light source helps
Return to base: Your generator’s light is most effective
Avoid combat while insane: You’re more vulnerable

Advanced Sanity Tips

Sanity affects combat accuracy: Low sanity = worse aim
Madness states: Can be temporary if you restore sanity quickly
Treebound badge: Special sanity-related event at Giant Tree
Group play: Teammates can help manage sanity through coordination

Crafting Recipes & Progression

Crafting is essential for survival and progression. Here are the most important crafting recipes and when to unlock them.

Essential Early Game Crafts

Basic Weapons

Spiked Plank: Plank + Nails
Sharpened Spiked Plank: Spiked Plank + more Nails
Broken Bottle: Glass Bottle (no crafting required)

Healing Items

Bandage: Rags (no additional materials)
Molotov: Rags + Glass Bottle (requires fuel)

Mid Game Crafting

Advanced Weapons

Axe: Axe Head + Plank + Electrical Tape
Pipe Wrench: Found item, can be repaired with Wood Glue

Utility Items

Torch: Rags + Plank (provides portable light)
Bear Trap: Can be crafted or found

Late Game & Special Crafts

Special Items

Blighted Solution: Blighted Poppy (powerful buff with sanity cost)
Blighted Salve: Blightcap + Empty Vial (quest item)

Workbench Upgrades

Level 2: Basic materials (Wood Scrap, Planks, Nails)
Level 3: Requires Blowtorch (from Hunter quest)
Level 4: Requires Heavy Duty Toolbox (from Hunter or Barn)

Pro Tips & Advanced Strategies

These are the strategies that separate survivors from victims. Learn these, and you’ll dominate The Fields.

Economy Optimization

Sell smart: Don’t sell everything – keep essential crafting materials
Buy priority: Backpack > Watch > Flashlight > Weapons
Ritual Blade: Worth 1,000 Reputation – game-changing for your economy
Daily merchant visits: Consistent selling builds steady Reputation

Time Management Mastery

7:00 PM rule: Always be heading back by 7:00 PM
Watch is non-negotiable: Get it on Day 1, no exceptions
Route planning: Plan efficient loops that return you to base
Night preparation: Fuel generator, organize inventory, position for defense

Combat Pro Tips

Bear trap placement: Put them at base entrances and choke points
Generator protection: Stay near generator on high-danger nights
Ammo conservation: Use melee for basic enemies, save ammo for threats
Hit-and-run: Effective against Brutes and stronger enemies

Sanity Management Pro Tips

Light discipline: Never be in darkness if you can avoid it
Emergency light: Always carry a Tactical Flashlight
Sanity items: Keep Purple Inhalers for emergencies
Group coordination: In multiplayer, assign light/night duties

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made these mistakes so you don’t have to. Avoid these, and your survival rate will skyrocket.

Critical Mistakes (Often Fatal)

1. Exploring Too Far on Day 1

Problem: Greed leads to being caught outside at night
Solution: Stick to Radio Station and Construction Site on Day 1
Consequence: Death or madness, losing all progress

2. Wasting Generator Fuel

Problem: Turning on generator during day or too early
Solution: Only turn on generator at night when needed
Consequence: No light during critical night hours

3. Ignoring the Watch

Problem: Not getting the Watch from Radio Station
Solution: Make Radio Station your first Day 1 priority
Consequence: Poor time management, frequent night exposure

Strategic Mistakes (Limit Progress)

4. Poor Inventory Management

Problem: Carrying too much junk or not enough essentials
Solution: Prioritize Compass, Watch, Flashlight, Backpack
Consequence: Inefficient looting, missed opportunities

5. Neglecting Workbench Upgrades

Problem: Saving materials instead of upgrading
Solution: Upgrade Workbench as soon as possible
Consequence: Limited crafting options, weaker equipment

6. Bad Combat Decisions

Problem: Fighting unnecessary battles or poor positioning
Solution: Choose fights wisely, use environmental advantages
Consequence: Unnecessary damage, wasted resources

FAQ

How do I stop losing sanity at night?

Turn on your generator and stay in the lit area of your base. Darkness drains sanity fast, so light is your best defense. Carry a Tactical Flashlight as backup, and always head home before 8:00 PM.

Where do I find the Watch?

The Watch is located next to a corpse outside the Radio Station, which is west of your base. This should be your first Day 1 priority – knowing the exact time is crucial for survival.

What’s the best early game weapon?

The Spiked Plank (crafted from Plank + Nails) is your best early game weapon. It’s craftable from common materials and deals decent damage against basic zombies.

How do I get the Survivor’s Backpack?

You can find the Survivor’s Backpack inside the Storage Hangar (south-west of base) or buy it from the Merchant for 600 Reputation. It increases your carrying capacity by 3 slots.

What do I do if my generator turns off?

Sprint to your generator immediately and turn it back on! Zombies can attack and disable your generator. The longer it stays off, the more sanity you’ll lose and the more dangerous it becomes.

How do I complete the Hunter’s Trial quest?

Start by bringing Wiring from the Construction Site to the Hunter. Then craft Blighted Salve (Blightcap + Empty Vial) and bring it to him for the next part of the quest.

What’s the HEMCOR key used for?

The HEMCOR key opens the black crate in the Storage Hangar, containing the Ritual Blade worth 1,000 Reputation. Combine Key Part One (Construction Site) and Key Part Two (Radio Station) to make it.

When should I upgrade my Workbench?

Upgrade your Workbench as soon as you have the materials. Priority goes: Level 2 (basic materials) > Level 3 (requires Blowtorch) > Level 4 (requires Heavy Duty Toolbox).

Conclusion: Your Journey Begins

You now have everything you need to survive and thrive in The Fields! This comprehensive guide has taken you from the absolute basics to advanced strategies that will help you become a true survivor.

Remember these key principles:

Time management is everything – always know when night is coming
Light equals sanity – protect your generator at all costs
Progression comes from crafting – upgrade your Workbench regularly
Knowledge is power – learn the map and enemy patterns
Patience wins – don’t take unnecessary risks

The Fields is a brutal but rewarding experience that gets better with each run. Every death teaches you something new, and every survival makes you stronger. With this guide in hand, you’re already ahead of most beginners.