In SCUM 1.0, staying warm and cooking food are two basic needs that can easily be overlooked by new players. But failing to manage your body temperature or eating raw meat can quickly lead to sickness or death. That’s why learning how to craft and use a Fire Drill and an Improvised Fireplace is a must during your first few hours on the island.
This guide will show you how to create both tools, explain how they work together, and offer simple tips to help you avoid common mistakes that new players make.
Why You Need a Fire in SCUM 1.0
Fires serve three key purposes in SCUM:
- Warmth: Fires help keep your body temperature stable in cold areas or at night.
- Cooking Food: Eating raw meat increases the risk of food poisoning. Cooking makes it safe.
- Light: Fire can help you see at night, especially in dark forests or when your flashlight dies.
Keep in mind: Fire can also attract puppets and alert other players to your location. So, place it wisely.
Materials Needed to Craft the Fireplace and Fire Drill
You don’t need advanced tools to get started—just gather a few natural materials.
To Craft a Fire Drill:
- 1x Small Stick
- 1x Bark (or wooden plank piece)
- 1x Knife (Stone Knife works)
You can craft a Stone Knife by combining 2 small rocks from the ground.
To Craft an Improvised Fireplace:
- 6x Small Sticks
- 1x Rag (optional, helps light the fire faster)
- 1x Knife (to cut sticks if needed)
Step-by-Step: How to Build and Use a Fire in SCUM 1.0
Here’s is how you can set up your first fire:
Step 1: Craft the Stone Knife
If you didn’t spawn with a knife:
- Find 2 small rocks on the ground.
- Open your Crafting tab and craft a Stone Knife.
Step 2: Gather Small Sticks
- Look for small bushes or dead branches.
- Cut them with your knife to get Small Sticks.
- You’ll need about 6–8 sticks total for both the drill and the fireplace.
Tip: You can also store small sticks or tinder in your pockets or holsters for quick access when lighting the fire later.
Step 3: Craft the Fire Drill
- Open the Crafting tab.
- Search or scroll to find the Fire Drill recipe.
- Use 1 stick, 1 piece of bark, and your knife to craft it.
Step 4: Craft the Improvised Fireplace
- Open the Crafting tab and go to the Base Building section (next to Items).
- You can also type “fireplace” in the search bar to find it faster.
- Select it and craft using 6 small sticks and optional materials like rags or tinder.
Step 5: Place the Fireplace on the Ground
- After crafting, place the fireplace where you want it—ideally somewhere safe and hidden from puppets.
- Use the mouse to rotate it into position.
Step 6: Light the Fire
- Make sure the Fire Drill is in your hands or inventory.
- Stand near the fireplace and press F (or hold) to bring up the interaction wheel.
- Choose “Light Fire.”
- If you have a rag, bark, tinder, or even Brake Oil, lighting may be faster.
Later in the game, you may also find matches or lighters to light fires instantly. But early on, natural materials and the Fire Drill are your best options.
Managing and Using Your Fire
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your campfire:
- Add More Wood: To keep it burning longer, interact with the fire and add extra sticks or logs.
- Cook Meat or Fish: Place raw food near the fire in your inventory or in the Vicinity, and use the cooking option.
- Don’t Waste Fuel: Let the fire die down naturally when you’re done. You don’t need to keep it burning all night unless you’re cold.
Be Aware of the Vicinity System
SCUM uses a Vicinity system—your fire must be close to you, and items must be within its range to work.
- If you drop meat too far from the fire, it won’t cook.
- Stay nearby and make sure food, tools, and the fire are all visible in the Vicinity panel (TAB → left side).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It Happens | How to Fix It |
|---|---|---|
| Fire doesn’t light | No fire drill in inventory or wet materials | Double-check materials, avoid wet rags |
| Can’t cook meat | Food not close enough to the fire | Move closer and check Vicinity |
| Fire goes out quickly | Not enough sticks added | Add more small sticks or logs |
| Attracting enemies | Fire placed too openly | Build fires in safe zones or behind cover |
Bonus Tip: Portable Fires for Travel
You don’t have to build a new fireplace every time. You can:
- Break it down and carry sticks with you.
- Craft a new fire quickly at a new location.
- Use this strategy while looting or on long-distance travel routes.
Final Thoughts
In SCUM 1.0, making and managing fire is just as important as crafting weapons or backpacks. A working fire helps you cook safely, stay warm, and survive longer during those cold nights or after a tough hunt. Now that you know how to use a Fire Drill and build an Improvised Fireplace, you’re better prepared for survival than most new players.
Stay alert, keep warm, and always keep a few sticks in your pocket—you never know when you’ll need to light your way again.
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