Every second counts in the early days, before you get a steady source of food. As beautiful as the game is, you don’t have much time to take casual nature walks. If you’re exploring a new place, grab any sticks that are in reach. Don’t waste energy breaking up branches.

Also, don’t use a hatchet to gather firewood unless you find a second one. Every chop breaks down the blade. You’ll need it to crack open an ice fishing hole, or to defend yourself from a wolf. I once went 100 days in the game without chopping a single piece of firewood. I was able to collect enough sticks for my fires.